This style website is the cream of the crop – using a gentle and creative presentation, Design Sponge serves up multiple posts every day about home design, new and innovative products and tips on home living in a modern world. You will discover gems within every post, whether they discuss mini trends like ombre and glass lamps or give a detailed “before and after” description (complete with beautiful photos) of room and furniture redecoration. Design Sponge is worth subscribing to, even if it is just to browse the artistic photos that go hand-in-hand with every post and use them for inspiration in your own decorating adventure.
For a frequently updated online magazine dedicated to everything modern, give Moco Loco a visit. It covers not only modern furniture, but also architecture, interior design, accessories, other resources for modern living and so much more. The authors and editor strive to bring the latest news, reviews and recommendations of innovative products and services to their eager and creative audience. Moco Loco gathers its articles from a wide variety of sources, so you won’t see the same design twice on this stylish website.
With the tagline “Saving the world, one room at a time,†Apartment Therapy makes it very clear that it has big dreams for its readers. Whether you are from Washington DC, New York, LA or anywhere in between, this website has the trends in your area covered. Its posts are beautifully highlighted by artistic photos of bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, and they point the readers in the direction of new and innovative home design for healthier, happier living. A key aspect to this website is the community that it nurtures – members can post comments, ask design questions, and discuss styles with fashion gurus and newbies alike. The philosophy of Apartment Therapy and its contributors is that luxurious living doesn’t have to come at the expense of simplicity, and this is seen throughout the entire website.
InHabitat is a design website with a mission – to bring together design solutions that are cutting-edge, high-tech, innovative and green. Sustainable living in the modern world is no easy task, and many of the solutions are buried beneath bargains, advertisements and other distractions. This website was created by founder Jill Fehrenbacher in order to sift through the architectural and interior design clutter to bring to the surface some of the most environmentally-friendly and forward-looking trends. Visitors will find all sorts of product reviews, fashion recommendations, and design tips that follow the philosophy that “good design is green design, green design is good design.â€
Just as its name implies, this website takes traditional Ikea furniture and redesigns it. Each post features an Ikea item with pictures of the before and after modifications – whether it is a Poang Chair spruced up with some stenciled orange flowers, a dog bed made from two Expedit Desks or art made from several Ikea tables and accessories. Possibly the best aspect of this website is the community interaction. The author will post pictures and descriptions of user-submitted Ikea Hacks, in order to highlight her readers’ creativity and showcase their skills. If you are looking for a way to breathe new life into some of your old furniture, the inspiration you need is somewhere in the posts you’ll find here.
Moving design beyond the present and casting an anticipatory glance to the future is what Yanko Design is all about. Since its founding in 2002, the product reviews and pieces that are highlighted have often found their way into mainstream interior design. It is one of the top 100 most-read blogs according to Technorati, and because of its massive readership, its design suggestions are propelled into the public’s consciousness. It focuses on modern industrial design, and some of its featured products aren’t even on the market yet! This is a superior resource for modern designers with a keen eye for the up-and-coming, the cutting-edge and the future of design.
This is a style blog all about creativity. Its founder, Holly Becker, is a traveling interior design consultant who tests the artistic waters in both the United States and Germany frequently. She will often post independent artists, designers and other creative types who have yet to be discovered. Holly discusses everything from interior design to trade shows and hosts contests and conversations to engage her large readership. The ultimate goal of Decor8 is to “inspire readers to live a more fulfilling, creative life,†and you’re sure to catch the creativity bug too when you visit.
With the aim to provide its readers with news from the design community before anyone else, Dezeen is the place to go for breaking architectural and interior design news. You know what you’re reading on Dezeen is fresh, enthusiastic and inspired, because the team is dedicated to researching and reporting on new products and projects every day. The founder and editor Marcus Fairs is a well-established design journalist who has worked for many magazines and other publications, and has appeared on radio shows and television. His vision guides Dezeen, and its rapid growth in monthly users proves that more and more of the online community is beginning to crave the up-to-the-minute breaking news that only Dezeen can provide.
Trends, fashions, design movements. These all have to start somewhere, and Design Spotter believes they start with young talent. That’s why the authors use this blog to highlight young and undiscovered design artists. They are dedicated to creating a base for communication among hot new designers and a place to showcase their products and ideas. Anything modern, contemporary, fresh and new is welcome at Design Spotter. Individuals can submit their design ideas and get a spot on the front page, add an event to their calendar, or they can browse the archives to find inspiration for a new project.
This site compiles hidden urban gems from across the internet and in neighborhoods around the world. Its goal is to exhaust any and all creative urban art, innovative architecture, alternative design and subversive style. If you’re looking for off-beat, wacky, unique and underground design concepts, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest at Web Urbanist. The team behind Web Urbanist is as diverse as their subject matter, and is composed of web designers, architects, bloggers and other creative types. Each article is packed with pictures, links, descriptions and as much information as possible so that you can learn about the topic and incorporate its design into your style canvass.
Sometimes you’ll hit a creative roadblock in your quest for style. If that’s the case, Swiss Miss might have what you’re looking for to get those wheels back in motion. Imagine being immersed in the mind of a designer, seeing everything through the eyes of someone always on the lookout for interesting shapes, colors and style – that’s the experience that Swiss Miss offers. According to founder Tina Roth Eisenberg, this site is a “visual archive of things that ‘make me look’.†Everything from intriguing postcards to visually delicious sculptures are featured. Your creative journey will be revved up after a peek into the mind of this well-traveled, articulate and curious designer.
We’ve all heard the phrase “a picture’s worth a thousand words,†and the authors of Desire to Inspire really take this to heart. Each post is resplendent with its dazzling barrage of visuals. The authors do take the time to describe and comment on the designs that they showcase, but the images they present are simply stunning and often outshine everything else. With the goal of “trying to inspire the world one room at a time,†Desire to Inspire certainly does so through its use of images and frequent posts. If you’re in the mood to just sit back and let great architecture and interior design wash over you, this website will do the trick.
Are you ready to do a massive redecoration? Or maybe you just want to add another little accent table to your living room? Better Living through Design is the resource to check out when you know you want to add something to your furniture and design collection. This site features creative and unique pieces of furniture that are available immediately for purchase online. This means that if you fall in love with a piece, it can be yours with the click of a mouse. BLTD is all about scouring the internet to bring you the best products each day, and showing you where you can order them. The two authors have immense experience in the design world, so you know the products you see are vetted by experts.
Freshome has a simple objective – to inspire its readers to beautify their homes. What makes this site so unique is its perfectly balanced posts, covering gadgets, furniture pieces, tips and more with informative text and gorgeous pictures. There is no pressure to buy any of the products shown, as Freshome is simply there to offer you inspiration. The authors will sometimes even post tips on how to achieve a design without the large budget that their featured product might require. From wall decals to curved countertops, Freshome will invite new elements into your home décor that will make your living space a warm, modern style-zone.
Art and beauty are the main criteria for blog posts on Design Milk. If something is inspiring, creative and unique, the authors will feature it. Sometimes it is in the form of street art on the side of a building, other times it is in the form of a crumpled paper chair – but it’s always beautiful. Design Milk is not a purchase site, and they do not get commission for any of the products they direct their readers to. Everything is done for the love of design. The high-quality photos are enough to pull you in, and the tips and explanations the authors give you in the text are enough to make you stay.
Catering to the high-end, luxury market, Trendir does a splendid job rounding up all the latest sophisticated and stylish home décor. This site covers home exteriors and interiors, gadgets and appliances, dining and home entertainment, home automation, outdoors, ultra modern items and a special section on green design. The author and editor of this site is Lillian Pikus, a long-time interior decorator who handles projects with big budgets – in the $20,000 to $250,000 range. She is versatile, doing everything from traditional to modern to commercial decorating, and this range will show up in her posts. If you are looking to dive into the luxury home interior and exterior market, let Lillian and Trendir be your guides.
With daily posts, large, eye-catching pictures and no fear of fashion, the style files is a site that will please fashion experts and newbies alike. The author, Danielle de Lange searches the globe for style finds in order to unearth the best of “design and (life) styleâ€. Danielle is not afraid to tell readers about her personal experiences with her own home remodeling (her kitchen and living rooms are both in the early stages of a total redecoration), her online business that sells home accents and furniture, or her adventures as a design consultant. Her self-professed design style is “basic and modern with clean lines,†and she believes that every space can be simple, warm and unique.
The first thing you’ll notice about Remodelista is its lack of frills – a clean and crisp web design coupled with easy-to-read posts and strategically placed pictures make this site a pleasure to delve into. Upon reading even a few posts, it is clear that this is a site for interior design addicts. The authors and readers of this site are “interiors aficionados who share the same design DNA: a genetically encoded aesthetic.†It began as a group of friends who loved to discuss home fashion, and grew into a blog that displays complete design ideas, home accessories, shopping secrets and a unique section called “10 easy pieces†that offers advice on renovations. Remodelista is a fun and friendly interior design site, and its seriousness towards style means that you only get the best of the best.
The authors of this blog simply want to share the “products, furniture, jewelry, architecture and artists that float our boat†with you, the reader. Keeping this simple mission statement in mind, it’s clear that the Sub-Studio Design Blog is eclectic in scope and lighthearted in nature. The features include everything from affordable art that you can wrap around your favorite book to holiday gift ideas. Some of what is featured are products, including links to the purchase site, but a lot of what these designers find interesting is not for sale – monolith sculptures, renovated barns and an artist’s tool box are some of what’s been featured but not for sale.
You’ll find no frills at Funfurde, but lots of design ideas. This blog is updated rather infrequently, but when it is updated, it’s always with an eye for style. The posts are simple – one mid-sized picture and a short description of the product. You might find the links along the sidebar even more useful however – they cover everything from retail furniture stores to online-only web stores, manufacturers and other design blogs. This is a blog that hasn’t taken off just yet, but with its coverage of new and upcoming interior design ideas, its one to keep your eye on.
This site covers a large area of design with a simple eye towards contemporary style. Its posts include lovely photos of anything and everything to do with contemporary design along with interesting and informed articles. The topics that the Contemporist focuses on are architecture, furniture, interior lighting and other miscellaneous contemporary design. Many of the photos are particularly stunning, especially of the interior design and architecture, and anyone with a sense of style should give a quick glance over the archives to see what trends are coming up.
One of the best things about GrassrootsModern is its focus on providing affordable home design tips and products to its readers. Rather than feature beautiful but exorbitantly priced merchandise, most of the products you’ll see here are within the price range of a middle-class family. The two authors, Creede Fitch and Capree Kimball are do-it-yourselfers who take pride in their minimalist and modern approach to affordable design. Creede even takes readers through the process of remodeling his house, so you can follow the trials, tribulations and triumphs of a designer’s quest for a modern, affordable design.
Almost an open-ended discussion on design more than just a blog, 2Modern Design Talk is a forum for people of all walks of life to discuss what they love in the contemporary design world. The contributors to this blog are what make it unique – because they all have different perspectives, the posts will range from paper wall art to food fashion. 2Modern Design Talk accepts contributions from everyday people, as well as designers, manufacturers, editors, architects, artists, innovators, furniture connoisseurs and more. 2Modern is about seeing design and potential in everything, and it is sure to show you how to look with new eyes at the shapes, colors, patterns and beauty in your own life.
This website is for the parent who doesn’t want to give up their love of design just because they have children. Coochicoos features modern and hip baby products, children’s furniture, and anything to make your life a little easier and a little more stylish. It features design news, baby shower gift ideas, furniture, nursery designs and more. It even includes a special section just for moms and dads. The posts are beautiful, and always have two things in mind: you and your child. There are many resources on this website as well, including places to shop (both on and offline), special sites for the modern parent and other design blogs that parents would go ga-ga over.
The layout of this blog tells you immediately that it’s all about style. It looks like an artist’s notebook, with Polaroids of homes and design paper-clipped to the corner and tags sticking out of the places that are noteworthy. Within this “notebook†exists the sightings, suggestions and musings of the authors on all sorts of contemporary style. Including architecture, furniture, interior design and more, Home Design Finds contains a wealth of information for the curious designer. The ideas come from all around the globe, and the authors are more than willing to receive email tips about new trends from readers.
honorable mentions
Home décor and design doesn’t have to have a negative impact on our environment, and Haute Nature is here to tell you how you can blend high style with sustainability. All of their products and design tips are focused on the green movement. Whether it is a recycled table made from scraps out of the garage or a bench made from an old oak tree struck by lightning, the end result is beautiful, original style that is eco-friendly. Haute Nature is for anyone who craves unique design but wants to leave only a small carbon footprint (or preferably none at all!) when adding products into their home.
Design Public is an online vendor of unique, modern and stylish home décor, and they have their own blog to keep their customers in the loop. The blog focuses not only on new lines and products coming to Design Public, but also on the design world at large. Its scope is wide – it has articles about the latest iPhone application for interior designers, an overview of the interior design of the White House, posts about accessories, the best workspaces of ’08 and much, much more. Updated daily, Hatch is a wonderful fountain of inspiration for the aspiring designer.
This is a little blog that is straight from the author’s heart – it showcases designs that Gaile Guevara hopes will inspire anyone looking for a push in the (modern) interior decorating direction. She chooses to feature items that embody what she feels is the modern spirit: “precision of minimal detail, quality and honesty of materials, timeless and sophisticated interiors.†Her blog, an extension of her relationship with clients, colleagues, friends and family, was created in order to share the pieces and designs that she sees and enjoys. This site features designs inspired by New York and Vancouver living.
A local-oriented blog that offers design ideas for anyone, anywhere, Design Boston is a great resource for anyone interested in the world of interior design. Its features include local Boston-area events (even if you don’t live in Boston, you can get a taste for what goes on in the design scene in your area), green products and ideas, shopping tips, furniture reviews and many others. Its creator Gradon Tripp simply wants to help anyone interested find their inner designer and grasp what interior design is all about, and he does this with style and enthusiasm.
With a smattering of products, weird and wacky design, updated retro hits and modern architecture, this site has it all. It is updated frequently, and its posts are nicely laid out, with the focus on the picture and minimal text. The products and architecture that make up the bulk of the posts are creative and often rare finds that you won’t see anywhere else. You’re sure to see something that will inspire you – either to make a purchase or to redecorate part of your home. Breathe Modern succeeds in bringing modern products to your screen, and shouldn’t be passed up.
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