Even though I don’t work from a formal desk at home, these pretty desk accessories make me miss my home office. The west coast leg of the book tour has been amazing (thank you so much to everyone who’s come out to see us!) but I’ve hit the point where I don’t know what city…
On a recent flight, I sat by a young Italian architect who was going to Los Angeles for an internship. Somehow, we got on the topic of food, and she mentioned that the first thing she eats when she returns to Italy is either pasta or pizza. When I return to the US, it’s a…
It’s Amy Merrick here, mastermind behind Design*Sponge’s Living In column. Starting this week, I will be contributing floral posts to the site every other Friday, attempting to fill the big hole in our hearts left by the beloved ladies of Studio Choo. I’ll be wooing you with tips, tricks, triumphs and tribulations from my Brooklyn-based…
After a lifetime of cramming drawers full of random bits of paper and other junk and calling it “organization,” I’ve decided to pursue more drastic measures in my next apartment and strive for no drawers. Yes, no drawers — or at least very few. My thought is that if I can have everything out on…
It doesn’t matter how far we delve into digital devices for media and communication; I think I will always feel a little rush of excitement when the mailman comes and the hope that maybe I received a package or a note from someone unexpected. The best way to ensure that you receive that kind of…
A trip to the South is always a great one for me. It feels like home, and we always enjoy soaking up the food, kind people and beautiful scenery. I’m thrilled to be holding two events next month in South Carolina and Savannah, so I hope you’ll join us for the fun. Details and RSVP…
You know my love of “frankenfurniture” (a neologism I’m desperately trying to spread around), and it should come as no surprise that I adore this sofa that D*S reader John Doucet made from old doors. Now the key to successful frankenfurniture is not just a novel idea of how to combine or turn one furniture…
I’m pleased with the balance of aspirational and everyday design we choose to share on the site, and though the scope of renovations like that in this amazing kitchen/dining room makeover are out of reach for many of us, I appreciate seeing dreamy, high-end projects every once in a while. While I could never afford…
As a renter, it’s so easy to forget that many people are taking steps to actively and dramatically alter the environment they live in. I love being reminded of this fact, and I’m definitely storing inspiration for when I live in a place where I can be a bit more hands on. I can’t wait!…
It’s awesome to see the DIY painted-rug trend blowing up these days, especially because rugs can be one of the hardest things to shop for — there are so many ugly rugs out there, and the best-looking ones always seem too expensive. This isn’t the first project Holly has shared with us — we featured…
There are many objects from my childhood that left such a strong impression on me that I can picture them vividly, even after a decade of not seeing them. My pink-and-yellow Swatch watch nightgown, which I wore to threads; the covers of my sister’s Sweet Valley High books, which seemed very adult and foreign to…
I’m super fair skinned — to the point that I’ve been teased about my ghostly complexion all my life — and I think this has played a role in why I relish the time of year when it becomes socially acceptable to swathe myself in blankets and sweaters. To reiterate: I love fall. The autumn/winter…
I was talking with our DIY editor Kate about this project, and since this month’s theme is academia, she threw out the idea of an old-fashioned book strap. I immediately thought it sounded interesting and wondered what I could do with it. Also, the sun isn’t going to shine forever, and when it dies and…
This project couldn’t come at a better time for me; just this week, I decided to toss out my crummy old plastic cutting boards and exchange them with more durable wood ones. Kate of Centsational Girl has created a fantastic, easy tutorial for how to make your own custom cutting boards of any size and…
Looking at this picture, can you tell which of these books are actually hardbound? I’m not super fussy over the books on my shelves, but I will admit that sometimes a really garish or unattractive book spine will jump out from the bunch and irritate me every time I walk by. I don’t think…
Many of you may recognize Mollie Greene’s name from previous mentions here on D*S — when Barb featured Mollie’s paper moose head on Before & After Basics, we were flooded with requests for a paper taxidermy tutorial from Mollie. She graciously agreed, and we were thrilled to share her newspaper taxidermy DIY last fall. Now…
I love seeing how gig posters and that style of artwork have trickled down into everything from packaging to personalized wedding invites. Erin Jang created these invitations for a blues-rock-loving couple that got married in the South this summer. The couple and their family traveled from Toronto to Clarksdale, Mississippi, so they wanted the invitations…
We may be on the West Coast this week, but we’re so excited to head south next month to visit North Carolina! I grew up with family in North Carolina but never got to spend much time in either of the cities we’re visiting, so I’m excited to see all of the exciting things that…
A Very Long Engagement doesn’t glorify life during World War I, but it does shine a small light of beauty during an otherwise depressing time. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet is a perennial favorite around these parts, so his sweeping, sweet story of a girl searching for clues about her lost love is an obvious addition to…
Today’s Biz Ladies post comes from previous contributor and retail strategist for creative business owners, Rena Tom. Rena previously owned Rare Device, a boutique and art gallery with locations in Brooklyn and San Francisco that was renowned for its carefully edited collection of design objects, books, housewares and accessories, and for supporting small, innovative designers…
