Even before my very first “Design 4 Seasons” post on July 14, 2010, I discovered that the design blogging world is filled with amazing, delightful, enthusiastic and inspiring people. They are all not only extremely insightful about the field of interior design, but they are also willing to generously share their knowledge about both design and social media.
A few days ago, I was honored to receive the Stylish Blogger Award from my friend and fellow blogger Rosanne Palazola of Focus On Design. I am very flattered Rosanne… thank you very much! Rosanne had received the award from another friend, Yvonne Blacker of Design Vignettes who had received it from Tricia Mitchell of Swedish Antiques. The recipient of the Stylish Blogger Award is tasked with “paying it forward” by passing the honor on to ten bloggers that they find inspiring. The fun thing about visiting design related blogs is the discovery of the multitude of imaginative ways designers approach their realm. No two are the same even if they happen to touch on the same event or elements.
The Top Ten blogs that I can’t resist visiting frequently receive My Stylish Blogger Awards...
Focus on Design – Rosanne Palazola
Rosanne really knows interior design, but what makes her blog so fun to read is that she is so genuine in whatever it is she is discussing… from the mystique of Oriental rugs to the special ingredients involved in making a special cake for the holidays… you feel like you are sitting at a café with her as she shares her revelations. I always have a smile on my face when visiting the Focus On Design! I first met Rosanne at the Boston Design Center where we discovered that we live and work in the same area and were in similar points with our businesses. We chatted about how the design industry was changing as it related to the impact of social media. We both felt that the prospect of getting involved was exciting but didn’t quite know how to approach it. Soon after that, Rosanne learned of a series of upcoming seminars on Social Networking sponsored by the IFDA and asked if I wanted to join her. We were both so glad that we did! Those workshops were led by Linda Merrill, an interior designer with lots of experience in the social networking arena to share. Rosanne and I left the seminars anxious to join the design blogosphere, and Rosanne got hers up and running just a little bit before I did.
Surroundings and Silver Screen Surroundings – Linda Merrill
Linda was an early adopter of the newfangled blogging trend that was moving into the interior design genre, and saw the value of facebook and twitter as well. She always has her finger on the pulse of what is happening in the world of interior design in New England as well as the entire nation, and shares it on Surroundings, her e-newsletter and podcasts. Linda is genuinely interested in helping those of us in the design industry to thrive during these changing times, and she has been very available to those of us who have sought her advice and assistance on all things social media. Thanks Linda! (oh… and Linda’s blog dedicated to the sets and venues featured in movies… Silver Screen Surroundings… offers insight down to the last accessory… if you loved Downton Abbey on PBS, get the inside scoop – outside too- on Silver Screen Surroundings!)
Design Vignettes – Yvonne Blacker
Yvonne attended Linda’s seminars as well, but she had already started her blog, Design Vignettes, so she was already on her way to being an exemplary blogger. Since meeting Yvonne, who is a designer, stylist and graphic artist, I have noticed that she is not someone who sticks with the status quo, but is always moving forward toward something new and exciting. Her latest project is an on-line magazine New England Finery done in collaboration with Linda Smith of New England Fine Living. On Design Vignettes, Yvonne shares her own projects as well as lets us know great things that colleagues are doing and events about town. I always look to Yvonne for her up-to-the-minute take on events, products and venues.
Rachel is a very dynamic designer with a bold sense of style that is reflected in her blog. I had the chance to meet Rachel when she participated in “Social Media 101” as part of the “Design Boston” event held at the Boston Design Center last September. I was appreciative of her openness and willingness to share her thoughts on blogging, and found her enthusiasm contagious. It was no surprise to me to discover that Rachel had lived & worked in California… having lived in Arizona & spent a great deal of time in California, I think that Rachel & I share a bit of the West Coast spirit. Rachel’s blog is always exciting, with a hip vibe that exemplifies whatever she’s working on, thinking about or influenced by at the time.
Create Girl – Julieann Covino
Over the course of several events at “Design Boston” in September, including “Social Media 101,” I had the chance to talk with Julieann about getting my new blog going. I was so grateful for the information that she shared with me as well as her offer of ongoing input if I needed it. Julieanne is such a warm person and her blog is always full of new design ideas and sources which she shares as if we are all her best friends or clients. Julieanne is also a frequent guest blogger on blogs such as New England Home, and whenever I see her name out there, I can’t wait to see what she is writing about.
Having only premiered in September of 2005, New England Home magazine is by far one of the strongest and best design publications in the country, featuring the region’s exceptional interior design and architecture. On January 10th of this year, the magazine and website were joined by a blog to the thrill of those of us who otherwise anxiously awaited the upcoming issue. NEH’s daily posts rotate from What, When & Where on Mondays, Guest Bloggers on Tuesdays (including Linda Merrill, Julieann Covino, and Sally Wilson, who recently did an amazing feature on Living a Colorful Life), Style with Homes Editor Stacy Kunstel (who also has her own delightful Blog Stacystyle) on Wednesdays, Previews of Upcoming Issues on Thursdays, and Friday Favorites featuring the editor’s favorite picks. A highlight has been the insights from Stacy Kunstel and Editor-in-Chief Kyle Hoepner, who represented New England Home, the sponsor of the Design Bloggers Conference, held in Los Angeles last week.
Completely Coastal – Maya
Although I didn’t grow up in New England, I definitely love the coast… and so does Maya of Completely Coastal! The more time I can spend at the beach, soaking up the sun, sea glass hunting, eating seafood and ice cream, the happier I am. The variety of architecture is amazing and the design sensibilities are wonderful. No one captures all things coastal better than Maya… each day I can’t wait to see what she has to share… whether it is photographs of gorgeous nautical-inspired bedrooms, coastal crafts, coastal cakes, or even coastal Christmas trees… the examples are always amazing. My communication with Maya has only been over the internet, but she feels like a friend!
House of Turquoise – Erin
As you have probably figured out by my blog, posts, or conversations, I love the cool, serene, coastal colors of blues, greens and purples. As a matter of fact, my favorite color palette coincides with one of my hobbies and collections… sea glass. So, it didn’t take me long to find the House of Turquoise, where Erin professes to be “obsessed with the color turquoise (and teal, robin’s egg blue, sky blue, sea foam green, and ocean blue”). Erin manages to find the most magnificent cool toned spaces and design elements out there. And to give fair time to other hues, she also compiles on-line shopping options in other colors and combinations in her Décor By Color blogs… so useful for finding just the right home accessory in that perfect shade!
The Inspired Room – Melissa
Although I’ve never met Melissa, I feel like I know her well! The Inspired Home is a long-standing, very widely visited blog… big numbers! Hers was the first interior design related blog that I ever visited and I found it rather unintentionally. I have been a fan of designer and lifestyle author Alexandra Stoddard for quite some time. I have read all of her books on gracious living, attended book signings, and even a “Happiness Weekend” hosted by Alexandra and her husband Peter Brown at their cottage in Stonington, Connecticut. Although I had frequented Alexandra’s website, for some reason, I was doing an internet search for her… and The Inspired Room came up. It turns out that Melissa also admires Alexandra; they had conversed, and Melissa shared the experience on her blog. Since then I have continued to visit The Inspired Room to find out what new design projects Melissa is undertaking in her home, as well as ponder the questions that she asks her audience to get them thinking about living genuinely.
Fran’s blog is the only one that I have given my Stylish Blogger Award to that is not specifically related to interior design. But it is indeed very stylish, as Fran is a gifted collage and fine artist. Fran and I became friends many years ago in Arizona. We met at an Alexandra Stoddard book signing as we were both fans of Alexandra’s love of gracious living. Isn’t it funny how we gravitate toward people with like-minded philosophies, and these threads of consistency run through various aspects of our lives? Fran indeed lives her life graciously and with great style, and in spite of having a very busy life of family and work, she always makes time to express herself with her art, whether it be on paper, in her home or kitchen.
Thanks again Rosanne, for considering me a Stylish Blogger. We definitely share a lot of mutual admiration!
Oh, and another obligation of receiving the Stylish Blogger Award is to share seven things about myself that you might not already know... look for that next time!
Thank you Katherine! Yet again, I am envious of your flair with the written word! I continue to look forward to your blogs because no matter the subject, you paint a picture with your words that is every bit as visual as the painting itself! Well done!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rosanne. You have such a great way with words! Thank you for adding me to your list of favorites -- we have such a great community of kindred spirits in the blog world, it has been a pleasure getting to know you through your writing and in real life. xo yvonne
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for including my in your Stylish Blogger's list Katherine! I appreciate the shoutout!
ReplyDelete