When our homes are designed with care and intention, they provide not only shelter from the world, but a place to kick back, relax and unwind from the stress of day to day life. Making a home takes some effort and it’s good to have a little inspiration and a whole lot of help with design decisions. You’ve probably noticed that there’s a lot of advice and opinions floating around the internet these days. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, which is why I want to share with you 5 of my favourite design blogs. Over the years, I’ve found that these are the blogs that inspire me the most by offering practical advice and beautiful inspiration.
1. For Information on a Paint Colour
Kylie M. Interiors
For the best advice on both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint colours, pop over to Kylie M’s blog. She’s a sassy lil’ ginger (her words) that gets down to basics on colour performance and does it all with wit and humour. An excellent resource that will make colour selection less painful.
2. To Learn More About Colour Undertones
Colour Me Happy
Maria Killam is a colour expert who designed a system to identify undertones. If you don’t know what undertones are, then run right over to her blog. She’s been blogging for over 10 years so there’s no shortage of material to go through. If you’ve ever picked a paint colour that seems ‘off’, it’s because the undertone of the paint doesn’t match your fixed finishes. If you don’t want to repaint, then it’s a good idea to spend a little time with Maria.
3. For Eye Candy At Its Finest
FREDERIC Magazine
Both a print magazine and an online blog, FREDERIC is a celebration of the power of design. FREDERIC is named after the visionary Frederic Schumacher, who founded F. Schumacher & Co in 1889, which is one of the world’s leading fabric houses. What I like best about this blog, is that the design they feature isn’t beholden to trends, focusing instead on classic design that’s creative and adventurous. And the fabrics are out of this world gorgeous.
4. For Inspiration with Bold Colours and Mixed Prints
Kit Kemp Design Studio
Kit has a love of colour and is a master at mixing bold colour patterns to tell a story. She’s the founder and Creative director of Firmdale Hotels in London and New York. Her blog showcases her passion for creating unique interiors that overflow with joy. Be prepared to see vivid colour and lots of patterns. Kit’s work is really delightful and always makes me smile.
5. For Touring Homes in Europe Without Leaving Your Chair
House & Garden UK
My favourite category on their blog is the Houses section. Yes they also feature travel, shopping and recipes, but I like exploring the many homes that they showcase. Whether it’s a country estate or a London townhouse, British design just feels different. I think it has to do with the blending of old and new and not being a slave to design trends.
Although not a blog, I want to leave you with just one more bit of design inspiration:
Check out the work of designer Jean Louis Deniot, both on his website and instagram. He’s one of my very favourite designers. His book, Jean Louis Deniot: Interiors, sits on my coffee table and is well loved. I find his talent for mixing traditional and modern just incredible.
Enjoy!
