Funny, isn’t it, how the urge to redecorate, declutter or purge down to the studs hits when one reaches midlife. (Is it hormonal?) Whether your tastes run towards rustic or midcentury modern, there are plenty of places to get your design sense stoked as well as the nuts and bolts of renovating. Here, a few of our favorites:
Apartment Therapy (photo at left): Whether you live in an apartment or a small home, this site is a trove of inspiration, allowing you to peek into dwellings around the globe (New York, Nashville, Amsterdam) to see how others express their style and make the most of the space available. Fun product picks, advice for petite gardens, and other great features.
Houzz: This is the biggest site out there, filled with inspiring photos of every room of the house, links for finding products and design professionals, as well as features that take you inside homes (sign us up for the Parisian loft they recently showcased, please), share designer wisdom and even offer smart spring-cleaning advice.
The Inspired Room: Meet Melissa Michaels, whose award-winning blog led to a series of books, including “Love the Home You Have.” She opens the doors to her Seattle cottage and shows budget-conscious ways to chic things up–using maps as wallpaper in a hall; adding shutters without losing your sanity.
Remodelista: Started by four friends with similar design aesthetics (think Ikea and Design Within Reach), this is a brilliant place to get advice before you start a renovation project, with guides to topics like choosing kitchen equipment, countertops, and storage systems. Also plenty of “Steal This Look” and “High/Low” decorating #inspo and info.
Style by Emily Henderson: Who doesn’t love some HGTV? Emily Henderson is one of their hosts (and a spokesperson for Target), as well as a best-selling author and décor guru. Her site has gorgeous design-heaven images, and great advice, too–like where to find readymade, non-budget-busting options for awkward window sizes and shapes.
– Janet Siroto
0 Comments