THIS BLOG HAS MOVED!

It's FINALLY here!  The new blog is up.  With a new name, new look, and full of new content.  I thought this day would never come, and I'm sure some of you thought the same thing.  I am now blogging at The Curious Mix.  Please come and join me there for all future postings and updates.

Hiatus

It pains me to have to do this, but I am going to have to take a little break from blogging.  The real world is making it harder and harder to produce the kind of posts and maintain the kind of blog that I want DesignPlusYou to be.  This decision has not been an easy one, but I feel like it's the best thing that I can do right now.  Rest assured that I will be back.  There are many plans in the works for this little blog of mine...so get ready!  I'll be back in full effect soon. Take care everyone and thank you for stopping by.  See you soon!

Exposed Brick Walls

Recently, one of my friends moved into a loft style apartment with exposed brick walls and it got me thinking about how wonderful industrial spaces can be.  With many downtown lofts you will find that certain raw materials are left unfinished which in my opinion adds character and a sense of history to your space.  They often have high ceilings, exposed beams, and interesting wall details that can determine how you arrange your furniture and what lighting is best.  Exposed brick is one of my favorite features in these types of spaces because it adds a wonderful texture without ever having to do any work.   Whether you choose to add shelving, artwork, paint the brick, or leave the natural distressing, brick can become a focal point in any space.  
I suppose there are some drawbacks to living with old brick walls too.  In college I had a friend who lived in an old building with brick and after storms he would always have to sweep the floors because there would be a residue of sand and grit on the floor.  The air would push through and dislodge tiny particles in the wall.  Crazy right?  As with any interior that you have fallen in love with though, if you want it badly enough...then you'll make it work.  (unless there are major structural problems or a draft..then love it and leave it my friends...you don't want those problems) 

images: pinterest, unknown, custom home, tumblr, flickr, murray mitchell, charlie davis styling, desire to inspire

Espionage Vintage Consignment Shop

There is a new decor store that just opened on Beverly Boulevard near The Grove in Hollywood called Espionage.  I can't wait to check out some of the unique items they have there.  Unlike rummaging through a typical consignment shop, this is a curated selection of new and used items that include vintage furniture, accessories, clothing, and jewelry.  The design of the store is pretty interesting too.  I love the blue and orange combo.

images: espionage

New Business Cards

Hi everyone, sorry I've been gone for a little while.  Along with Christmas and the New Year, I have been working on my website and some other personal projects (cleaning up my place, reading, etc.).  As much as it feels good to be able to have some time set aside for other things....I really missed blogging and am glad to be back posting again.  There will be a lot of great things to cover this year and I hope that you all stick with me as this little blog of mine grows.  I would love to hear from you about what you would be interested in this year, or if there are any improvements that you think could make your experience better.  


This year is the year to get things done (Resolution #1).  I will be posting some of my other ideas later, but one of the top things on my list this year is to get a better identity for my business (heck, any identity for that matter.)  This has been one of those things for me that has been on the back burner for a while and this year is the year I stop thinking and start doing!  Below are some business cards that I'm really into.  I like having a pattern on one side and then the information on the other.  It is decorative, but can also stand out in a pile of other cards.  What do you think?

images: witty and in love

Kitchens with Chalkboard Paint

In the new year I am finally going to be working on my kitchen and one of the things I've toyed with doing is creating a chalkboard wall or some sort of chalkboard accent.  Doing a little research, I found these great examples of what others have done in their own kitchens.  Some are a little more involved than others, and I'm not sure if I am willing to paint an entire wall, but it is a good way to visualize what it would look like without actually doing it.  What about your experiences with chalkboard paint?  I would love to hear about your own work with this type of paint or send me a picture of your finished projects.

images: country living, design sponge, design sponge, apartment therapy, High Street Market, High Street Market, gourmet magazine via brown turtleneck sweater, cottage living via sally lee by the sea,  High Street Market, living etc. via style files, design sponge

Top 5 Decorating Books

If you have someone who is interested in interior design, decorating, or in making their space a little better, think about giving them a design book for the holidays.  They are not only fun to look through, but can be a great way to stimulate ideas.  I know that it can be a little intimidating to look over all of the decor books out there so I've made a list of the top 5 design books that have inspired me. Whether it was their selection of featured interiors, design tips and tricks, or some of their inventive DIY projects, each of these books have opened my eyes to the possibilities in my own space and created a greater appreciation for all of the unique and creative interiors out there.

1. Domino: The Book of Decorating by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, Dara Caponigro

2. Design Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney

3. Decorate by Holly Becker & Joanna Copestick

4. The Nest Home Design Handbook by Carley Roney

5. Modern Vintage Style by Emily Chalmers

Any suggestions of other books to check out?