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? 

Online Holiday Gift Guides

One of the best things about the holidays are the awesome gift guides that all of the blogs and online magazines cover.  They find the most creative and unique presents and inspire me to look a little deeper than the usual places for what I am looking for.  Also, a lot of the magazines have direct links to where you can purchase an item which makes things much easier and more interactive than a typical magazine.  Here are a few of my favorite online gift guides this season.  Take a little time and check them out. I dare you not to find something you love.  Happy shopping!

1. Matchbook Gift Guide

2. Emily Henderson's Holiday Guide

3. Gifted from Creature Comforts

4. Anthology Magazine Winter Gift Guide

5. Lonny Magazine

iPhone Case from Paper Shaving Studio

A long time in coming, I finally bought my first iPhone a few months back when the new 4s's were released and I have to say that I am completely in love with it!  It has made my life so much more convenient.  Here are a few of my favorite things so far...


Favorite Features:
-Face Time (I can see my family and friends back east so easily now.  I don't have to make a scheduled Skype appointment because they can just call me.)
-Siri (I love being able to read texts or message while I'm driving with the voice recognition.  It also makes alarms and notes to myself completely effortless.)
-Maps (I've used this so much already)


Favorite Apps:
-Starbucks (I can run inside now without having to bring in my purse because it allows you to pay with your phone.)
-Twitter and Facebook (no brainer here...this helps me stay updated more easily throughout my day.)
-Agenda Calendar (I have been slowly transferring over from my planner and it makes everything so much easier, not to mention my bag a lot lighter.)

In addition to picking up this SWEET phone, I also bought a case that I am completely in love with.  It took me awhile to find something I really wanted because a lot of the cases out there were just not "me".  However, there is an Etsy shop called Paper Shaving Studio run by graphic designer Rachel Singleton where she customizes cases for you.  They immediately grabbed my attention with their bright colors, stripes, and fun designs.  Through her awesome shop I found just what I was looking for.  She even gave me a discount on a future purchase if I decide to buy another case in the future.  How great is that?!   Here is a peek at some of the other cool items in her shop.

images: Paper Shaving Studio

Amy Martin Illustrations

 I came across these lovely illustrations by artist Amy Martin the other day and completely fell in love with them.  The color, graphic style and fresh perspective are really something I am drawn to.  She recently came out with her first children's book called Symphony City that might be the perfect gift for your little one.  Not only will your child hopefully get something out of it, but the colorful and creative illustrations will keep your interest as well.  

Some more of here work here:

images: Amy Martin

Missing My Computer

Oh, Boy!  I took my computer in the other day because I was having a pixel issue with my screen and they ended up having to replace the entire monitor.  I've never had any issues with my Apple products before (knock on wood) so it was sort of a shock when they said they had to TAKE MY COMPUTER for THREE to FIVE DAYS!  Handing it over was like handing over a child, or what I would imagine that to be like.  I've been "unplugged" from the world for three days and although it was sort of nice to not have the distraction, I've felt like I've missed so much.  This may be a lesson telling me to disconnect more often.  If I am going through withdrawal from my computer when it was only gone for a few days, then I may have a problem.  How about you guys?  Have you ever been without your computer/lifeline for an extended period of time and freaked out?


image: apartment 34

Unique LA Breakdown

I can't imagine anyone not being inspired by all of the wonderfully creative work that everyone made for the Unique LA show over the weekend.  The event was a little packed with people, but I not only found some great looking handmade gifts for my family and friends, but I also got to taste some AMAZING food.  Who would have thought that one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've ever had would be at a design show?  They made it with Burrata cheese and cherry tomatoes....um, yummmmm!!!  Definitely going to try that one on my own sometime.  Below are some favorite things I saw on Saturday.  All of the artists were very nice and happy to be able to share information about their work/products with me.  I had a great time chatting with them about their process and where their inspiration came from too.  Definitely check them out as well as some of the other artists listed below that aren't pictured.  I'll see you next year Unique LA! 

Pictured:
Lizbeth Navarro
Stacey Winters
Kiki Designs
Asher Market
We Love Citrus
Loom Lab
Urban Octopus


Other Notable Shops:
White Fly
Woot Factory
Paper Pastries
Kyyote
Amarilo

Los Angeles Wind Storm

On Wednesday night we had the strongest wind storm I've ever seen in LA, or anywhere else for that matter.  It started off as just a strong wind that we sometimes get as part of the Santa Ana winds. However, as the night progressed you could tell that this was not normal.  The wind was absolutely howling, and the trees were shaking around my home like I've never seen before.  I'm glad that no one was hurt during the storm, but the damage, especially to the Arcadia area where I was working the next day, looked more like a disaster area.  You would swear that if it were not Los Angeles, that it was a tornado that had passed through.  Check out some of the damage yourself.  Crazy huh?

Fingerprint Tree

This different take on creating a wedding guestbook was something I saw on Pinterest and thought it would be perfect for a Christmas present too.  If you have a big family this would be a personal and unique way to illustrate your family tree and give your loved ones something they can cherish for generations.  My boyfriend has a really big family and his parents have 9 grandchildren so this will be perfect for them.  The wreath design also caught my eye, so I might have to try that one a little later.  You can buy the tree or wreath already drawn out and ready to go at the Etsy shop Love From The Thumb, or you can be crazy (like me) and draw it yourself.  I'll let you know how it turns out and post it when it is done.  Hope they will like it!  Are any of you making gifts for people this year?