I like a bit of design, me. Not doing it so much - I used to be a decent web designer and I can draw adequately - but, as I mentioned before, I don't really have the patience or coordination for crafty pursuits (also I seem to be a clutter-magnet).
But I like design. And when the world gets too much, with all its bustle and jarring noises, I like to retire to a quiet corner with some design blogs and soothe my head with their pretty layouts, genius finds and clever arrangements.
So I thought I would share my top five design blogs with you after the jump.
5. Notes by Naive
I've been following Naive's blog avidly for months now, but I still know nothing about her apart from the fact that she's called Tommy, she lives in London, and lives beautifully. Or at least sees things beautifully. Which I sort of like. In a blogosphere where authors tell you their life story as soon as you hit the page, it's refreshing.
Tommy's current project sees her taking a Polaroid a day, and she's also created a photographic series exploring Madeira, New York, Paris, Portland, San Francisco and Singapore in her own singular way.
Her Lo-Fi London series has completely transformed the way I see my city on an everyday basis.
4. Design for Mankind
"Because beauty lies in the details of design. In the pencil shavings, in the blueberry waffles. The vintage dress, framed portrait, old postcard."
This blog is run by Los Angeles-based Erin Loechner, who also publishes a monthly magazine called Mankind. The blog showcases the photography, illustrations, inspiring clothes and beautiful products which catch Erin's eye. And she does give good eye. Plus she occasionally gives out prizes to her readers. Every single piece she features is gorgeous, and if that wasn't reason enough, here are some of her personal enticements from Design for Mankind's about page:
14. I've met Bono, which means that if you read Design for Mankind, technically, you've met half of Bono. Sort of.
12. I've never balanced my checkbook, so you won't have to read about math and stuff.
9. If you read Design for Mankind, you can have the following conversation:
Stranger: "Hey, what're you reading?"
You: "Design for Mankind."
Stranger: "Wow! You sound so egalitarian!"
3. Unclutterer
I love Unclutterer! It empowers me! It inspires me! It... makes me feel as though I am living an artful life of clean lines and muted tones just by shoving some stuff in a drawer! And it shows me pictures of other people who have greatly improved their lots by shoving stuff in a drawer! Plus it gives me regular tips on new and improved ways of shoving stuff in drawers! What's not to like?
Obviously Unclutterer is far richer than - and goes way beyond - my whole trivial drawer analogy, but I'm a lazy sod, so this is how I interpret it (did I mention I'm a clutter-magnet?).
2. Decor8
Decor8 was founded by writer and interior design consultant Holly Becker. I look at Holly and think "I wish I could be you when I grow up", then I realise I am grown up and take a look around at the kipple that surrounds me, and I feel very sad.
But actually reading Decor8 always cheers me up. It is so relentlessly pretty, but in a sort of edgy design way (if that's possible). Every post is a beautifully arranged, perfectly coordinated (or constrasting, depending on the post) mood-board of craftiness, interior design, beautiful products, new designers, inspiring rooms and so on.
Holly also kindly points out freebies and discounts (some of which are UK-based, even though the blog is mainly American). She is also a fan of Etsy, which means I have to take steps before I browse - because if my credit card is within reach I go into a sort of trance and then we have to take out another mortgage, which can be messy.
1. Loobylu
I've been following Loobylu since, possibly, the last century, and she occupies a very special place in my heart. Loobylu is actually Melbourne-based Claire Robertson, freelance illustrator and co-founder of the Australian Big Issue magazine.
During the time that I've been reading her, she has begun her freelance career, married, and become a mother. Loobylu has used her personal blog to talk us through her exploits both big and small, taking the care to illustrate them with her folksy, charming, Moomin-y creations.
What are your favourite design blogs, or your favourite-designed blogs?
Images are illustrative and not from the blogs mentioned; they appear here courtesy of Okaggi, iHanna and EVERYDAYLIFEMODERN's Flickr streams.
