Home Design Bloggers Reveal Their Picks

Apartment Therapy

In the mood to perk up your space with vibrant pieces? We thought so. Apartment Therapy, a blog started by interior designer Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, offers products that will liven up any room. From bright red to neon tangerine, the site provides amateur designers with proper pieces that will conquer lack-luster living spaces. “We consider ourselves a community of readers, writers and doers who are trying to connect one another with ideas, inspiration and sources that will help each person create the home he or she wants,” says Sarah Coffey, the site’s marketplace editor.

All-Size Storage

“Designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri in 1969, this ABS plastic storage unit still looks fresh. It’s super-versatile—I have one, and I’ve used it in the bedroom, bathroom and living room.”

SHOP NOW: Kartell Componibili Storage Module, $117

Slip It On

“Everyone buys IKEA furniture, so Bemz slipcovers are a way to personalize it. Look for fabrics by Designers Guild and Marimekko.”

SHOP NOW: Bemz Slipcovers for IKEA Furniture, from $50

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Take A Seat

“Made of powder-coated aluminum—which can be used indoors or out—this chair comes in five colors.”

SHOP NOW: IKEA REIDAR Chair, $50

Color Me Happy

“Hands-down my favorite piece—I built my kitchen’s color scheme around it. Pricey, but you’ll have it forever.”

SHOP NOW: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Oval Wide Oven, $130 for 5-qt.

Brightening Baskets

“I use these polyethylene tubs as laundry baskets, but they also make great ice buckets or garden totes.”

SHOP NOW: Tubtrugs, $11

Decor8

In 2006, Holly Becker—a former human resources project manager—launched Décor 8, a blog that connects readers to design resources, emerging and established designers and decorating tips and ideas. Promising to provide “fresh finds for hip places,” Décor 8 does just that by offering delicate, old-world pieces fit for a modern Renaissance buff. “I focus on writing honest and positive articles to inspire my readers, giving them both eye candy and soul food, as I believe both are equally important,” says Becker.

Candle Striper

“These striped taper candles add a real spark to the dinner table!”

SHOP NOW: Ana Candles by Ana Design, $24

Vintage Feel

“I love how designers have reinvented Grandma’s doily.”

SHOP NOW: Square Doily Coaster, $17

Pleasing Prints

“Fresh and frisky, this preppy settee in green and white would be gorgeous in a sitting room!”

SHOP NOW: Jonathan Adler Morrow Settee, $1,850

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Tea Time

“I adore this whimsical lamp because it’s neutral so it goes with anything, and because I like how much personality it adds to a space.”

SHOP NOW: One-Lump-Or-Two Lamp, $198

Remodelista

If you’re aiming to create a structured and put-together living space, then Julie Carlson, Francesca Connolly, Sarah Lonsdale and Janet Hall are your must-read design bloggers. Remodelista not only organizes content into sections like Designer Visits, Steal This Look and 10 Easy Pieces, but also offers trendy design choices to replace outdated products. “Our aim is to help readers wade through all the design choices out there, from replacing a pendant lamp or faucet to renovating a home,” says Hall.

Hands On

“A kitchen wall clock is an essential and eye-catching element.”

SHOP NOW: Hall Muji Aluminum Wall Clock, $49

Light It Up

“An industrial classic, designed in 1935 and in production ever since, it’s available in red, blue, black and cream and will last a lifetime.”

SHOP NOW: Carlson Anglepoise Original 1227 Table Lamp, $250

Handy Holder

“A surprisingly durable way to store cleaning tools.”

SHOP NOW: Hall Klein Canvas Lineman’s Bucket, $33

Cozy Comfort

“The Swedish practice of draping sheepskins on couches and chairs to add warmth to a room has caught on like wildfire in the U.S.”

SHOP NOW: Carlson IKEA LUDDE Sheepskin Rug, $40

Pouf For Thought

“Perfect for the inevitable overflow of guests in the summer, this natural-fiber pouf works indoors or on a covered patio.”

SHOP NOW: Connolly IKEA ALSEDA Stool, $30

Design*Sponge

Grace Bonney created Design*Sponge in 2004, providing home tours, recipes, DIY projects and home makeovers to the delight of those visually inclined. From whimsical pastels to vintage bolds, Design Sponge presents readers with a wide range of products for every taste. “Each section lets us speak to people with varied interests and introduce those ideas and concepts to people who may not have thought about them before,” says Bonney.

Stylish Server

“Reds, pinks and peaches are my favorite color palette of the moment. These red servers are stylish enough to leave out around the kitchen and classic enough to last for years to come.”

SHOP NOW: Jonathan Adler Bone/Lacquer Serving Set, $38

Retro-Go-Round

“These customized calling cards distill illustrator Anna Bond’s feminine approach down to the most perfect symbol: flowers.”

SHOP NOW: Rifle Paper Co. Calling Cards, from $50 for 25

Quaint Quencher

“I drink a lot of water, so a bedside carafe is a must. This collection is nice enough for guests.”

SHOP NOW: Midas Collection Carafe, $60

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Gold Staple

“I’m drawn to shiny gold like a magpie. I love how this stool combines something organic with a highly modern, manmade feel. It would be great for a living room side table.”

SHOP NOW: Gold Log Stool, $305

Decal Delight

“Wall decals can seem impersonal, but this one has a hand-drawn feel.”

SHOP NOW: Citrus Garland Wall Decal, from $10

Flower Power

“I love the color of this handmade pillow from Judy Ross. It’s the perfect red/peach hue and screams summer to me.”

SHOP NOW: Judy Ross Textiles Duet Pillow, $195

King Pin

“I’m a huge fan of Hable Construction’s fabric designs. These pincushions utilize their leftover scraps and double as great ring pillows.”

SHOP NOW: Hable Construction Pincushion, $10

Botanical Bliss

“This beautiful botanic print feels hand-drawn but is still polished enough to frame and display.”

SHOP NOW: Anna Emilia Laitinen Apple Blossom Meadow Print, $64

What's Your Number

“I use an old hotel door tag as my key chain. It’s a fun way to celebrate a lucky number or a special date in your life.”

SHOP NOW: Oval Key Chains, $10 each