Design Reviews From the Floor Up ~ Design*Sponge

Starting today, The Carpetology Blog is reviewing a design website once a month. Sure, you can think of flooring as, well, just flooring, or you can see it as we do - an element of design intrinsically connected to the ambiance and aesthetics of a room. Take Thom Filicia's advice: design from the floor up.

Since moving into my new flat, I've become obsessed with interior design. Until now, I've never had the opportunity to design a space all my own - home decor was my mom's domain as I was growing up, then I shared a dorm room and various apartments with other girls. And at that point, we had no money to spend on elements more expensive than futons and plastic end tables. (Yikes.) Now, it's time for a more grown up look for myself, and I'm discovering that the elements in my living space are a direct reflection of my personality - my home is most certainly an extension of myself.

Needless to say, when I have the time, I really enjoy looking at design websites, creative places where I can find new ideas, peruse photos, and search for style and color options that will work with my taste.

Today, we're starting with one of my personal favorites - Design*Sponge, known affectionately as D*S.

Founded by Brooklyn-based writer, Grace Bonney, D*S began in 2004. It's a daily blog and is often updated upwards of six times per day with delectable design bits and bites. "Design*Sponge features store and product reviews, sale and contest announcements, new designer profiles, trend forecasting and store/studio tours." It's a trip - Bonney is clever and witty, but in spite of her charm, her sense of style beats the pants off everything else. Each post has a new piece of design candy upon which to feast your eyes.

Posts range from the serious to the chuckle-inducing, the local to the international. Of course, our favorite posts have to do with carpet and area rugs. To check out some amazing treats for your tootsies, check out the Rug Roundup, Part 1 and Part 2.

We also think that this particular rug is simply scrumptious.

D*S also has links posts on design trends. My personal favorite is the numbers & letters mini trend, which makes me think of Mary Richard's classic 'M' hanging in her apartment in the Mary Tyler Moore Show. [Does anyone know where I can find an 'E' for my own place?]

You can also check out design guides to various cities all over the world, DIY tips every Thursday, and sneak peeks at an array of designers' homes. Basically, no matter what your style or price range, Design*Sponge has a little something for you.

Stay tuned... In September, we'll be introducing you to yet another fabulous design website in Design Reviews From the Floor Up.




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