Ideas, Innovations, and The Future of Interior Design Content

It just dawned on me that all this social media stuff is still evolving.  I mean, I guess I knew it in some fashion, but recently it just clicked.  I was sitting here thinking about the Design Bloggers Conference and conferences in general, and it dawned on me that I should always attend them not only because that's where the new information is, but because that is where ideas and trends are examined and hatched out.   For instance, I'm a better vlogger than a blogger, but I love to blog because I love photography.  

My new challenge is to move more into video and find ways to incorporate that into my blog. 

In retrospect, I've actually learned a lot since January.  In January, I set up a VYOU profile where you guys could ask me anything that you'd like.  I've  had 16,912 profile views in a little less than 60 days, but only 3 questions and 9 followers.  What that tells me is that you want the information, but maybe not the commitment to join

yet another site or to have to video your questions.  

So, I was extremely interested when Jason Harris of the Design Network started talking about his new idea.  He wants to create a You Tube for Design programming.  Having a show on the network would not only benefit my readers, but also serve as a great jumping off place for some of my future media endevors.  I was over at the site earlier and I noticed some fellow bloggers already filming shows.  I'm really interested in seeing the end result, as I figure out just what I want to do.  

On the same stage and also a good idea, was Andy Appelbaum of Project Decor.  I really like this concept also, but have questions about implementation.  Times are changing, so should I give up something that I adopted early on that hasn't ever really caught on for Project Decor?  My hesitation isn't just that I would have something else to do, but also regarding my relationship with Wayfair.com.  I've been halfway in-halfway out with Wayfair, but as I answer more and more of your design questions, I want to fully explore that relationship and give you more shopping options. I'll explore it more and the coming weeks and let you know what I decide.

We are living in a time when it seems 

 everyone wants to share everything.  The sheer number of blogs indicates that people think what they have to say is important.  Why just consume information when you can create it right?  Well... Wrong!  At the DBC there was an overall emphasis on creating good content.  Celebrity Interior Designer Charlotte Moss did an entire keynote about it.  (I have the hat to prove it).  So with everyone wanting to share, where are we when it comes to content?

Before I get to those who are getting it right, consider this.

Of the 150 or so bloggers who attended Blogfest2011 a little over 10% no longer write a blog.  Some with over 10,000 page views per month have called it quits.  

Just last year there was a series of posts from "top Blogger" about how difficult things are for them behind the scenes.   In a series entitled "10 Things I'm Afraid To Tell You" we learned that many were broke, even more were over-worked, and most were just plain tired.

Blogfest2013 and Design Bloggers Conference, Welcome Party at H.D. Buttercup LA

I was out last week because I was attending the Design Blogger conference in L.A. The conference was a lot of fun and just like in blog conferences past, I struggled  with how to share all the cool stuff that I learned with you.

I was happy the conference was in L.A. because I could finally go to LA and do only design stuff.  Our first event was at H.D. Buttercup L.A. I was all smiles as I boarded the bus and saw so many blogging friends.  it's always good to put a face with a twitter handle.

Here's a little secret, those two ladies right her in front of me, I did not know, but were so warm and open to me.  We sat together and ate together and even though they don't like to be photographed, were my constant companions on the trip. Thanks Ruthie and Jennifer for everything.

As mentioned before our first event was at the uber chic H.D. Butter cup.  The store is a cool collection of vendors and brands selected to instantly cool your living space. 

I feel in love with the rug department and the art department. Here's an image of the rug department from the H.D. Buttercup website.

My Answer to "What's Missing" with Your Home's Decor

I can walk into an empty room and instantly get a feeling for what it would take to make the space spectacular.  A good designer has to be able to sense it.  It's more than about what goes where.  It's about creating a balance.  Both physical and emotional.  When people tell me there is something missing in their design project, what I hear is that I haven't found the necessary balance.  You see, it doesn't matter if you're the type of person who likes a room full of stuff or a few carefully chosen items, when your soul senses balance you'll know it.
 

Image 1) Studioten25 via Pintrest Image 2) Joss and Main via Pintrest

As a designer, I can tell you to put a nightstand beside your bed.  Two actually, for physical balance.  I can even advise you to select lamps for late night reading and drawers for hand creams.  But, it's up to you to add pictures of your loved ones who make you smile and balance your soul.  It's up to you to fall in love with the feel of the rug under your feet and the crispness of your freshly laundered sheets.

So, if you are just starting to decorate your home and need ideas, then yes, look in magazines and collect ideas where you can.  But if you have the foundation pieces, then please shut off the computer and start living.  Start living and collecting and smiling and feeling and hunting and gathering and filling your home with love.  Then you'll feel the balance and see that nothing is missing.