Design Wise: What's the Scoop?

From mega mansion controversy to why we're all into wall doodles

Aug 05, 2024

I’m obsessed with the fashion space on Substack. The girlies are posting daily fits, weekly wish lists, honest reviews, and reminding me of the power our coin wields when shopping. It’s all super inspiring and informative, but I wonder where this space is interior design wise?? I’ve yet to come across as many dedicated accounts with the same vibe but homeware and interiors focused rather than fashion. I mean, there’s a few! For sure. And they’re galore on TikTok (so I hear) and IG reels. But I get sick of myself every time I’m sucked into the video wormhole. Substack is my safe space.

And the two worlds are so adjacent that I think more home content would be a hit.

A few awesome interior related Substacks I’ve come across: <3

Postcards from Paris / Allison Crawford
Love and Other Rugs / Lily Sullivan
House Call / Kate Arends
Beautiful Things / Shannon Claire
Worth Noting / Natalia Catalina
In the Details / Molly Blutstein

I know I’m missing a good many, I just know it. If you follow any others, please share!

For now I guess I’ll create the content I’m looking for? Cue another cup of imposter syndrome.

My current content craving is for a design version of substacks that list articles with a sentence or two of the writer’s thoughts on the piece - offering a glimpse into the gist of things before you click in. I eat those up.

So here’s a first go at that. Lmk what you think!

The Scoop

American Towns Are Rebelling Against Megamansions following a 140% increase of median U.S. house size from 1980 to 2018. Does every child need their own suite-sized bedroom with a walk-in closet and private bath? Bunkbeds build character and bond siblings for life IMO (if they resist killing each other). However, I agree that capping the American dream is un-American and futile given the iceberg home ingenuity - where basements weren’t included in the cap off and thus spurred subterranean mansions.

This Week’s Worth-It New York City Apartment Listings false advertisement much when they’re all in Greenpoint and Long Island City, but that’s where you go for “affordable” waterfront views and bedrooms with space to walk around your bed. It’s rough out there.

Etsy Revives Artisan Focus, Avoids Price War believe it or not, Etsy is a great resource for designers (international fabrics, custom shower curtains, vintage lighting…). I love that they’re announcing policies that protect artisans and push out mass-produced items from resellers. Makes sourcing much easier for us, and shows their craft makers they give a hoot about them.

Just Stop Oil Activists Who Threw Tomato Soup at Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ Get Prison Time Good.

What Happens to Athlete Housing After the Olympics? LOL at the idea to resell these towers as luxury condos. So far fewer than 10% have been sold and likely due to the crime ridden location, no AC, and an infrastructure made up of wood and recycled materials (kudos). But more housing in Paris is a good thing, especially if they make it an affordable option. Fingers crossed for this road paved with good intentions.

Introducing The Jenni Kayne Farmhouse honestly, I equate Jenni Kayne to cardigans I can’t afford. The focus on quality-made staples can’t be denied and translates well to the world of minimalistic interiors that soothe my soul. Count me in.

Why are wall doodles trending?

Why Are Wall Doodles Everywhere These Days? Guilty. Per my what to do with your walls post. But I don’t think this trend is going anywhere anytime soon. People are still paying thousands of dollars for a decorative artist to mural a room, and while their talent is unmatched, there are plenty of DIY options that look less doodly and can add a punch of personality to a space. Worse comes to worse, you paint over it and hang a great piece of art… by a professional instead.

Trend Forecasting

Are You Ready for a Paisley Print Comeback? YES. I mean, probably only in a pillow or two personally, but if this is your style, go for it! There are countless ways to translate this pattern into most styles - traditional, preppy, bohemian (ofc), oriental, you name it. And your grandparents from the 1960s will adore.

AD PRO’s Color Trend Report 2024 No to dull peach tones, yes to deep maroon.

The Interior Design Trends We’re Watching for 2024—and Beyond the bling trend is already favored in my town of Boca Raton, and I’ve noticed the surge in outdoor furniture since 2020 pandemy days. Not sure I agree with high-gloss being out and texture in… limewash walls still look outdated and very 2010s to me, though a Palm Beach-based designer says differently. Thoughts? A lot of good takes here, click in to read more.