Design Darling on Tumblr!

I'm excited to invite you to the virtual inspiration board I've been working on! It's an easy way for me to save images I stumble upon without stopping to craft them into a real blog post. More importantly, however, I'd like it to become an informal space where I can interact with all of you! I've enabled the "ask" feature so you can fire away with questions about fashion, interior design, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Ask away HERE!

{This gorgeousness and more on Design Darling's brand new Tumblr. Check it out HERE!}

I'm excited to invite you to the virtual inspiration board I've been working on! It's an easy way for me to save images I stumble upon without stopping to craft them into a real blog post. More importantly, however, I'd like it to become an informal space where I can interact with all of you! I've enabled the "ask" feature so you can fire away with questions about fashion, interior design, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Ask away HERE!

{This gorgeousness and more on Design Darling's brand new Tumblr. Check it out HERE!}

Apartment Essentials {The Sofa}

Given that lots of you are young professionals furnishing your first place, I thought I'd kick off an informal series called Apartment Essentials to showcase my favorite budget finds for key pieces. (This is of course pertinent to college students as well!) First up: the living room sofa.

{Rita Konig in Decorate}

In many first apartments, the living room sofa serves many purposes: the place you cozy up with popcorn and a movie, the spot you read blogs and skype home, the alternative to the dining room table (which is inevitably covered with magazines and mail), and — let's face it — the guest bedroom for visitors both expected and impromptu. Therefore it's important that the living room sofa be comfortable, durable, and stylish. Here are a few of my favorite affordable options on the market right now. 

Ikea, $579

CB2, $999

Urban Outfitters, $659

Z Gallerie, $999

Feel free to disagree with me here but I'm going to say that anything priced below $1,000 is a very reasonable price for a quality sofa. These are only a few hundred dollars more than your college futon but kill it in the style department. Most of these are available in multiple colors but I chose gray as a goes-with-everything neutral that's way more chic than beige.

- - -

What do you think of this series? Any particular pieces you're looking for?

Given that lots of you are young professionals furnishing your first place, I thought I'd kick off an informal series called Apartment Essentials to showcase my favorite budget finds for key pieces. (This is of course pertinent to college students as well!) First up: the living room sofa.

{Rita Konig in Decorate}

In many first apartments, the living room sofa serves many purposes: the place you cozy up with popcorn and a movie, the spot you read blogs and skype home, the alternative to the dining room table (which is inevitably covered with magazines and mail), and — let's face it — the guest bedroom for visitors both expected and impromptu. Therefore it's important that the living room sofa be comfortable, durable, and stylish. Here are a few of my favorite affordable options on the market right now. 

Ikea, $579

CB2, $999

Urban Outfitters, $659

Z Gallerie, $999

Feel free to disagree with me here but I'm going to say that anything priced below $1,000 is a very reasonable price for a quality sofa. These are only a few hundred dollars more than your college futon but kill it in the style department. Most of these are available in multiple colors but I chose gray as a goes-with-everything neutral that's way more chic than beige.

- - -

What do you think of this series? Any particular pieces you're looking for?

Graphic Image 2012 Planner Giveaway!

My friends at Graphic Image are graciously giving away one 2012 planner in the winner's chosen color and monogram! They kindly sent me a bright orange planner (that I wish I could start using immediately!) and it officially has my stamp of approval.

Look at all the pretty colors! The leather quality is to die for and there's plenty of space to write — a must for this compulsive list-maker!

To enter the giveaway, simply become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!

My friends at Graphic Image are graciously giving away one 2012 planner in the winner's chosen color and monogram! They kindly sent me a bright orange planner (that I wish I could start using immediately!) and it officially has my stamp of approval.

Look at all the pretty colors! The leather quality is to die for and there's plenty of space to write — a must for this compulsive list-maker!

To enter the giveaway, simply become a follower of Design Darling and leave a comment below. The winner will be announced on Friday morning. Good luck!