Pepper Design Blog

Friday Guest Blog Interview: A Diary of Lovely

Here’s a great little blog that I travel out to quite often. Helena highlights everything design and shares regular inspiration on fashion, food, travel, home, party decor… you name it!

My favorite is a regular post called “My Stuff Series” where she creatively shares the loves of a fellow blogger (from places to shoes to bedding to perfume) and I always walk away eager to try out a new shampoo or lip gloss, or hunt down that great cardigan that was featured (the series is based off of Vanity Fair’s “My Stuff” series and is plenty of fun).

I love Helena’s casual writing style (almost as if you really were peaking into her ‘diary of lovely’) and the fun images she includes. She’s all-over-the-board talented and super cute. You don’t want to miss her interview answers to PDB’s four questions – especially Helena’s highlights of favorite trends and all of the fabulous images! (Did I mention she lives in London?? Added bonus).

Let’s jump right into the interview with A Diary of Lovely. Read more »

Friday Guest Blog Interview: ABCD Design

Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo {yes, ABCD Design was inspired by her actual initials!} is an artist, designer and stylist based in New York City. Her blog is collection of images, sketches, formal design inspiration and casual ramblings of a diversified designer.

Today, she answers a few of our favorite questions – why the slow home movement is a favorite trend, best design suggestions, and how ‘transitionalism’ defines her style – while sharing a tour of her NYC apartment that might easily double as a spread from House Beautiful {and don’t forget to check in on the renovation project of her new Connecticut country home on her blog}.

Her design philosophy is simple: no matter what design medium you are working with – a painting or sculpture, design of an interior space, an arrangement of flowers, or when styling a beautiful plate of food – one must always follow the same elements of design. In order to create a beautiful product there must be unity, flow, texture, harmonizing color, balance and a focal point to please the eye.

Amy Beth’s education and training is as uniquely diverse as it is design-oriented. She first studied fine art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, then completed a six-month chef-training program in NYC at the Natural Gourmet Institute and finally earned a Certificate in Floral Design from Parsons School of Art and Design. She has worked in event planning, interior design, window display, and photo styling {whew!}.

But let’s jump right in… Read more »

Friday Guest Blog Interview: Made By Girl

Made by Girl shares some of the most wonderful inspiration and finds, and if you love home decorating ideas it’s definitely a daily read… I’m thrilled that Jen is participating in PDB’s Friday Guest Interview series!

Launched November of 2006, Made by Girl is a blog full of interior design, art, food and fashion – a few of my favorite posts include featured reader homes and diy projects. Jen’s home is beautiful {a little walking tour after the jump} and it’s so fun to be inspired by her ideas.

In addition to a successful blog, Jen is a graphic designer and entrepreneur with plenty on her plate. MadeByGirl, the shop, carries stationary, home decor and a selection of kid’s room prints that I especially love. Jen’s store has appeared in several publications including Inside Out, Marie Claire, Pregnancy, Lucky and Real Living Australia.

Let’s get on to the interview! Jen shares her inspirations, favorite trends and three suggestions for decorating your own home – love these. {For more great Guest Blog Interviews, check out this link.} Read more »

Friday Guest Blog Interview: Pizzazzerie

Today’s guest interview is all about the party… from fabulous celebration inspiration to great gift guides Pizzazzerie (and the delightful creator behind it) shares delicious party details on a very well organized site (I love that).

Courtney, who’s self-proclaimed favorite dessert is vanilla cupcakes, designed Pizzazzerie after a growing love of entertaining for family and friends during college. She shares that her love of entertaining comes “from the pure joy of hosting parties that create memories”, and her site is full of oodles of memory-making inspiration.

{Pizzazz: An attractive combination of energy and style.}

While you’re on the site, be sure to check out the great Paperie Guide, adorable Children’s Parties and beautiful Wedding Showcases but together by a collection of contributing writers.

Follow me as we jump out to the full interview, including Courtney’s favorite party trends, her three party must-have suggestions and how she describes her design style! Read more »