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: Thrifty Decor Chick

I’m always inspired by today’s guest blog – whether it’s a $3 Goodwill makeover or a handmade mirror, Sarah makes thrifty DIY decor look so easy. Her blog, Thrifty Decor Chick shares everyday finds and the how-to for transforming them into your favorite Pottery Barn or Williams Sonoma look-alikes.

Loving this recent transformation of an old clock into a cloche:

Every post is inspiring! Whether Sarah is redoing an old desk, updating a lamp or putting up molding I love watching her projects and then learning how much she spent. After catching up with her posts each week, I’m always feeling a tad bit too guilty for that recent West Elm splurge when I should have been able to create {with much patience} the same look for just a few dollars {ha! lesson learned}.

So let’s jump out to the interview – and PDB’s four quick design questions – and learn more about Sarah, about her blog and what inspires her. You won’t be disappointed! {For more great Guest Blog Interviews, check out this link.} Read more »