New Inspiration

Few activities get my creativity flowing as much as flipping through a good design publication. Since the loss of Domino Magazine, I've been feeling a bit of a decor void. Sure Dwell is a great monthly read, and the NY Times feeds me regularly; however I miss the glossy decorating fantasy that Domino offered. Well I found some new options recently. Livingetc, a British publication, satisfied the itch for some new and funky ideas. With tons of mod products featured, including faux grass flooring, handcrafted teak tubs, and at least three rooms featuring egg chairs, there were many ideas to inspire redecoration. The cover price is a bit steep-- 8.50 USD-- but there is an online version for your perusal. I may spring for the subscription because I love marking pages for further contemplation.
I also found this terrific design book Urban Style: Eco Archiecture. Not only did it showcase some fantastic color photographs of projects around the globe, it offered floor plans and diagrams of some of the alternative energy features of the buildings.

Domino Mag: No More

I was incredibly saddened when I read in the New York Times business section that Domino was folding. To me, it was a decor magazine which reflected an aesthetic that was both chic and attainable. In a world of Better Homes and Gardens or Architectural Digest, neither of which suits my tastes, each month I looked forward to a design magazine that was both urbane and cozy. Its images of designers and decorators on the cover were a refreshing break from celeb culture. Not to mention Domino made eco-friendly lifestyle seem, not only possible, but desirable. My only hope is that the magazine becomes more independent of corporate spreadsheets and finds a new way to reach its audience. Now if Dwell folds, I know we're all in trouble.