As a proper Design Junkie, I read design and decorating news stories like crazy. Today for your weekend enjoyment are five recent stories that I found most interesting or entertaining. So grab your cup of coffee–and yes a little treat–then kick back and read on.

1) First Motel Six redecorates – now this.

To Keep Guests, Fast Food Loses the Fiberglass Decor.

2) A sign of the times, [...] Read more »

You know that one friend you have that leaves a trail of merriment wherever she goes? You know the one who can somehow smile and laugh when she’s stuck for an hour on a stalled subway train?

I just met two of those people.

Seattle-area Interior Designers Piper Salooga and Sara Eizen have fun with what they do. At their latest Home Accessories Swap they scanned [...] Read more »

#IDzinechat is Born

Last night there was a bit of a party. A fascinating, chatty, colorful party. And this Design Junkie attended in her pajamas.

You may know that besides producing HomeWorkshop.com, I report on interior design and decorating on Twitter (my Twitter name is @HomeWorkshop). It’s been an incredible venue to meet other design-crazed homeowners and design professionals.

Now back to last night.

Two women planned [...] Read more »

Artist Profile — Nancy Monsebroten

Award-winning ceramicist Nancy Monsebroten examines things others walk right past. “As a child I was very lucky to grow up on an isolated farm in North Dakota,” said Nancy.

“I was outside all the time, walking through nature and looking at nature. I knew where every flower was and when it bloomed. We didn’t get a TV until I was ten.”

Nancy’s [...] Read more »

There’s a buzz in Carlisle, England around the bold DIY makeover of its railway station, finished late last week for the filming of a Homebase TV commercial.

Painted bridge photographs by Martin Armstrong

Production designer Darrell Cooke and designer Kate McConnell created the metamorphosis of the station for the home improvement giant’s advert. Purple damask wallpaper, comfy couches and floor lamps adorn one platform, and even kitchen [...] Read more »

I’m in the mood for some life stories. If you’re anything like me—and I know you are—you’ve been pouring through design magazines and books since you were little.

I remember when I planned the decor of my first room. As a teen, for the first time, Mom and Dad actually let me take charge of what my room would look like.

This was unreal.

I dove [...] Read more »

by Regina Garay

Today let’s talk color with our Decorative Painting and Surface Design Expert, and Contributor Regina Garay. Regina blogs about her creative work and inspiration

at Fauxology.

—

You would think that since color is such a personal choice for many of us, that the yearly color trends would not make a ripple at all.  We like what we like, correct? 

However, color is a monumental business [...] Read more »

Here’s the deal. You can put an outfit together, right? So why not apply some of that knowhow when it comes to outfitting your home?

That’s Annette Tatum’s approach in The Well-Dressed Home, Fashionable Design Inspired by Your Personal Style (Clarkson Potter, 2009). Here’s Tatum’s theory: You’ve taken the time to choose styles, colors and textures you love for your clothes. Use that inspiration you have [...] Read more »

Design Expert: Michael Green

Being in Northern California, I really do need to learn more about wine. To Wine & Spirits Expert and Educator, Michael Green, finding a fine wine can be a parallel journey to finding good design.

Gourmet Magazine’s Wine & Spirits consultant for 19 years, Michael’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject is vast. Visit Living in Color With Sonu to watch Michael’s lively [...] Read more »

Design Expert: Jenn Sbranti

Entertaining guru Jennifer Sbranti, Editor-in-Chief of the hip party planning resource, Hostess with the Mostess®, shares with us—in her own words—how to create memorable times with those closest to us, as we Make Time for Family and Friends in the

New Year….

“The idea of “making time for family and friends” seems like something that should be a no-brainer, right? Certainly it’s a different [...] Read more »

Design Expert: Kate Smith

Color educator and trend forecaster Kate Smith’s passion is color. She blends color theory and psychology for her students and her readers, encouraging them to have fun with color.

Kate looks to the New Year as an opportunity to Learn More. Visit Living in Color With Sonu to read Kate’s tips on learning to use color with confidence, and expand your knowledge in [...] Read more »

Design Expert: Clay Ide

Clay Ide, Creative Director behind Pottery Barn, believes organization is a big part of

good design.

Visit Living in Color With Sonu to learn Clay’s creative ideas for Getting Organized in the New Year.

Here’s today’s bonus: Download your own copy of Clay’s Ten Tips on getting organized around your home!

(Acrobat Reader is required to view this PDF document. You can download this [...] Read more »

Need a little help with your resolutions?

What does Jamie Drake have to say about having fun? What has Judith Miller learned about the past through antiques? What does Halle Berry’s trainer, Ramona Braganza, think about fitness? What can Kenneth Brown do to help improve your relationship?

These are just a few of our design experts. Check out www.tendesigndays.com for the roster of experts ready to help [...] Read more »

Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…one…Happy New Year 2010! Read more »

It’s time again for your gut reaction to a design. Have a look at the Highboy Bookshelf from designer Jaren Goh for Singapore-based Munkii.

Does this antique-inspired piece work for you? Tell us what you think.

(via Home Accents Today.) Read more »