Design*Sponge

As an out-of-state journalism student at the University of Colorado, my heart speeds up momentarily every time I come across something that reminds me of my home in the Pacific Northwest. So naturally, when I first visited Design*Sponge, I lit up as I read Wednesday’s post about a Portland-based design studio called Parliament.

After I finally peeled my wide-eyed self away from the pictures of the gorgeous wood floors and log-stacked wall that give Parliament’s studio its Pacific Northwest vibe, I started seriously exploring Design*Sponge. After examining the first page, I was especially impressed by the fact that this blog gives readers a comprehensive look at every aspect of design in today’s world. It doesn’t matter whether or not a reader knows anything about design and visual aesthetics; posts on Design*Sponge cover everything from interior design (home makeovers, office layouts, product reviews and mini trends) to city guides to do-it-yourself projects. There’s even a recipe section!

Design*Sponge is written primarily by Grace Bonney, a Brooklyn writer who contributes to design-based publications like CRAFT Magazine (do-it-yourself projects), Domino Magazine (interior design—when it was still being published), In Style and Better Homes and Gardens, among others. Bonney’s design knowledge also earned her a spot on the Martha Stewart Radio Show and Good Morning America. While Bonney writes a majority of the posts, Design*Sponge is pieced together by a dozen or so writers and editors. Some of the other writers that contribute to the blog include Derek Fagerstrom and Lauren Smith, who write a do-it-yourself column; Kristina Gill, who runs a recipe section; and Amy Merrick, who focuses on products that were inspired by books or movies.

With Design*Sponge, Bonney, along with her team of writers and editors, opens up the world of design to anyone who might want to learn more about any aspect of it. Bonney and her writers use their knowledge of and passion for design to point out to readers what they think are the most interesting and creative products, projects and layouts. That being said, a majority of the posts seem to focus on promoting designers’ products, although a reader with a greater knowledge of and patience for design—as well as a hefty piggy bank—may appreciate Design*Sponge more than others.

Even without much of a foundation in design, readers will immediately notice—as I did—how the Web site draws them in. With its lace-on-textured-fabric layout that makes you want to reach out and touch your screen, bright sidebars, big, bright pictures, and relaxed style of writing, Design*Sponge is an interesting blog that readers could spend days on without running out of content. I encourage you to check it out—although you may want to hide your wallet before you do.