places i go to get inspiration

There are SO many design blogs out there! DIY design blogs, fixer-upper blogs, personalizing my cookie-cutter house design blogs, thrifty decor blogs, and more. Here are a few of my favorite blogs that consistently provide inspiration, how-to, and budget-friendly ideas. Which ones are you favorite?

Hooked on Houses
Julia and i have to be house loving sisters separated at birth. Other than my mom, I've never met anyone else who pines over houses as much as I do until I "virtually" met Julia. No joking, starting at about age 10, I would religious read the Real Estate section of the paper, and on Saturday's it featured a house plans, that I would spend way too much time pining over and fantasizing about. I stumbled upon her blog about two years ago and have been hooked ever since.

Young House Love
This is the blog for DIY lovers. John and Sherry are self-proclaimed "DIY dorks" and love to "spill the beans" and "over-share" about their home renovating and decorating adventures. Along for the ride is their little girl, Clara, and their tiny pooch Burger. The bargain hunting and re-use loving couple blog for a living these days, and it shows. I've been keeping up with them for the past two years.

Centsational Girl
This chick really does know how to do "fabulous for less." Kate's blog combines high end design features and her own budget-friendly makeovers for wonderfully inspiring decor-go-to. Her before and after features have to be my favorite.

Emily A. Clark
I just discovered Emily's blog in the last few months. Her real-world design experience and her practical pretty projects are what keeping me coming back for more.

The House of Smith
Another new one, we get to watch as this family of five transforms their boring builder-grade house into their personalized and stylish family home. Shelley's gregarious nature and passionate personality really shine through as she details their family's project to do list.