Inspiration from Instagram
Instagram time is a daily ritual for many people in the design community who find inspiration and entertainment from scrolling through vignettes, rooms and gardens.
"Instagram is like having a wide-angle lens on culture today," said New York designer Charlotte Moss. Check out the feeds of Moss and four other stylish people, as well as the accounts that they look to for their daily design fix:
Kelly Wearstler, kellywearstler. The Los Angeles interior designer, author and home furnishings designer recommends: Artsy (artsy), a database of the world's leading galleries, museums and artists
"Design is falling in love over and over again," Wearstler said. "Artsy covers everything inspiring in art and design today, bringing new emerging artists and designers into the spotlight along with timeless art-world stories. It's a visual feast."
Candace Ourisman, secretlyfancy. The lifestyle blogger recommends: Aerin Lauder (Aerin), style and image director at Estée Lauder and founder of Aerin.
"Born into American beauty royalty, Aerin Lauder delivers her own brand of aspirational all-American goodness," Ourisman said. "Impeccable floral arrangements, picture-perfect place settings and portraits of the beauty heir make up this must-follow account."
Sophie Donelson, sophiedow. The HouseBeautiful editor in chief recommends: Photographer and designer Martyn Thompson (martynthompsonstudio).
"A top interiors photographer, he has a textile biz, too. In both he's known for capturing a beautiful mess," Donelson said. "His posts are a great contradiction in my stream, which is filled with perfect moments."
Eddie Ross, eddieross. An editor at Better Homes & Gardens and extreme hoarder of beautiful things recommends: English architectural, interior designer and author Ben Pentreath (benpentreath).
"This is classic English style at its best," Ross said. "There are beautiful gardens and flower arrangements with an easy, relaxed casualness. This super-talented architect sees the beauty in it all."
Charlotte Moss, charmossny. The New York interior designer and author recommends: Foodie, fashionista and author of books about New Orleans Deb Shriver (debrashriver)
"Media maven Deb Shriver is a self-proclaimed jazz hound and photo buff," Moss said. "Her honesty, her wicked sense of humor, her down-to-Earth Southern-ness and her intelligence make her Instagram entertaining and thought-provoking."
JURA KONCIUS, Washington Post
Upholstery how-to
Gather expert ideas and inspiration for your reupholstered chair or new sofa at Gabberts' "Let's Talk Upholstery," 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 30. Bring photos and fabric samples to Gabberts in the Galleria, 69th St. and France Av. S., Edina, and at 3201 Country Dr., Little Canada. For information, call 952-927-1500 or go to gabberts.com.
Jump-start home projects
Planning on repairing, remodeling or revising your abode this winter and spring? At the Home Improvement and Design Expo, more than 150 painters, remodelers, interior designers and landscape pros will offer their expertise and services. There are also presentations on color trends, hardwood flooring, pavers vs. concrete and carpet basics. The Expo is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee. Admission is $6 or free with a nonperishable food item. Call 952-238-1700.
LYNN UNDERWOOD
Orchids galore
Need a pretty place to warm up during the St. Paul Winter Carnival? Head over to Como Park, which is hosting a Winter Carnival Orchid Show next weekend. Hundreds of orchids planted by the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, as well as individual and commercial orchid growers, will transform the conservatory into a tropical wonderland. The show is an American Orchid Society judged event; orchid plants and other items will be for sale.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 30-31. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for ages 3-12 ($1 off admission with a Winter Carnival button). The conservatory is at 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul.
Seminar Saturday
If you're ready to think spring, visit Gertens on Jan. 30 for Super Seminar Saturday, featuring eight free garden-related seminars, plus greenhouse tours. Seminars will be offered throughout the day, starting at 9 a.m., and topics will include winter pruning, edible landscaping, attracting pollinators and fairy gardens. For a list of seminars and times, visit gertens.com/events. Gertens is at 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights.
