Ten years ago this month I started Design Crush as a place to gather inspiration for my day job as a graphic designer, and five years ago it became my full-time job. To thank you all, as well as highlight some of my favorite sponsors from over the years, we’ll be hosting ten days of giveaways in celebration of ten years of this little site that could. NOTE: You have 24-hours left to enter yesterday’s giveaway to win a $250 gift card to Artifact Uprising!
I was a fan of Umbra long before we ever became brand partners – I’m talking college days. The Toronto-based company no longer carries those first purchases I made, but my home is still full of their original, modern, casual, and functional products. Bonus: Their price points are fantastic, making great design affordable for the masses.
Great design can make you think outside the box, and that’s just what Umbra does for me in my home. I’ve used grouping of toothbrush holders as sleek vases, magazine racks to hold linens and cutlery when the table was too full, and wall art to decorate wreaths during the holidays. This coat rack stands in my entry, and this napkin holder on my kitchen counter – I truly love this brand and all it stands for.
Umbra‘s originality in thought and process radiates throughout their catalogue of goods, maybe even more so in the lesser-known Umbra Shift. It’s a small offshoot that’s downright high design featuring established, emerging, and in-house designers creating functional items that are design forward. (I love the Cowboy Coffee Kettle!)
Umbra has every room in your home covered, and one reader has the chance to win a $250 gift card for a little summer spruce up! You have 48-hours and eighteen chances to enter.
Ten years ago this month I started Design Crush as a place to gather inspiration for my day job as a graphic designer, and five years ago it became my full-time job. I don’t even know how to begin to thank each of you for your support along the way to living this dream that I didn’t know I had. To be completely transparent, when it’s been good it’s been great and when it’s been bad I still couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing. I never used to believe people who said when you love your job you’ll never work a day in your life, but it’s so very true. And to thank you all, as well as highlight some of my favorite sponsors from over the years, we’ll be hosting ten days of giveaways in celebration of ten years of this little site that could.
I first met one of the founding sisters of Artifact Uprising at lunch during Alt Summit when we shared a table, and since then I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with them many a time. Katie and Jenna started AU on a foundation of a decade’s worth of experience as professional photographers and a desire to create printed photo goods with elevated quality, thoughtful design, and responsibly sourced materials.
Since 2012 they’ve done that and more by staying true to their mission and an authentic, creative-driven business model. Artifact Uprising‘s focus on sourcing recycled paper for their books and wood products continues to resonate with me and many others, and they continue to give good materials a second chance at life by using locally-sourced fallen beetle-kill pine.
From a basement to an office in Denver, Artifact Uprising still prides themselves on being an authentic company that’s true to its eco-conscious roots – and that matters! Consistently surrounding themselves with people who challenge, and building great things with great people is what AU is all about.
As Artifact Uprising continues to create beautiful, minimal products that everyone is sure to love, they also keep a focus on stellar customer interactions. Seriously – their customer service is some of the best I’ve ever experienced, and it shows in everything from the site’s interface and user experience to the end product showing up at your doorstep.
“We believe that doing good is more important than doing well – and that kindness makes the world right. We believe in travel and the things you can learn from getting lost. And we believe the best lessons come from the listening. We try to laugh when light is needed and persist when the path requires it. We love wide open spaces and campfires and the kind of quiet that allows you to hear the snow crunching below your feet. We believe in those who wake up every day to choose joy. And we believe in the underdog. We believe in always remembering where you came from. We believe each of us will – in time – do something really, really nice for the world.”
Artifact Uprising is kind enough to be giving away a $250 gift code to one Design Crush reader! There are up to SIXTEEN(!) ways to enter, but act fast because you only have 48 hours to get on it. (They’re also offering 10% off using code GIFTDAD if you’re shopping for Father’s Day!)
1/ EcoBark Dog Harness
After years of searching for a harness that helped control my dog’s tendency to pull, as well as one that fit her broad chest/small neck measurements, I’ve found it. This thing is a lifesaver and the straps are made from recycled water bottles – bonus. (Note: runs small)
2/ Lemon Tree
Plants are therapeutic for me, and I picked up one of these little guys during a plant buying binge. I liked the idea of trying to grow it so much that I bought my Grandma one for Mother’s Day, too. No doubt hers will be five feet tall before mine hits 18-inches!
3/ Native Union Night Cable
This ten-foot long cable is amazing for charging your phone and devices while lounging in bed. The weighted knot anchors it to any surface, so you’re not left searching for your fallen phone when the alarm goes off in the morning.
4/ Elemental Coffee
My favorite coffee from when I lived in Oklahoma City remains my favorite 2 1/2 years post-move. The small batch roastery imports and roasts their own, and you can order a subscription service to show up on your doorstep. I highly recommend the Perusha.
6/ Case Study Bentwood Tray Table
I rely on this tray table in the evenings, when I’m sitting on the couch with the dogs and either listening to records or half paying attention to something on television. It’s a great height and wide enough that I can sit crosslegged under it.
7/ Bebe drawn by Preserve a Moment
The super talented Susanne Kasielke drew my pup, Bebe, from a photo I’d shared in Instagram months ago. Her work is top-notch and I suspect it won’t be long until I commission her to illustrate my other pup as well!
8/ Tadesse Bucket Bag
The perfect bag for summer, its roomy interior provides so much space for essentials while the drawstring closure keeps it all secure. (It’s also available in a mini size and several colors of leather!)
9/ Yucca Plant
I had no clue that yucca plants could survive outdoors in Pennsylvania, or that I had three in my front yard, or that they bloom sporadically! Mine sprouted some tall stalks just about overnight, now I’m waiting for their white bell-like flowers to bloom.
The unofficial start of summer is finally here, and it’s time to take advantage of everything we dreamed of during those long winter months. Agota Rimsaite has designed the conceptual Panama Banana, a dual-purpose piece of furniture that’s meant for relaxing as well as playtime. Turn it one way and you’ll be relaxing in a hammock, flip it ninety degrees and you’ll have a soccer goal!
Taking today off to spend time with friends and family as we thank all Americans who have served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our country. I don’t take it for granted, even in the middle of this bonkers administration, we’re still oh so lucky.
We’re months away from Black Friday, but this weekend’s Memorial Day sales are nearly as good! If you’ve been hanging on to that tax return or waiting to pick up some summer wardrobe pieces now’s the time to take advantage. Check out our favorite picks and sales below!
1. Anthropologie // 40% extra off sale items for AnthroPerk members as well as well as 20% off full-price home and decor
I’m not sure how I’ll made due with my little turntable after seeing this one from Shinola. The Runwell Turntable was created as a limited run of 500 units and is absolutely WOW. It’s the Detroit-based company’s first audio endeavor – an American-made, solid aluminum, steel and wood, 2-speed belt-driven turntable featuring a modular phono pre-amp and a whole lot of oomph.
I suppose it’s part of my slow evolution into a Plant Lady that flowers work their way into my diet. With the exception of rose, I’m not sure any of the other petals I’ve eaten have had much flavor – more of a garnish situation I guess? This summer I’m anxious to work some more of this unexpected ingredient into everyday recipes to make them a little bit more special.
Click on each image to go to the recipe. All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
I’ve finally found the perfect table for the ever-entertaining host or hostess. Marcus Voraa‘s Roll-Out Table is beechwood crafted with a beeswax-treated surface, finished off with steel and canvas. The length of the table can be adjusted by sliding the end out and letting the tabletop follow, while the steel crank on the side is used to retract the length.
I wanted to try and represent the social arena that is the internet. The table is where we meet, get to know each other, discuss and share information in the real world. No matter whether it is around the dinner table, in the meeting room or at a conference, it is at the table where our parallel worlds meet, the physical and the digital.
