13 MUST FOLLOW Designers (i.e. The New Trendsetters)

The good and the all too unfortunate part of social media (in terms of design) is that we are completely inundated with pretty photo after pretty photo, most of the time unable to really look and appreciate the work that goes into each space. But then it happens. You see a space as you are scrolling through Instagram, pinning inspiration or searching the web that makes your heart STOP and eyes bulge out of your pretty little head. It’s honestly one of my most favorite feelings because since I (very luckily) get to look at beautiful images all day for work and at night for myself I sometimes fear that because my brain is so saturated that it’s bound to stop having that experience. Well, that has yet to happen because of insane designers that keep me on my toes. SO when I/the team sees something that makes our heart sing, I/we take note. Emily and the team thought it was high time we share designers and design firms that we are currently crazy about. Now this list does not contain every person we love because that would be the longest blog post in the world so we narrowed it down to 13. Some are new, some have been around for a minute but all have been serving up those dopamine-induced serges to our brains. Get ready of an emotional design ride people…

Etc for Short

Etc for Short is the design child of Sally Breer and Jake Rodehuth-Harrison. I am sure that most of you are aware of Sally because Emily featured her home in her first book but you should also know Jake. They, along with their crazy talented team, create stupidly exciting work that is always pushing the envelope. Their recent design of the Firehouse Hotel was one of the most exciting things to happen to my eyeballs in a minute.

EyeSwoon

The aesthetic genius of Athena Calderon of EyeSwoon is unparalleled. While not new to the design scene the recent renovation of her Brooklyn brownstone was pretty much my dream home. I’m obviously not alone in that. Her way of mixing ultra high end modern and traditional pieces that still make you feel like you are in a real person’s home is truly out of this world. Plus, if you love food, her site and Instagram are filled with unbelievable (show-stopping) recipes that will make you look like a pro in the kitchen. Yes, she cooks, too.

Colin King

Colin King is just that…well, a king of styling I should say. I promise you know his work so now it’s time to know his name. Colin’s work can be seen in major publications like Architectural Digest, T Magazine, Vogue, Domino, Dwell plus many more. His aesthetic is a blend of sophisticated, moody and super unique. He even helped styled Athena’s home (above). Please enjoy his stunning feed. 🙂

Clare Kennedy Interior Design 

Every time we think that we are officially done seeing neutral spaces, someone like Clare Kennedy pops up and proves us VERY wrong. Her extremely refreshing take on modern minimalism with a dash of boho has us wanting a lot more for our eyeballs to enjoy.

Ashe Leandro

I am sure that all of you had a similar reaction to seeing Seth and Alexi Ashe Meyers home…WHO DESIGNED THIS?? The answer is Ariel Ashe and Reinaldo Leandro of Ashe Leandro. This power design couple is creating stunningly special homes with a big dose of soul. A must follow.

Tinta Luhrman

Tinta has our current favorite Scandinavian design account. She will make you fall in love with the color brown and have you yearning for a simple modern home filled with natural, unique and special decor accessories. Her home looks like how I want to feel.

Arent and Pyke

If you don’t know Arent & Pyke you are in for the most serious treat. Every time any of us sees one of their photos, it’s a guaranteed heart-skipping-a-beat situation. Actually, it was nearly impossible to choose a photo to showcase some of their work from their extensive portfolio. They just create the most elegant and perfectly designed spaces that always have a sense of playfulness. Arent & Pyke are an EHD favorite hands down (we have reposted their photos a lot). Those Aussies seriously know what they are doing.

Commune Design

Commune is another design firm that isn’t new to the scene but boy have they continued to push the design envelope. They’ve been around for 15 years and are still creating jaw-dropping, line-pushing designs that will do nothing if not make you feel inspired and cause instantaneous drooling.

Hilton Carter

If you are a lover of plants, get ready to be a lover of Hilton Carter, THE plant guy. Plant stylist and author, Hilton has quickly become the internet’s plant authority. The man has around 300 plants in his home (that he successfully keeps alive!) which to me makes him the ultimate green machine. His home is a perfect jungle and it couldn’t make me happier.

Jake Alexander Arnold

Jake knows how to design a gorgeous space. His ability to mix neutral traditional with monochromatic modern is flawless and insanely inspirational. It’s moody, luxurious and yet extremely welcoming. I would gladly move straight into any of his perfectly curated designs. 🙂

Tina Rich & Tali Roth

These two ladies are a design power couple who recently just finished their 250-square-foot shoppable (yes, you can buy any of it) office they call The Playhouse. If looking at this space doesn’t make your day instantly better I am not sure what will. Both designers have insanely inspiring individual portfolios and are names to take note of.

The Makerista

In a sea of modern minimalism, Gwen Hefner (aka The Makerista) is a breath of fresh air. Not only is she a hardcore traditionalist in her design aesthetic but she knows how to play with color and bold pattern. It’s refreshing, fun and if you watch her stories you will instantly want to take a trip to Kansas City to go to all the amazing (and crazy cheap) thrift stores she frequents.

The House that Lars Built 

While Brittany Watson Jepsen, founder of The House That Lars Built, may not technically be an interior designer she sure is a constant source of inspiration. Her colorful aesthetic and crazy wonderful DIYs are always happiness-inducing, making her’s the perfect account to follow when you are feeling like you are in a creative rut. How freaking cool is her living room (pictured above)?!

How are you feeling? Design drunk? In a design-happy coma? Positively inspired??? Well, I hope you are because that is how I feel. Maybe even inspired enough to pick back up the remaining spaces of my MOTO. 🙂

Please, if you have any accounts or designers you have recently discovered that are deserving of some love, let us know in the comments. So much GOOD work is getting done out there so let’s share the wealth and celebrate all that creativity.

Let us know who to follow – we are always on the look-out for new inspiration.