Erin Loechner’s Design for Mankind is an ever-evolving catalogue of her discoveries from the universe’s largest design trove: the internet. Focusing largely on the work of independent designers and labels, she leaves no online find unturned. And although she mines these gems from sources far and wide, she certainly has a soft spot for ABC Carpet & Home. She tells us, “ABC is an authority on taste, style and all things inspiring.” We’re happy to have the bookmark of approval!
We caught up with the blogger – who also recently renovated her home (and chronicled the entire project online at HGTV.com!) – to talk home, ABC, and her one design ‘rule’: surrounding yourself with things you love. A girl after our heart, indeed. Read up, below!
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ABC REVEAL: Design for Mankind “unearths the internet’s treasures.” In terms of home outfitting, what items do you find yourself continually coveting?
ERIN LOECHNER: As much as I try to fight it, I am continually craving office supplies, independent artist prints and quirky accessories to scatter throughout my home. It’s become a bit of a sickness, really – no surface is without a few accessories and no wall is unadorned!
ABCR: You recently undertook renovating a house – can you talk a bit about that experience?
EL: Oh, dear. To be honest, my husband did most of the manual labor, and I simply handed him a screwdriver every now and then. And although I would never want to embark on such an intense renovation (we’re now clocking in over two years of remodeling!), it was an incredible experience. How often do you get the opportunity to complete re-design an entire home to suit your every whim? We made a lot of odd changes that are perfectly “us,” from installing a sauna in our master bath suite to transforming an all-brick den into an al fresco dining space. I just know we’ll be in this home forever.
ABCR: Some of your efforts were fairly labor intensive – kudos! Any tips for easily and painlessly improving a space?
EL: You know, as much as we loved getting into the down-and-dirty renovation projects, there are so many shortcuts to creating a beautiful space. A fresh coat of paint, intentional accessories and a great furniture plan can go a really long way in updating any home.
ABCR: You seem embrace a fairly clean palette. Why?
EL: It’s funny; I spend all day long scouring the Internet for colorful artwork and unusual design, so my home’s style is very much a calming haven from the inspiration overload I run into daily. I love that I can shut my computer the moment I feel overwhelmed and return to a peaceful place where minimalism trumps all. Our home definitely skews a bit Swedish, and I’d say that’s a direct result of my love for a white, layered palette with functional clutter added in for cozy measure.
ABCR: What’s on your holiday wishlist from abc this year?
EL: 1. I’ve had my eye on this vintage ladder for the sunroom we’ve been renovating for the last few months. It’s perfect to access that secret reading nook we’re building! // 2. This cookware is so gorgeous and definitely beats the dull red pans I’ve got hanging around. // 3. Ah, this rock pendant is so up my alley. I love that it makes such a sculptural statement while still fulfilling a purpose. Form+function indeed! // 4. This harmony 3-tier cart/trolley would be a perfect fit to display all of our toiletries in our master suite. // 5. I can never get enough wooden crates, and this grape bin is truly one of a kind. I keep a few throughout my home to store extra throws/blankets/linens for the evening.
ABCR: How do you plan on weathering the holiday shopping mania? Any tips you can impart?
EL: Oh, I steer clear from holiday shopping mania. I’m pretty lucky, as my family and friends all exchange Secret Santas, meaning I have to shop for one person, rather than 50. We exchange wish lists, so the process is all pretty cut and dry. I do, however, love to throw in an extra surprise and usually find something tiny and sweet* online.
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Erin, it was great getting to know you!
*And might we add… if you’re looking for some tiny and sweet gifts online, check out our gift a day section on Reveal!
-Reveal, images via Erin Loechner and Design for Mankind
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