Designers and retailers have embraced blogging in all the best ways — using it to advertise to customers but doing so in an entertaining way. Some retailers are jumping on the DIY bandwagon while others use their blog as a venue for showing off new designs and providing design inspiration. Take a look at some of our favorite retail blogs this year…
• We admit we may be a little biased in loving West Elm's Front & Main blog. Former Apartment Therapy editor Aaron Able shares his amazing eye for gorgeous spaces and new trends in daily posts. Plus, this blog provides a fun way to see behind the scenes of new store openings.
• One of the fun things about Anthropologie's The Magazine is that you don't know what you're going to get. From a post sharing favorite French finds for under $50 to a silly drawing about making the most of a quilt, it's a fun blog for quick yet useful amusement.
• As you might expect from the man who creates bright and whimsical home goods, Jonathan Adler's Musings are delightfully cheeky.
• Home Depot's DIY and project rich blog totally makes sense. After scrolling through the posts for inspiration, you may find yourself drawn into their store for the materials.
• Vecco has teamed up with DIYers and designers for a blog that is all about providing inspiration.
• From mini history lessons, like the recent Happy Birthday, Thonet, to contests and eye candy, Design Within Reach's Design Notes hits all the right notes.
• Besides providing a behind the scenes look at The Vintage Bazaar, organizers Katherine Raz and Libby Alexander take us through home and office tours, introduce us to vendor profiles and feature plenty vintage finds and inspiration.
• If you've ever been wowed by the Ikea hacks we've seen here, you'll really enjoy Ikea Share Space. It's so fascinating to see how people around the world give flat pack, carbon copy furniture their own unique touch.
• Of course etsy, the site that practically ushered in the handcrafted craze, would have an amazing blog. Worth a visit for the beautiful images alone, we also enjoy their "Short Stories," brief backgrounds on featured items.
• From Peggy Wong, a former Deputy Art Director for Martha Stewart, to Erin Loechner, the blogger behind DesignForMankind.com, the team of contributors to the FLOR blog bring a lot of design expertise to the table.
(Image: West Elm)
Ellen's Thirties Style Small Space
Juan's Garage Turned Modern Guest House
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Commercial Flour Sa...
How to Cook Rice on the Stove
Recipe: Thai Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry
I agree that West Elm's blog is one of the best!
I'm really sad that every one of these highlighted blogs belongs to a corporation, some of which are known to rip-off and otherwise abuse individual designers. What about the kick-butt independent retailers who are blogging? For them the blog is less about "let's try to hide our corporate size with witty humor and a faux authentic voice" and more of a true lifeline. Remember, these little guys 1) have to care about their community and customers and 2) don't have the big advertising budget of West Elm and the like.
I thought the wonderful thing about blogging was supposed to be the relatively more democratic access to technology and publishing power. Why not highlight that?
Unlike Sagoldschmidt, I'm interested in looking at some of the above blogs, remembering that their goal is to sell me something. But I'm glad to have their ideas nonetheless.
Like Sagoldschmidt, I too would welcome a great list of blogs from independent retailers, many of whom are more on the cutting edge, and who could use some support.
AT, would you put that next on your list?
Great roundup, Jason! Personally, I love the Anthropologie and Etsy blogs - they're right up my alley in terms of taste and style.
Have you ever checked out the Lamps Plus blog, Style Illuminated? I blog there on occasion. You might like it - we cover design tips, trends, lighting ideas, interior designer/blogger interviews, and home decor inspiration. Here's the link: http://www.lampsplus.com/info-center/b/blog/ :)
I'm with sagoldschmidt... though some of those blogs do have some good original content, I'm always rooting for the underdog :) Our blogs rock too (and we're a small business :))
Check them out here:
http://www.uniquevanities.com/bathroom-vanity-blog/
http://www.uniquemirrorsonline.com/decorative-wall-mirrors-blog/