I was thrilled to be invited to host the prestigious Amara Interior Blog awards again this year. It’s an absolute honour and a joy to be in a crowd of fellow interior design fanatics. Not to mention the glamour and the outfits and the wonderful cocktails put on my the incredible Ham Yard hotel. (And if you want to see a mouthwatering interior scheme, then check in here. I love it!)
The Interior Blog awards is an incredibly important date in the design calendar. It’s a rare opportunity for us to be able to put a face to many of the blogs that we love so much. The blogs that inform, inspire and keep us entertained. And an astonishing 750 unique blogs were put up for the awards this year and shortlisted and then judged by the best in the business.
So a lot of work goes into these blogs. And I mean a lot of work, all supported by hot instagram feeds, tweets, YouTube videos and facebook posts. They really help keep the whole interior design community connected. And what I love most about the blogging community, is that it’s completely democratic. No dictating editorial departments, just people with passion who are putting it out there and finding an audience. I love the wide breadth of styles that are blogged about and topics that are shared. And unlike other publishing streams there is no right and wrong in the blog world. It’s true Design Democracy and I love it for the celebration of the individual.
And that’s what makes blogging special. It’s rarely about large editorial departments. It’s more often penned in the spare bedroom after the kids are in bed or the work emails have been sent that these little gems of design inspiration are rippled out over the internet. They bring together communities of like-minded people, they inspire, educate but also share. Bloggers share a part of themselves and for me I think that’s the real gem of blogging. Real people with a real story or opinion is what makes blogging so exciting.
And its one of the warmest and friendliest communities you’ll know.
Winner of the best Colour Inspiration blog is always a category that I keep a keen eye on, being an avid colour lover. This year it was presented to the worthy Seasons in Colour, presented by Charlotte Crosby from Farrow and Ball.
IBA16 Interior Design bloggers choice award went to Kimberley from Swoonworthy, who has created an amazing following for her love of design. She’s photographed here fellow blogger Sarah Akwisombe (killing it in a dress for £20 from Asos!)
I’m a real supporter of the handmade and so the IBA16 Best DIY and craft Interior blog went to Melanie Lissack Interiors, presented by Helen Sharland from Cutture.
The hotly contested Best newcomer award went to girl of my own heart, Emily from The Pink House, in this outrageously on point T-Shirt. Presented by Luke Potkin from The House Fair. Is he blushing?! You must read the story of said T0shirt HERE. this is the epic commitment these crazy bloggers go to
Winner of the IBA16 best Interior Designer category went to Jordan and Russell from 2lovelygays. Jordan was finalist of the Great interior Design Challenge 2014, so I was personally thrilled to see him bag the trophy this time.
Best Architecture blog went to English Buidings
Best Australian blog went to The Style Curator
Best Design Inspiration blog went t Forward Features
Best European blog went to No Glitter No Glory
Best interior Magazine blog went to EKKB magazine
Best International blog went to Stella and the Stars
Best Luxury blog went to The Style Hunter
Best Organisation blog went to Sweet Pea and Willow
Best USA blog went to Segreto Secrets
A huge well done to everyone who recieved an award on the night and got nominated. A big kiss to the team at Amara who put on the best night and bring us all together.