We’re still pinching ourselves! Seeing our name proudly displayed on Apartment Therapy as the esteemed winners of this year’s Homies awards truly left us in a state of delighted disbelief. It’s an honor that simultaneously leaves us profoundly flattered and utterly flabbergasted, a combination that has us feeling all sorts of joyful emotions. To be recognized by such a prominent platform and, more importantly, by our incredible community of readers, is an achievement that far surpasses any expectations we might have had. This moment is a testament to the passion we pour into our work and the amazing support we receive, and we’re absolutely thrilled to share this incredible news with all of you.
This remarkable recognition would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our fantastic community. A monumental thank you goes out to every single person who took the time to nominate us and, even more so, to those who cast their valuable votes. The world of home design and DIY blogs is teeming with exceptional talent and innovative ideas, making this win all the more significant. To even be considered among such an inspiring lineup of creators felt like a victory in itself, let alone to emerge as the ultimate recipient of the Homies award. We truly believe that every blog contributes something unique and valuable to this vibrant online ecosystem, and we are incredibly proud to be a part of it. Our heartfelt appreciation also extends to Apartment Therapy for graciously hosting this annual celebration, a platform that consistently champions the work of shelter blogs and fosters a sense of community among design and DIY enthusiasts. Their commitment to sharing “link love” and spotlighting diverse voices is something we deeply admire and strive to emulate.
On a personal note, we had the distinct pleasure of meeting Maxwell, the visionary behind Apartment Therapy, just a few months prior at a book signing event right here in Richmond. We can attest that he is every bit as kind, genuine, and deeply passionate about design and living beautifully as his online persona suggests. It was inspiring to witness his commitment firsthand, and it reinforced our admiration for the platform he has so successfully built. His dedication to fostering a community that celebrates thoughtful design and practical home solutions is truly commendable, and we were left with an even greater appreciation for the values that drive Apartment Therapy. Such interactions truly highlight the authentic connections that can be forged within this creative space.
One of our absolute favorite aspects of the entire Homies experience, beyond our own surprising win, is the invaluable list of must-read home blogs that Apartment Therapy meticulously compiled as part of the reader-submitted nomination process. This curated collection is a treasure trove of inspiration, offering a diverse range of styles, ideas, and voices from across the home design spectrum. For anyone looking to refresh their feed, discover new perspectives, or simply immerse themselves in beautifully crafted content, this list is an absolute goldmine. We’ve already started exploring some of these incredible sites, and our RSS reader is certainly getting a workout! We enthusiastically recommend diving into this rich resource, and for those seeking an excellent starting point, we can’t speak highly enough of our fellow finalists, whose work consistently impresses and inspires us. They represent some of the best in the business, and we’re honored to have shared this journey with them.
- Door Sixteen
- Freshome
- Our Little Beehive
- Remodelaholic
- 7th House on the Left
- Slim Paley
- The Steampunk Home
- Table Tonic
We urge you to explore not only these outstanding finalists but also the amazing full list of nominations, which offers an even broader scope of talent within the home blogging sphere. You’ll find a truly comprehensive collection that celebrates the creativity and dedication of so many individuals who are passionately shaping the way we think about our homes. And now for another exciting detail: alongside the prestigious title of the 2011 winner, the Homies award also included a thoughtful $50 prize. While our initial thoughts might have drifted towards acquiring a new decorative piece for our home, perhaps replacing those imaginary ceramic animals, we quickly realized there was an even more impactful way to utilize these funds. Inspired by Maxwell’s own philanthropic spirit and commitment to giving back, we decided to pay it forward to one of his favorite charities: Donor’s Choose. This decision felt incredibly aligned with the spirit of community and positive impact that the Homies awards represent.
DonorsChoose is an extraordinary organization that beautifully bridges the gap between generous donors and the vital needs of classrooms across the country. It empowers public school teachers to directly request specific items and resources essential for their students’ learning experiences, ranging from basic supplies to innovative projects and technology. What makes DonorsChoose so compelling is its transparency and the direct impact it facilitates; donors can browse through countless project proposals, choosing the specific cause that resonates most deeply with them and making a tangible difference with their contribution. We encourage everyone to click on the image above to learn more about a particular project we’ve chosen to highlight. As for our personal contribution, we are actively seeking out a local Richmond classroom that has a project focused on the arts or building, aligning perfectly with our own passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and hands-on learning. There’s something profoundly satisfying about knowing our prize money will directly support students exploring their artistic talents or developing practical building skills, much like the enjoyment we still find in painting and hammering to this very day.
Receiving the Homies award has been a truly humbling and exhilarating experience, reaffirming our belief in the power of community, creativity, and shared passion for making homes beautiful and functional. We are deeply grateful to Apartment Therapy for creating such an inspiring platform and for the fun and recognition this award has brought. And to each and every one of you, our amazing readers, who took the time to click that box next to our name and champion our work – words cannot fully express our gratitude. This incredible honor is a shared victory, and it energizes us to continue creating, exploring, and sharing our journey in the world of home design and DIY. It still feels surreal, like a wonderful dream we’re privileged to be living. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for making this dream a reality.