Itchin’ for a Change

If you know me at all – you know I like to keep things fresh- change things up – I’m a keep ya on your toes kind of gal.  This holds true for my home’s décor but also creeps into other places of my life.  For instance eating out – we love to try new places!  We’re not one of those couples that go to the same restaurant every weekend – although being  “Norm” somewhere has it’s perks! 

So in my little corner of blogland, I am having the same kind of itch.  I want a “look” – you know – how you go to certain websites / blogs and you automatically know where you are because of the “look.”  Any time I see a dark grey background with turquoise writing – I immediately think of Ms Limestone.  So I am trying to figure out what that “look” for eat, drink & decorate can be.  Do I need a complete blog design?  Or could it be enough to do a customized header design and some buttons?  Can I do it myself?  Or more realistically should I get some help?  I have tried to play with blogger and figure it out on my own – but this code stuff is a little way over my head.  Before I go out and find a designer I need some direction – a funnel of sorts to narrow down to the final LOOK.

So what better way to figure that out but to discuss with my blog peeps!  So let’s rundown what I like…

Clean – Crisp – Modern – Timeless – Chic – Unique

Obviously the challenge is finding something that I’m not going to want to change in 6 months!  But I think if I stay with classic elements I’ll be good!  Just like my sofa philosophy – stay neutral and you can change other things to keep it fresh!  Ok enough talk – let me show some designs that I love:

to go check out any of these blogs just click on the picture!

Ok so now you know where my head it.  I would like some texture / pattern – preferably the look of some fabric.  It must have some white space for the eye to rest a little.  I would love to have some kind paisley action happening.  But I want to be careful to stay away from anything too trendy they may scream 2011 BLOG DESIGN.

So which are your favorites?  Or maybe you have a blog that you love – heck maybe it’s your blog?!?!  I would love to hear any thoughts.  Maybe you’ve worked with a blog designer you highly recommend…  do tell!  Just know that I am cheap frugal and this is a “hobby” and not a business – so me laying down a lot of cash would not go over well with the hubs – if you know what I mean!  Oh and thanks for being my sounding board – you ROCK!