That’s right new year, new me. I’m not one for making a long list of resolutions, but at the close of 2009, I knew 2010 would be different.  2009 was trying for everyone I know  either on a personal or a professional level and in some cases both. I like to call it a Transitional year. You know, when the groundwork is being laid for the awesome goodness to take place in the next year.  Growth is always uncomfortable but somewhere inside know you will come out on the other side new and whole. 2010 feels like the other side.

That brings me to my 2010 resolutions….

Resolution #1:  Wear More Color

I want feel bold, optimistic and confident all year long. There’s no better way to do it than wear to colors that reflect that same attitude. And I’m going  join DWJ  on her 2010 beauty challenge.

{pay no attention to the bottle in my hand. i actually spent more time pouring than sipping.}

I brought in the  New Year  in a bold emerald green dress and though you can’t see them, I had on amethyst tights and graffiti print shoes as well. Does it sound crazy? It wasn’t. It actually came off really well!  In my head I asked myself what would Kelly Wearstler do (disclaimer: I received her latest tome, HUE from Santa and have been inspired more by rich colors ever since).  I’m not completely sure tapped into my inner KW but I had a ton of fun trying!

Resolution #2:  Read More (non-design) Books

Last year, with the exception of one or two books, everything I read was about about design. By the end of the year, I found myself completely overloaded on the subject, perhaps more like over-inspired. In order to nourish that rich inner world I typically inhabit, I decided to read and feature each new non-design book that I read on the blog and how it inspires me in interior design. I’ve got the first couple of books lined up, beginning  first with When Washington Was in Vouge, a fabulous novel about DC in the 1920’s.

{so far i LOVE this book and i’m already bursting at the seams with inspiration!}

Resolution #3:  Evolve Creatively

This year both Design Wonderland and I will be evolving a bit. On the blog, I want to show more process, in addition to  inspiration boards and images. Hopefully that means, that you will see me problem-solving with my crazy little sketches of floor plans and spaces even if they are on a cocktail napkin, random sheets of paper or in my sketchook. Being my own harsh critic, last year, I shied away from showing my sketches because they never feel fabulous enough. However  I quickly remembered that sketches and process drawings are about finding a creative solutions and visual thinking. It’s more about communication and less  about how good you draw. Personally,  I love when designers show process.  My favorite drawings to look at for inspiration are Renzo Piano’s. He’s brilliant!

{piano’s study drawing for the art institute of chicago. image via time}

{here’s an old perspective sketch of mine)

I want to continue to learn creative skills as well. Last year, I was completely inspired after my photography class with Kate Headley. I’m alreadly planning on taking another photography class  this winter.  Hopefully, come spring  I’ll be signed up for class in antiques in design as well.  I’m totally blaming 1st dibs  and my nagging decorative art history obsession for my interest in the latter class.

As far as resolutions go, I think that’s a good start.  I spared you some of the mundane ones (healthy eating, excercise etc) and a few that I’m keeping close to my heart (I’m just not ready to share at this moment). However, I think that these all seem fun, challenging yet very attainable.

Anyhoo, my loves, have an amazing weekend! I’ll see you back here on Monday!

xoxo, Jessica