In part three of this series where I go
back and look at my bookmarked favorites from the same season a specific number of years ago, I decided to feature another defunct magazine: Blueprint. Martha Stewart Media released the first issue in May of 2006 and the Jan/Feb 2008 issue was the last. The magazine became totally web-based with occasional appearances on the Martha Stewart website, which to me is such a shame. I love sitting down with a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine) and a new, fresh magazine to read. And I really liked Blueprint.
Well, at least I have a few issues left, and here are four of my favorites from the Fall 2006 issue:
1. I love things that do double duty, and this budget-friendly DIY folding screen (made from old doors) is such a great idea, with one panel a blackboard, one a bulletin board, one a magnetic board (thanks to magnetic primer), etc.
2. Two gorgeous pages from “The World Of Ornament” by London rare book dealer David 
Batterham. This book is a fantastically inspiring encyclopedia with over 5000 patterns and ornaments from ancient Egyptian times to 19th century Europe. It’s not cheap, and quite heavy, but it makes a fabulous coffee table book, AND when you buy it, you get access to an online library of prints you can download and use for anything you want (some versions come with a DVD with the patterns).
3. This is such a pretty, minimalistic arrangement of dwarf papyrus in acrylic sea glass, a bit of greenery and art all in one.
4. These espresso makers have always been among my favorites when it comes to stylish kitchen gadgets, but what I really saved this for is the color scheme – the celery green napkin, the brown coffee, the silver colored Bialetti, and the creamy white of the Torrone pieces create such a wonderful, calm and harmonious color palette. (And that coffee with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in each glass – yum!)
Collage by Decoration Decoration
Photos: Blueprint Magazine
For previous posts in this series, see Decoration Inspiration Part 1 and Home Decorating Ideas – Looking Back, Part 2
