Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Inspiring Interiors



Fabulous interior photographs by John Bessler. My favorite is the colorful painted blocks against the white vases and shelving. It's like a paint store with paint chips on the wall -wonderful!

On a side note - I've been tossing around new ideas for Please Sir and I'm at a crossroads. Please Sir started from a phrase my friend and I use, but it isn't related to design or art. Please Sir Blog has since evolved into a consistent art and design site run by little ol' me. Therefore, I feel like it needs a name to reflect my personal design aesthetics and inspirations. I heard changing the name of a blog is like blog suicide, but ideas grow and transform, and I need a name to represent that. Any of this make sense?

I thought of the name "artifact", or even a phrase using artifacts. Unfortunately, many of the blog names I come up with are already taken, although not actively updated...errr. To me, an artifact is something hidden that is found, which is what I hope to do here. I discover new art and design ideas as a catalog of inspiration for myself and to share with you. So, I'm reaching out for your help...got any ideas or thoughts? What do you think of using artifact in the title?

Let's brainstorm together...

49 comments:

Wayfaring Wanderer said...

I'm going through a bit of my own brainstorming too......trying to come up with an Etsy shop name.....too many words floating around in my head!

Aesthetic Structure?! maybe that sounds to clinical?

Cache & Treasures....
Cache Reserve.....
I'm stuck on that word now...haha

Jude said...

I'm working on a blog redesign, too, and am struggling. I will give this some thought and e-mail you with my thoughts.

please sir said...

Thanks so much guys! I would also like the name to cross over to an etsy store selling vintage items. What is up with us? Is it summer design fever? haha!

Cindy said...

- i LOVE the color blocks.
- i understand what you're saying about changing the name (wonder if we should do that, too).
- artifact sounds great
- "artifactdesigns" is available on blogger. there is an "artifactdesign" but they don't seem to be doing anything with it. that is very frustrating.
-i'll think some about it some more and email you.

Anonymous said...

First off, these photos are lovely, and I especially love the one in the lower left hand corner. Those wood floors kill me. (Luckily, I've got a few rooms of those in my house!)

I understand the feeling of wanting to change your blog name - heck, your blog and your focus is growing and expanding and that's a great thing!

Personally, I love the "Please Sir" name because it's so different and random. When I look down the list of over 150 blogs in my Google reader, some names just blend together but yours is one that always stands out. If you're adamant about changing it, then I'd keep that in mind when you're coming up with a new one.

I'd just brainstorm words that you like and I bet that somehow they'll all relate and even work together. Again: I'm all about random and different. In a world with a zillion blogs, that's so important. Artifact is a great starting point. How about just Artifact?

please sir said...

Thanks! I really wanted ARTIFACT...love it...but it is already taken. Damn. I agree...I like random, but also want it to be more personal. My step-dad recommended HOT POOP...yeah...nooo.

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

Before I read the post I said "The color blocks!!!" I was going to tell you it's my favorite, and I'm not alone I see. The white vases, oh how I wish I had a room like that and a chair like that!

I like Please Sir, it is different and memorable. I haven't done any research if anyone uses the name, but the first thing that comes to mind is "maven".

Anonymous said...

they're all so calming.

btw -- just watched eagle vs. shark. soooo good.

littlebyrd said...

Love the white rooms - lovelovelove! On to renaming: I love the idea of using the word artifact - what a great word! I also really like Please Sir too though so if you decided to stick with that...it all sounds good. I think Please Sir would crossover to Etsy really well.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Oh, tough call on changing your blog name! I've wanted to move my wordpress blog to my own domain but I am afraid of all my hard work going down the tubes so I just sit where I am for now!

But, I have heard, the earlier you change things the better. So if you want to change your name, now is better than later. And I think you can redirect people and they will find you just fine.

Go with your heart, although I like your blog name just as it is!

Ann Marie said...

Diana, I always have time for you. I love the rooms you picked and I must say, the purple chair with the handbag...LOVE IT!

As for changing the name of your blog, I too really like Please Sir, but totally understand the reasons behind wanting to change the name. When I get a name (or word) stuck in my head for potential use as a business name, I just start adding other words in front of, or after the main word. Like..

design artifacts
design archeology
artifacts of design

This helps the brainstorming. I've also been known to use the thesaurus and even do research into the origin of the word. Anything can spark an idea!

Fifi Flowers said...

Welllllll... here goes... I like Please Sir... pleeeeez sur - however you write it... you know what I mean ;)

You like ARTIFACT...
Why don't you combined them...

Pleeeze Sir... may I have an ARTIFACT?????? Use English accent when you say it!

I LIKE THIS! You wanted my o-pin-i-on... there it is!

yasmine said...

hmmm...this is tricky. i've always thought your blog name was cute actually :)

maybe you can do a play in how artifacts is spelled, such as artifax or some such thing.

designartifax maybe?

"relic" is a synonym of artifact. i've always loved that word for some reason.

i have to think more about it...

please sir said...

You guys are amazing...I'm going to take all your advice into consideration!

Anonymous said...

What fun!! I wish you the best at coming up with a new name! I like Artifact, Maybe ARTifact?? Good luck! :)

Ann Marie said...

Here is one I just came across out of Dublin (I seem to be stuck there today).

Artefaction

Jan said...

I just don't know where to begin. I love that sunroom area. With that couch and blue pillow and those wonderful chairs. I could seriously spend some time in there.

I love the floors that so compliment those drapes in that hall shot.

Okay, I'll stop now. I was thinking about the name thing. I have to say, I love Please sir. It encompasses so many aspects of life. Follow your heart, but I think it really works for you Pleasie.

SandraRee said...

I love the first picture, the veiw...o'mgosh, the view!

If it means anything, I really like "Please Sir". The name catches my attention every time. :)

please sir said...

Thanks again...I might have to re-consider re-naming!

Anonymous said...

Ah, tough call. If you do change your blog name, consider adding something sooo unexpected to "artifacts". Because I agree with everyone else -- your current blog name is very catchy and memorable.

Jessie from Zesty Perspective just changed her blog name to Zest & Thyme. Perhaps she'll be able to share her thoughts.

karey m. said...

how about artinfact? nah.

will think on this one...

this post is STUNNING!

Karen said...

Personally, I LOVE your blog name. I understand wanting it to reflect what you're putting up (I've struggled with my blog name as well since it's my Etsy shop name...but my blog has little to do with my shop!) but I actually think "Please Sir" works well with what you have on the site right now! Like, "please sir, may i have some more.....of that wonderful wallpaper!" :) At any rate, I think you should keep the name, but that's just my two cents!

picciolo said...

great photos, I love the purple/blue chair. Namewise, I like please sir as it is very distinctive and memorable, and there is nothing to stop that name becoming associated with art and design as more and more people get to know your blog. If you change it then I would suggest it has to be something that you really love, artifact sounds like a good possible
: )
sorry rambled a bit!

Donna said...

Love the word "artifact" as a blog title. Maybe, "my artifacts", or "just artifacts".

Thank you for visiting my blog, nice to meet you!

Great photos, I LOVE the purple chair!

~Donna

robin ann mcintosh said...

hm... I will keep thinking about this for sure. Artifact is good, Art(is)fact - hm. too early for creative ideas.

I don't think changing your name is suicidal, I think it's a good idea to keep growing. What about naming it after an inspiring place, or an inspiring person?

I will get back to you when I think of more ideas.

<3

Anonymous said...

Diana, that's a toughie. I actually like your current name, it's different and it makes you want to check it out!

Jessie Cacciola said...

i actually LOVE your blog name -- it's different. there's so many blogs out there with 'design' in their title, and i kind of like the fact that yours doesn't directly refer, because we still get it. and you definitely have a lot of readers here that love what you're doing. but if you're just feeling like it needs to change, i think 'artifacts' is too hard sounding (if that makes sense) -- it doesn't sound as fresh and smooth as your blog is.

Hope that helps!

- Jessie - xo

PS. can't wait to see some etsy from you! :)

Jessie Cacciola said...

pps. sometimes we over think it, making a complicated name, that's maybe smarter, but not as catchy. and i think that's why i changed mine. i feel Zest & Thyme is just simpler, and Zesty Perspective was a result of me just starting out and thinking too much about the perfection of the title. the story of how you arrived at yours is perfect -- it's simple.

Julie @ Belle Maison said...

i love the photos! i'm right there with you on the color block photo being my fave. hmmmmm...i like the idea of incorporating the word artifact...i'll have to think about that one! i do love please sir as well - there's nothing like it out there!

please sir said...

Wow...this is turning out to be a tough one...I didn't realize you guys liked the title so much! I thought it was confusing...well, might have to re-think this one. Thanks so much for the input!

The House That A-M Built said...

I LOVE it! It's you, it's your blog! Take it and run with it! Do I change my side bar links yet?! A-M xx

Anonymous said...

love, love all the photos -- especially all the whites. so refreshing.

i'll have a little think about the name thing. but honestly? i'm with the others...i really like your name. its what got me to come to your blog in the first place. clean, simple but interesting. and i looove your blog header too. :)

Pigtown*Design said...

I agree with the others. Please, Sir is so distinctive. I like to think of the old Oliver movie when he asks for more. If you want to change something, maybe work with your header, keeping something that says Please Sir, and then adding funny other words. Just my $.02.

Alexa Johnson said...

I read a weird mix of blogs--some wedding planning, some design, some fashion. Since I'm kind of all over the board, it's usually the title that attracts me. And I'm here--so you hooked me! LOVE Please Sir. But, I do understand, because I've never liked my business name at all (and then went and strated a blog that played off of it even). It was a product of having about five minutes to think of a name because the one I wanted was taken when I got to the state licensing office. I've thought of so many so much better ones since, but get nervous too. It's nice that you've had so much positive feedback from your readers! It shows that people love your name, but also love your blog--so will follow wherever you go.

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

OW, i love that wall with the swatch colors. TOTALLY caught my eye.
How about just keep the name and add something to it? I like Please Sir , its such a cute name...it makes you want to click on the name just to find out what it is....not a bad thing you know.


Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards & More'
www.madebygirl.com
madebygirl.blogspot.com

Robin said...

Diana, I have to say I'm with the "stick with Please Sir" crowd. Your blog name is what first drew me to your site because it was't like all the other "art" "design" "decor" "style" blog names (and no offense to folks with those blog names, but there are a lot of them out there). Your great taste is what keeps us coming back. "Please Sir" sticks out of the crowd. I would shop there. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I vote keep "Please Sir"!!! i love the name and I really feel there are SOOOO many design blogs out there, there is no need to make your name sound "design blogy" you just need to BE a design blog. Why not use the ARTIFACT in an Etsy shop? That way you could try it out and there is no law that your Etsy shop and blog have to have the same name.... is ARTIFACT.etsy.com available? If so, SNAG it!

Hila said...

Sorry I'm answering so late!
Anyway, I concur with a lot of people here in saying that I like the name "Please Sir". However, I also understand your reasons for wanting to change it.
I thought that one possible meaning of the word artefact was also the french objet d'art. I don't know if it suits your blog, but that's the first term that came to my mind. You could possibly play around with this term - i.e. objets d'artefacts. Ok, so that's not too good - too early in the morning to think! Hmmm, I'll have a think and get back to you :)

Marnie said...

why not add on to what you already have -
like "please sir, an artifact" just read the comments and see that fifi already suggested that - hey fifi - we are on the same wavelength

please sir said...

Thank you SOO much for all your advice and suggestions!! No changing of links just yet ;)

Mrs.French said...

I'm old school deary...I really like "please sir."

Anonymous said...

Sorry, I haven't read everyone else's comments, but I think you should keep Please Sir. Its got a story, a bit of history for the blog etc. I just think of it as you. Keep it.

dee said...

If it's not too late to vote, I will tell you that I adore Please Sir. Adore it. I'm sure whatever you pick will resonate with us, as all your posts always do, but why change a good thing? It's poetic and polite and silly and lovely all at once. Just like the author ;)

Anonymous said...

Sorry i missed this post. Do not change!!! I like you just the way you are. Plus your name is very unique. I do feel your angst though. I would love to change my blog name. Design Healing is so wishy washy...blah. I obsessed over new names for what seemed like forever, and gave up. They all seemed so contrived.I like yours a lot.

Julia said...

Well darling! You won't have to worry about us going away if you were change the name :) Keep us posted :) I would love to hear what's rumbling around in your head!

Anonymous said...

Im new to this blog, came across it through my friend Lil Bee. Anyways, I just wanted to say I love the last few photos of interiors. White is always so refreshing, especially when paired with gorgeous hardwood floors. And I also wanted to say, dont change the name of your blog. I love it. I recommend doing a blog redesign but please, keep your name! Can you explain the name in a welcome note and add a fun blog template to spice things up?

Denise Kiggan said...

Well I'll add my point of view to the many - I love "Please Sir". It's catchy, random memorable and stands out in the crowd of other blog names!

la la Lovely said...

I'm voting on Please Sir!!!! I agree when I first saw it I had to see what the blog was all about. It's cute and fun!
Trina xx

Courtney said...

I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to respond yet, but I'm SO glad you are sticking to your roots. I didn't want you to change. I love Please Sir. It seems so...right.

Love your blog xx

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