This week I took a last-minute trip to Washington DC to participate in a forum organized by the Department of Labor and booked a room at the W Hotel located hardly a block from the White House. Having traveled extensively in the last five years since I became a professional blogger, I’ve seen every sort of hotel room that exists, and once came face to face with a discarded condom wrapper underneath my pillow. Didn’t know it was physically possible, but I jumped like a cat and ended up hanging from the ceiling by my fingernails.
Last year when I was thirty-weeks pregnant I embarked on a three-week book tour visiting nine different cities and sleeping in nine different hotel rooms. And those rooms were all perfectly fine, some very nice and at times lovely. But you know when you’re watching a makeover show and a client sees her redecorated bedroom for the first time? And without fail she will say, “I feel like I’m in a boutique hotel room!”
She did not stay in the hotel rooms I stayed in.
Of course, she’s probably not thirty-weeks pregnant, either. That can affect your mood.
Until this week. Until I walked into this room, saw the decor and fell madly, deeply in love. It was everything I imagined my dream home would look like. From the eclectic mix of furniture in the sitting area (I love how they covered such a traditional, hard-edged chair in white leather and paired it with a soft suede, semi-circle couch):
To the jagged edges of the moldings at the ceiling, and the clean, symmetrical lines of the dresser:
To the knock-your-socks-off modern touches of the bathroom:
To the retro feel of the desk in the corner:
And then the bed itself. The padded headboard against a giant wall of elaborate metallic wallpaper:
I did not want to leave, and no they did not pay me to say any of this or comp my room. I was genuinely blown away, and will save these pictures for the next time I get an itch to move a few things around in my home. If this is the kind of boutique hotel rooms people are talking about, then I finally understand!
(Of course, maybe I need to get out more. Noted!)
Maybe if you don't enjoy her blog posts, you could skip them and read the other writers? No one is forcing you to read something you detest, so pick and choose what you enjoy. That seems reasonable to me. And maybe keep the perspective that it's a blog and not some kind of holy text or required reading for 4th graders.
I wasn't sure about the photos at first either, but after looking at the official hotel photos, I appreciate how focused these are on the individual elements of the room. Maybe I'm too easily distracted to be able to really appreciate them without some help.
Those globe lights are very cool.
Also, I admit to being new to reading this blog, but I don't really see how Heather's entries are that different in level of detail or level of focus from the other bloggers. Take the other three or four latest ones, for instance. They all showcase photos of a design style or element and some provide commentary.
Like Aimee suggested, I skimmed over the entries that didn't really interest me (moustaches?!?) and read the ones that did (living wall).
Considering that this blog is for design aficionados, a subject evolves and changes over time, I would have thought things would be a little more open minded over here.
Thanks, Mers!
Hey Sarah, Sarah's Mother, and Bryanna– Soooooo why don't you just stick to the parts of the website you like, and not check out Heather's blog? How come you want to tell people that what they like sucks, and they're stupid for liking it?
Maybe that's the problem
I wonder how long it will take before most of the comments on Heather's posts are no longer about her appropriateness for HGTV's site? One day I believe readers will just comment on actual aspects of the post!
PS – Agreed with other posters that those who don't like this part of the blog should skip these posts. I don't read every bit of content on every site I peruse.
Just wanted to mention that the molding appears to be Dentil Molding. Incase you ever wanted to use it somewhere! Love your blog and your reporting. Thanks for sharing.
C
I watch the HGTV network almost 90% of the time my television is on but have never come to this site except for the house contest. HEATHER ARMSTRONG writing on this blog is what brought ME here. Great decision HGTV. I find I like your site and I love that my favorite blogger has joined your great network. Room for everyone folks. Grow up.
Wow, these Doocite people are rabid and insipid! Of course people are gonna be upset/disturbed, since they are here for inspiration not drama. Obviously this isn't the best post and neither are the previous posts; girlfriend is trying to find her way, obviously.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't, Heather.
Glad you had a great time in Washington.
I now know to avoid her posts on this site. I really didn't need to have my stomach turned over my morning coffee reading about what she found under a hotel pillow. I come to HGTV to look design and get inspiration for projects. If I wanted to read about her life stories and experiences that freak her out I'd go to her blog, which I don't do. I guess I'm just not hip enough to think its cool that there is cursing on a public forum as well.
I love HGTV. I would watch it all day, every day, if I had the chance. Really. It's kind of an addiction.
I also love Heather, and think it's great that HGTV recognizes her eye for design. (Well…except for that one bathroom tile job…)
Heather, I'm not sure how you have skin thick enough to handle this crap, but I'm glad you do.
These comments have become embarrassing. Haters? Followers? I don't understand the policing of comments based on whether or not they like the post. This isn't a personal blog, it's a public forum. Heather, while I'm impressed with the loyalty your readers have for you, their tactics are a little over the top. I didn't expect any less when you made snide reference to a comment from this post on your blog. You've trained your dogs well, it may be time to start shopping for some muzzles.
Jules– It it weren't for the rude tone of the offensive posts (yours included), it wouldn't have to come to this. The comments that people are tired of are those that go beyond the tone of "not liking," the post, and into "I hate Heather Armstrong, and I need to tell everybody why and that they are beneath me for enjoying her posts here." I would think that a public forum like the one here would be free from such childish rants against a REAL LIVE WOMAN. Over the top? Look at Sarah's post for that, or Bryanna's. What is the point of posting on a blog just to say you hate the writer?
Jules– It it weren't for the rude tone of the offensive posts (yours included), it wouldn't have to come to this. The comments that people are tired of are those that go beyond the tone of "not liking," the post, and into "I hate Heather Armstrong, and I need to tell everybody why and that they are beneath me for enjoying her posts here." I would think that a public forum like the one here would be free from such childish rants against a REAL LIVE WOMAN. Over the top? Look at Sarah's post for that, or Bryanna's. What is the point of posting on a blog just to say you hate the writer?
Rosie, FTW.
What is so weird about this is that most of the negative comments are about the woman's work, not the woman. But the point that was being made is that her rabid fans are using negative critiques of her work as a reason to start personal attacks on commenters, who are constantly insulted in this thread, with childish name-calling and pornographic invective. Nobody is ranting against the writer as a person, but suggesting this isn't the forum for her work, and there are other places, better-suited. Every post she writes here is one less written by someone else, who has the skills necessary. That is the issue.
Case in point – its really, really jarring to read a 'design' post from someone who isn't familiar enough with design to be able to identify the 'retro' desk, or the 'jagged' moulding in that hotel. The pieces being used in this room are iconic enough that a writer with a design vocabulary should be able to identify them. I am embarrassed for the writer, reading these posts. The whole point of design blogging is to be able to write from a point of view that assumes a body of knowledge about design and use that to inform readers – otherwise, its a blog about shopping. To not be able to identify the furniture, but to just call it 'cool', to write about animals in design (from another post) but not have the knowledge to include the iconic Herend, which serves as the reference point for some of the cheaper stuff posted, its not design writing. And it makes me cringe for the writer.
There is a language missing here, and that language, which is evident in the other writers, is especially jarring for longtime readers, which is why we comment here, and not on other posts.
Reading this stuff is like watching someone who knows nothing about baseball call the game: "Well, looky here, a bunch of guys ran out on the big square of grass, and oh, that one guy is so cute, he looks just like a guy my sister used to date, and I love their uniforms because they are cool and eclectic, and its weird how the other team isn't rushing the guy throwing the ball to the batter. I wonder if they just never thought of it before. I should tell them! I am a GENIUS! Wow, this sure takes a long time. I wonder how long it takes before they just give up and call it a game, because I really want to go get a decent beer somewhere, because the beer they serve here at the whaddaucallit? The Arena, I guess? The whateveritis, the beer here SUCKS and I should know, because I didn't drink beer until I was 25 years old, and also, did I ever tell you about how my Mom sells makeup, and also, how cute is my dog? (answer, so cute! ed note: for real). Hey! I think something happened over there on the rink, or whateveritis. Those guys are running, and running, and you know, looking at them, I realize that Heidi Klum is totes wrong and horizontal stripes are not everyone's friend, and you I saw Heidi once in an airport, or maybe not, but whatever, that's my celebrity namedrop (giggle), and … hey, the hitty guy is standing on the base now, but he isn't running, he is just standing there, and the ball throwing guy has a bat in his hand. God, this game is so weird and cool and retro!"
Yeah. Its like that, for many of us.
OK… so… then why do you continue to read her blog here? Her posts are clearly marked, "By Heather Armstrong." Why do you read them if you have found that you don't like them?
Plus, other people DO like them. Are they stupid for liking her posts? Does she not to deserve to be on this blog because some people don't think her posts are professional enough? Even though other people enjoy her posts?
I cringe too, to see grown women try to bully each other.
Heather offers a non-professional's point of view. People can read the professional's blogs on this site, then come over to Heather's for a laugh and her point of view on design. Why is this soooo offensive?
If you're "jarred," then leave it be. Why not let Heather and the people who want to dialogue kindly and productively, be?
Oh, and to refute your contention that none of the attacks are on Heather herself, I didn't have to look very far to find one: "I found the quality of the photos here were about comparable to the overexposed photos of faces (mostly your girls) on your blog. I have no idea why you do that to the faces and eyes of the girls, but it is bizarro"
The attacks are only on Heather as a designer? Simply not true. And even if they were– they still are rude, not critical. There's a difference.
Because she is taking the place of someone who knows what they are doing in this domain. That's it. I like her writing in other venues. But here, every post is a post that could have been written by someone with the design language to use the space productively. That's all. It isn't bullying. I haven't said people are stupid for liking them, but I would suggest that there is already a place online to read them, at her own blog.
I am not a bully, but her fans have called me, and everyone in this thread who disagrees with them, bitches, whiny, and c*cksuckers, just in this post. And that is another problem, in its own way. Her fan base is crude, and foul-mouthed, and seems to lack some basic communicative skills (not you specifically, but some of the posters on this thread) in thinking that if someone critiques the work they are attacking the worker, and it is their responsibility to fly in here and name call and heckle and harass to avenge her honor, and I feel badly for heather, because, unfortunately, all of that behavior in this thread reflects back on her as well. Its a bad position to be in, all around. And it seems a shame.
How is she taking the place of someone who knows what they're doing? They just added her as another blogger…
And I will reiterate my point that if the people critiquing her posts were to actually critique, and not harass, then there would be no heckling by people who like her work. I have seen critical posts that aren't rude, and those posters do not get heckled.
And to say her base is crude and foul-mouthed, well now you're making a huge assessment about more than a million– and I'm just getting that number from Twitter.
No, Lauren, I am making my fan-base assessment based on her fan base here, which is insulting, attacking, and foul-mouthed. her fans here are attacking other people, including me, using foul language, and otherwise behaving inappropriately for this venue. Its frustrating. And she is taking the place of someone who knows what they are doing, because each of these posts represent someone who does know what they are doing, and WASN'T hired. The web is filled with amateur design mavens who write incredibly well and knowledgably about design, decorating, and aesthetic choice. This hiring decision means they weren't hired, even though they have huge fan bases and the language and knowledge necessary. I can think of at least 20 of them without even breaking a sweat, all of whom would be a great addition to this space, and who will not get the chance because the room made to add a blogger added this writer, instead.
What is most frustrating about hiring a 'personality' instead of a designer to write here, is that the whole focus is on heather, and not on design, both the posts she writes, and the commentary that follows. Its like watching Heidi Montag give interviews about her 'acting career'. Writing here, in this venue, Heather is the Heidi Montag of Home Design.
Gil– You are neglecting the fact that the attacks begin with people coming here and spewing rude comments. It's frustrating for people who want to ENJOY this space to have to see that crap.
And HGTV is a business, dude… They know what they're doing. They hired a "personality" like Heather because the majority people like her and want to see her contributions. I'm sure if HGTV wanted another straightforward designer, they would hire one too. But they wanted a fun contributor, and they got one! Again– I don't see the harm in that.
Why should HGTV drop Heather, enjoyed by many, because a small number of readers don't want to read her stuff?
Again (though I'm sure it will be deleted by the administrator or something) this is EXACTLY what is so annoying about Heather's posts. She isn't bringing anything fresh to the table or even remotely original of her own aesthetic. It's just all, "Ya'll I saw this, ain't it cool!?" It's REALLY annoying. I keep reading (isn't that what you rabid fans want??? and HGTV???) hoping that she'll surprise me and improve. But it's not there. And I think it won't be, much as I anticipated when I heard of her selection.
And I could have warned everyone here about these hipster, 20-30 somethings coming on here to fight in her honor. They do this across the Internet to anyone who dare utter a critical word about Heather. It's BEYOND annoying and absurd. And don't think for a second Heather doesn't know it will happen and totally enjoys it, I'm sure.
Anyway, my two cents. Any Dooce supporter can totally (…well, you can inject here whatever verb you'd like…) regarding how they feel about my comments. GO GET LIVES and stop defending your icon already…she stinks at this HGTV gig and you simply can't admit it.
Oh barf in my mouth. You know, enough about saying whether or not she has a good aesthetic, blah blah blah. The point is, get off your high horse. I don't know why the miserable people here don't just NOT READ IT IF THEY DON'T LIKE IT. Why do you insist on raining on the parade of people who come here and like what they see?
You know, I don't reply because I'm a Heather zealot. It's because I can't stand to see people with NO common sense preach their views like the gospel. So you think someone sucks at something. SO WHAT. Other's don't, move along with your cattiness.
Annoying and absurd? Those are words I use to describe people who thrive on tearing others down. GO GET A LIFE is good advice those those types of people. Sit back and think about what you're saying.
I think what Lauren3 is TRYING to say is, "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE????? DO YOU NOT SEE WHAT I SEE? THE GREATNESS THAT IS HEATHER ARMSTRONG???? WHY CAN'T YOU JUST………*POOF*" oops, I think she just spontaneously combusted.
Calm down Lauren3 everything's going to be OOOOHKAAAYYY.
Thanks for taking the time to post and defend the internet! I think the irony lies in the fact that as much as you want to complain about Heather's sycophants defending her and how truly pathetic that is, the counter argument is that it is either equally or more so pathetic to clog up the internets with your discontent for Heather Armstrong.
If you don't like what you are reading, you have the choice to not read it.
The level of discontent from so many when it comes to this blogger just reeks of envy. I don't particularly care for her blog, but I find it quite humorous that those who hate her stampede to the internet in droves just to shout it out loud.
I think the appeal that HGTV is going for with Dooce, is that she is an amateur, and that amateurs can have an eye for design without an ID degree. I don't understand why people not only continue to read something they claim to hate so much, let alone take the time to clog the comments up with arguments. There have been a few constructively critical posts, but when people bring up taxes and get their pretend mothers to post, the critics are just as rabid as the fans.
PotAYtOE, PotAHtOE
I think you need to check out Heather's background as a designer. She is qualified to be a part of this site.
Just change the channel if you don't like it…
She designed web sites. That is kind of like suggesting that someone with an Art History PhD is qualified to perform your open heart surgery, because they are a doctor. Also, 'self taught' designer.
Love, love, LOVE this hotel! I've been vying to affix a brocade frame to my wall-mount mirror ever since my first stay. Thanks for sharing, Heather
Reading these comments is making me extremely frustrated.
1. It's already been stated, she didn't have her camera with her…that sucks…too late now, why complain about.
2. I also have this app on my iphone and i get bored with it too, but it takes brighter pictures than the regular camera, so i can understand why she used it. It's not always the best way to showcase something, but the other option is dark grainy pictures.
3. If Heather is offending you, don't read her particular blog, i have a feeling no one is standing there strong arming you into reading it, just skip past it.
4. she is talking about style, shes just presenting in a different way from some, from a writers perspective …perhaps thats why she is an award winning writer, and on Forbes list of most influental women online.
Also, I agree with the comment about bullying. People who are so willing to attack someone because they dont like the photo app someone used or they way the presented a piece on style, are the reason the world is the way it is. Get a life. Next time someone rips a strip off of you and makes you feel bad, look in the mirror and appreciate karma.
How is disagreeing with a design decision (or presentation) bullying?
There is bullying on both sides of this issue.
If you don't like the photo app., that's your right, and you should be able to state that on this forum (without getting personal or mean about it.)
If you didn't like that everyone didn't like the photo app, it's not okay to get hateful to those who didn't like it, simply because you like the author.
I actually appreciate the filter because it allows me to see the individual pieces without the distraction of overall color. Maybe it's my experience in interior design talking. But either way, loved the post and will definitely now be on the hunt for a leather, studded chair in a classic design. Love it!
Yeah, the filter/app for a DESIGN blog … not so much.
Can we get away from the defense of this post and just discuss the actual post? All of these bullet points are getting distracting. Repeatedly pointing out why a post is read-worthy starts to become insulting to the writer of the post. I think we get both sides at this point.
Heather's photos highlight the DESIGN of the space and objects in it. The app actually does help highlight the actual form of the objects and the way she composed her photos is great. It's all done with design in mind. But then again, not everyone appreciates art in the same way, and there will always be those who lack tact. (Hence the criticism minus the constructive part.)
Shocking. Heather mentioned the "horror movie" comment on her blog and 500 of her closest sycophants rushed to her defense OVER NOTHING. Crappy pics were posted, without explanation as to why the Fun With Appz, people commented because it was really freakin' hard to see what was IN the pics, and are now being pilloried because plenty of Dooce readers evidently have nothing better to do than go on the weekly lynch mob rounds. For crap's sake, people, nobody punched her in the face, and it's just not that big a deal.
Thanks for taking the time to post and defend the internet!
Rambling reply about sycophants, dooce sucking at design, HGTV sucking, in 5……4…….3……2…….
I don't see why this person is qualified to post on HGTV. Just explain that to me, please.
it's like a trainwreck…i can't look away from the insipid "design" blogging of Dooce. I can think of 543 people more qualified (and they have great personalities! and they can actually WRITE! and gasp–they KNOW design features! By name!) to blog. huge huge fail, HGTV. when is her contract up??
Green pics aside, I was kind of puzzled by some of the adjectives Heather used. A wing chair is "traditionally hard-edged"? And why did she think leather was unusual? Maybe it is, but she seemed to imply that it somehow made the chair softer, though I would say the traditional crewel fabric is a much softer look than leather. And the sofa is curved but it's not a semi-circle (half circle).
Maybe this will sound nit-picky to some, but when the point of a piece is to describe physical objects to the reader so that the reader can accurately picture the room herself, then the writing needs to be pretty precise. It would also help to identify the iconic pieces in the room, like the Eames Aluminum Group chair at the desk.
HGTV knew EXACTLY what they were doing hiring Mrs. Armstrong. They knew she'd bring a number of new readers to this blog, who might stick around and read some posts by trained, qualified expert designers.
I have actually purchased books by Mrs. Armstrong. I think she has a talent for writing. But OMG Y'ALL she simply is not qualified to write on a serious design blog.
Therefore, by definition, this is not a design blog that I care to read any more. Off to design blogs written by people and companies that hire people who put in the years of study and effort to master their craft.
Ah a lovely art vs. commerce example here. These are lovely artistic photos — nice shapes and textures and contrast and cropping and perspectives. But the cool colors do indeed give it a horror movie feel. I love the blue couch in the top set either way.
That chair looks like something from Beetlejuice
I used t love HGTV. As a graphic designer I am always on the look out for up and coming people that know their stuff. Heather is nothing more than a blogger that has somehow amassed a ton of rabid fans (WHY??? She has no real writing skills and her output is minimal compared to other 'bloggers') and does not belong on a design site. Just because she tiled her own bathroom (and very poorly) and hangs up copious amounts of personal photos on her own walls does not mean she is a designer.
Here's one fan that won't be back.
you know, HGTV has PLENTY of professional design writers on their site. Sometimes it's nice to read about design from a non-professional designer point of view (and you all are being catty, by the way. Why don't you start your own design blog if you think you're so qualified).
There is a hilarious comedian who does a bit about swearing on TV and how next it will infiltrate advertisements: "Drink this fucking Pepsi!" "I just saved a shitload of money by changing my car insurance to Geico!"