Ottawa Citizen

SNAPCHAT HAS DESIGNS APLENTY

Turn to popular social platform — where experts connect with followers and fans

- MEGAN MCDONOUGH

Snapchat isn’t just for teens these days. The popular social platform is on track to outpace Twitter and Pinterest this year with 58.6 million U.S. users — nearly 1 in 5 Americans — according to a recent forecast from the research firm eMarketer. The report estimates that by 2020, U.S. users will increase to 85.5 million.

Not surprising­ly, design insiders are jumping on board and embracing the visual platform. Typical snaps include behind-the-scenes peeks into their daily happenings and latest inspiratio­ns, projects and collection­s, along with an assortment of goofy snaps of their significan­t others, friends and pets.

Far less staged than Facebook or Instagram, Snapchat offers a spontaneou­s, informal and intimate setting for designers to connect in real time with their followers and fans, providing an unfiltered (selfie lenses excluded), look into their everyday lives.

To help you get started, here’s a list of designers we think are excelling on the platform:

1.

Elsie Larson from A Beautiful Mess (elsielarso­n)

I blame the bubbly lifestyle blogger behind A Beautiful Mess for my last two home purchases. Her whimsical design choices ooze cool. Gold cactus wallpaper? A pink, old-school record player? Swoon. Get ready for lots of shots of her upcoming blog projects, ongoing Nashville home renovation­s and occasional videos of her business partner and sister, Emma, and her two pups: Suki, a pug, and Dolly, a dachshund.

2.

Jonathan Scott (MrSilverSc­ott) and Drew Scott (MrDrewScot­t)

The twin renovators, known for their popular home reality show Property Brothers on HGTV, share their goofier, more candid side on the app. Expect to see impromptu dance sessions, dad jokes and guest twin appearance­s. They encourage fan engagement, like having viewers “snap back” song requests during their karaoke makeup sessions.

3.

Shannon Claire Smith (scsmith012)

The D.C.-based design blogger previews her latest projects. A whiz at designing small spaces, follow her for decor inspiratio­n for your studio apartment.

4. Studio McGee (studiomcge­e)

The husband-and-wife design duo based in Salt Lake City bring the audience along on their latest home renovation projects across the country. The behind-thescenes look at the before-and-after process will inspire you to tackle your own project.

5. Will Taylor (brightbaza­ar)

Tag along with the British designer and “Bright Bazaar” blogger on his internatio­nal promotiona­l tour of his latest design book, Dream Decor: Styling a Cool, Creative and Comfortabl­e Home, Wherever You Live. Follow him for his charismati­c attitude, and stay for his bold, colourful esthetic.

6. Emily Schuman (e.schuman)

It’s pretty clear that Schuman, the mastermind behind the lifestyle blog Cupcakes and Cashmere, is a Snapchat pro. She snaps daily and constantly, everything from glimpses of her latest homewares collection and L.A.-ready outfits to her adorable toddler, Sloan.

7. Erica Domesek (psimadethi­s)

The mastermind behind the popular do-it-yourself (DIY), blog P.S. — I Made This, shares a creative mix of her daily adventures, such as her latest how-to project or a behind-the-scenes studio tour. Count on lots of puns, shots of her shopping adventures and pictures of her cute feline friend, Felix.

8. India Hicks (indiahicks­style)

Need a vacation? Watch the designer and former model’s snap stories. Her chic, Bahamian-inspired designs and lifestyle will transport you to a warmer and more stylish place. No passport required.

9.

Emily Henderson (emhenderso­nsnap)

The “Styled” author, HGTV host and design blogger offers fans a glimpse into her daily happenings, which can include blog planning meetings, her latest Target endeavour (she’s a “home style expert” with the company) and mini adventures with other design personalit­ies, including Orlando Soria of Homepolish.

 ?? PHOTOS: SHANNON CLAIRE SMITH ?? Design blogger Shannon Claire Smith (scsmith012), previews many of her latest projects on Snapchat.
PHOTOS: SHANNON CLAIRE SMITH Design blogger Shannon Claire Smith (scsmith012), previews many of her latest projects on Snapchat.
 ??  ?? Claire Smith is a whiz at designing small spaces.
Claire Smith is a whiz at designing small spaces.

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