DESIGNERS SNAP UP FANS
Not just for teens these days, Snapchat is on track to outpace Twitter and Pinterest this year with 58.6 million U.S. users — nearly one in five 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.
Design insiders are embracing the visual platform. Typical snaps include behind-the-scenes peeks into their latest inspirations, projects and collections, plus an assortment of goofy snaps of their significant others, friends and pets.
Far less staged than Facebook or Instagram, Snapchat offers a spontaneous and intimate setting for designers to connect in real time with 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:
ELSIE LARSON FROM A BEAUTIFUL MESS ( ELSIE LARSON)
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.
JONATHAN SCOTT ( MR SILVER SCOTT) AND DREW SCOTT ( MR DREW SCOTT)
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.
SHANNON CLAIRE SMITH ( SC SMITH 012)
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.
STUDIO MCGEE ( STUDIO-MCGEE)
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.
WILL TAYLOR ( BRIGHT-BAZAAR)
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 (not to mention his cute accent), and stay for his bold, colourful esthetic.
EMILY SCHUMAN ( E. SCHUMAN)
It’s pretty clear that Schuman, the mastermind behind the lifestyle blog Cupcakes and Cashmere, is a Snapchat pro (and arguably addict). She snaps constantly — from glimpses of her latest homewares collection and L.A.-ready outfits to her adorable toddler, Sloan.
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.
INDIA HICKS ( INDIA-HICKS-STYLE)
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.
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 Home-polish.