In the past fifteen years (when I was 30), both DesignStar and the blog were launched in early 2010. Back then, smartphones were not as prevalent, Facebook was just becoming popular outside of college campuses, and Pinterest was still in its conceptual stage. It was a time before blogs started to overshadow magazines, Pinterest overtook blogs, Instagram dominated social media, and now TikTok and YouTube are changing the media landscape. The evolution of digital media and content creation culture has been a fascinating journey, one that I am grateful to have been a part of. Despite the constant changes, I hope to continue running this blog until I’m 80, thanks to various revenue sources. Writing about digital media and content creation is not only my passion but also something that deeply influences me every single day. I recently came across photos of my apartment tour from 2010, shot by Teri Lyn Fisher for Apartment Therapy, and decided to share them again with some reflections.

The first image still resonates with me, as I cherish the memories associated with the vintage sofa and DIY projects that adorned the space. The sentimental value of certain items, like the coffee table and flag art, is irreplaceable. Looking back, I feel a sense of nostalgia and contentment with how the apartment turned out.
Reflecting on the past, I can see how my design preferences have evolved over time. Some vignettes from the apartment tour feel empty or lackluster to me now, but each piece tells a story of my journey as a designer. Despite the occasional cringe-worthy moment, I am proud of the girl who took risks and expressed her unique style within her budget constraints.

While some design choices may seem outdated now, I appreciate the creativity and effort that went into each project. The apartment tour serves as a reminder of my growth as a designer and the enduring influence of my early experiences on my current style.
*Unless Otherwise Noted, Photos by Teri Lyn Fisher via Apartment Therapy