Design Milk Blogger Jaime Derringer Loves White; Hates Mustaches; Collects Milk Cartons

By Marni Elyse Katz
September 29, 2011

Jaime Derringer founded the cutting edge contemporary design site, Design Milk in the summer of 2006. The pursuit started as a blog—a simple way to catalog decor she liked. Thanks to her well-honed modern sensibilities and some amazing shout-outs (Design Milk was recognized early on as a Google Engineers' Staff Pick as well as a Twitter influencer in Art and Design), Derringer quickly garnered a devoted following. The site, which covers art, architecture, interior design and more, now has over a million readers worldwide, 385,000 Twitter followers and over 40,000 Facebook fans.

Derringer quit her day job (she's worked in advertising, marketing and publishing in the medical communications and pharmaceutical industries) two years ago to devote herself to Design Milk full time. With the help of her techie brother and free advice from her lawyer husband, Derringer has been able to generate enough revenue through advertising to keep her firmly planted at the desk in her laundry room of the home she and her husband are remodeling. (She blogs about that endeavor in a special section of her site called "House Milk.") We recently caught up with Derringer, who is expecting her first child.

left: Design Milk founder Jaime Derringer.

The Inside Source: What was your earliest design moment?

Jaime Derringer: The earliest memory I have is falling in love with a house in my parent's neighborhood [in Cherry Hill, NJ, where Derringer now lives]. It was a rancher with tons of giant windows and a very mid-century style roofline. When I drive by now, I’m struck how similar it is to the home I now live in with my husband. I seemed to have developed a specific sense of taste all the way back then that carries through to today.

The Inside Source: Did you grow up surrounded by good design?

Jaime Derringer: No. (Sorry Mom & Dad!) I grew up in a weird time in home decor trends—the era of mauve, peach and gray. Ah, the 1980s. My parents did, however, shop often at IKEA so I spent a lot of time surrounded by Swedish design. I can't imagine that didn't have an effect on me.

Jaime Derringer

Jaime Derringer’s backyard, in its “before” state.

The Inside Source: What did your childhood bedroom look like?

Jaime Derringer: My room was black, white, and gray. I think my overall personal style has always leaned toward the simple and minimal. It's interesting to think that there's always been a common thread despite my very many "phases."

The Inside Source: What or who has been inspiring you lately?

My friends inspire me. I've been spending a lot of time stalking all of them on Pinterest. It's like a giant inspiration board. I can track the stuff my friends and fellow bloggers are inspired by.

The Inside Source: What blogs do you follow?

It's a shame, but I barely have time to read blogs anymore. There are a few that never leave my reader, though. One is Plastolux, a great modern design blog that has glorious eye candy. Also, my friend Capree has a great blog—her eye for great design and amazing color is unmatched. I also always need a good laugh, which is why I read designer Dominic Wilcox's variations on normal and the hilarious Hyperbole and a Half blog.

The Inside Source: Do you spend a lot of time hunting for blog topics, or is your inbox overflowing with specimens just waiting to be broadcast?

Jaime Derringer: I still hunt for stuff. If I spot a designer I like, I usually bookmark his or her site and go back frequently to see what's new. I also try to attend trade shows to see what's new so I can share it before the general public has a chance to see it. I receive tons of email submissions, which constitute the majority of posts, but I love to intersperse new and fresh content.

The Inside Source: Current obsessions?

Jaime Derringer: Neon, friendship bracelets (I can't stop thinking about making some but I never seem to have time!), 1950s-60s metal sculptures, brass, and white on white on white.

The Inside Source: Trend you are so over?

Jaime Derringer: Mustaches. Done. Over it. Shave 'em. Also giraffe. Ick.

The Inside Source: You recently announced you are having a baby! What are you thinking in terms of nursery decor?

Jaime Derringer: I told my husband that I wanted to design the nursery mostly for me. It sounds selfish, but I am going to be spending a lot of time in that room. Once our little girl gets old enough to form her own opinions, she'll be the boss, and I won't have much of a say in what kind of room she wants. I recently posted a nursery inspiration board, which will give you an idea of what direction I'm going in the room. The room is still a work-in-progress, but you can bet we'll be sharing the final result.

Jaime Derringer

Nursery inspiration board. Derringer is expecting her first child!

The Inside Source: Who are your favorite architects, artists, home furnishing designers, interior designers and fashion designers?

Jaime Derringer: Some of my favorite designers are those who take risks and have become pioneers in their fields—Zaha Hadid, Karim Rashid, Alexander McQueen (RIP). I love anyone that can get my heart pounding with a design. When it comes to interiors, I love the dark, brooding designs of Kelly Hoppen and the risk-taking patterned rooms of Mary McDonald.

The Inside Source: What gadgets can you not do without?

Jaime Derringer: I can't live without my MacBook. I think I could live without my iPhone, but then again, I panic when I can't find it, so I'm not sure that's a good sign.

The Inside Source: What do you splurge on? Where do you scrimp?

Jaime Derringer: I always splurge on good design, especially large items like furniture, lighting, or electronics. I think quality is really important to consider when purchasing something that you use every day. Also, art. I love affordable art, but I also think it's important to invest in art, too. I often scrimp on trendy decor, like pillows, and also on glassware and dishes. (We break stuff a lot!)

The Inside Source: Do you travel much? Where are your favorite destinations?

Jaime Derringer: I lived in San Diego for a few years, so I go back any time I have the chance. We also spend a lot of time at the Jersey Shore with family. I don't have any trips planned any time soon because of the new baby, but I hope to get back to traveling soon. I have been to lots of countries, but my favorites so far have been Morocco, Greece, and Japan.

The Inside Source: Do you collect anything?

Jaime Derringer: I collect milk carton-themed ceramics and glassware. It's a very specific collection, so it's small and manageable. I don't like clutter or too many knick-knacks lying around.

Jaime Derringer

Jaime Derringer’s milk carton collection.

The Inside Source: What came first, the collection or the name of your site?

Jaime Derringer: The site came first. The milk carton collection came later. I can give you the short answer for the name: since milk contains vitamin D, drinking milk every day gives you a daily dose of vitamin D, but in this case D stands for “Design." Design Milk is your daily dose of design!

The Inside Source: What are your favorite places to shop and hunt for treasures?

Jaime Derringer: For new stuff, I am always looking at The Vitrine, Merchant no. 4, Gretel, and Maison 203. These shops are so well-curated and the presentation of the merchandise is beautiful. The shopping experience is clean and simple, just the way I like everything! For used treasures, I'm always on the hunt on eBay and Craigslist, where I often find what I'm looking for, even if it's rare.

The Inside Source: What have you bought on eBay?

Jaime Derringer: I recently purchased a high-end DSLR camera and a few lenses on eBay. In the past I have also had success selling cameras, phones, and even clothing. My favorite thing to do is set up an alert using keywords so I can keep tabs on new listings.

Jaime Derringer pours out her eBay finds for us:

Vintage Herman Miller Eames Rosewood Lounge Chair

"A vintage Herman Miller rosewood lounge chair and ottoman. This has been on my wishlist forever!"
Mid-Century Brutalist Weinstein Nails Wall Sculpture

"A Marc Weinstein wall sculpture is right outta "Mad Men"!"
Vintage Vignelli Heller Melamine Dinnerware

"They’re perfect for casual meals. I love the lip on the edge to keep everything on the plate."
Modern Neutra Font House Numbers in Recycled Aluminum

(buy it now price, $115.99)

"I need some stylish modern house numbers and I specifically like the Neutra ones."
Canon Camera Bag

"My new Canon DSLR is heavy and I have two lenses, so I need a protective, roomy case for shooting on the go."
Doc Martens Peacock Blue Wedge Boots

(buy it now price, $125.78)

"These boots are perfect for winter, but colorful enough to wear on chilly spring days."
Swatch 1989 Authentic Basic Black

(buy it now price, $79.99)

"This is the same chunky black Swatch that I had when I was a teenager."
Moschino Black Milk Carton Coin Purse

"What a cool addition to my milk carton collection. It's so bizarre!"