Image via Swiss Miss

Over the past year, fashion blogs have finally taken a huge leap in gaining industry credibility. Bloggers are carving a spot for themselves among the fashion media and reaping the benefits, some of them even being invited to sit front row at major fashion shows.

The Times has just released a list of the Top 50 Design Blogs of the World, proving that it’s not just the fashion industry that’s taking notice of these independent blogs.

As I’m still sick in bed I’ve had the time to briefly glance at all of them – at least I think I did – and it’s a wonderful collection of design musings by passionate people based all across the world. Great if you’re ever in need of some interior design tips that aren’t out of an IKEA or Pottery Barn catalogue.

Here’s a few of my favourites: (these are The Times’ descriptions…)
49.Fabric of My Life: Musings and photo collages from a London interior stylist.
47. Pillar Box Post : London style and observations from an American ex-pat.
37. Simplesong: Design favourites with a clean and simple quality.
36. Oh So Beautiful Paper: Wedding invitations and inventive stationery ideas.
31. Making it Lovely : Feminine favourites, independent design and home decoration.
29. Fine Little Day: Quirky Scandinavian style from a Swedish designer and photographer.
21. Design for Mankind: Featuring edgy graphic and product design, this blog has a brilliant video series highlighting issues facing creative freelancers.
14. Swiss Miss: Unique ideas and products picked by a Swiss graphic designer living in New York.
9. Creature Comforts Featuring Flickr favourites and promoting handmade design, this blog’s layout is itself a visual treat.
3. The Selby: (This has been a personal favourite of mine for ages! Must-see!) Uber-cool photographs of creative people in their living spaces, taken by photographer Todd Selby.
1. Apartment Therapy: Every aspect of interior design is covered in this American mega-blog, with the useful option of posing your design dilemmas to its readers.