Finding Design Inspiration

At some time or another, most of us get an itch to redesign a room in our home.  This can be very overwhelming and stressful for many.  “What do I want to do?”  “Where do I start?” 

Often, homeowners buy a new sofa or paint the room on impulse and then try to make it work. This causes more stress and may prohibit you from achieving that “put together” look you were hoping for. So what do you do?

For a truly harmonious design, you need a design inspiration that guides you to create your own look.  Look for something that gives you a feeling that you want in your own room. Look in magazines and catalogues, travel books and brochures, restaurants and hotels.  Walk through the showrooms of furniture and accessory stores, or stroll through the aisles of a really great fabric store. 

Be open-minded when you walk through showrooms, etc. Give the experience your undivided attention.  Do not talk on the phone or rush through on your way to pick up the kids. Don’t let the sales staff pressure you. 

Let this be a totally sensory experience and see what piece speaks to you. Even as a designer, I know that I have to be in the right frame of mind to make correct choices.  

If you allow yourself to be totally aware of what you are seeing, without distractions, something will grab your eye.  It may be a vignette, a piece of art, a vase, a bolt of fabric, a rug, etc.  

If you truly love it and it gives you the feeling you want to create in the room, then it can be your inspiration piece.  Take a picture of it or get a sample of the fabric and take it home to see how you like it in your setting. Everything looks different when it leaves the showroom lighting.  

Start a file or an inspiration board of things you find and love and avoid impulsive buys. When you are confident in the look you are creating, it is probably safe to begin.