Where Do You Find Design Inspiration?

Design inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places, or it can come directly from the pages of a design magazine. Creativity, fluid and unique to each individual, is often inspired by something that resonates with us on a personal level; perhaps it reminds us of our childhood, or a favorite vacation spot. When the muse calls it’s important to listen to our inner voice and follow the path toward our individual vision. Creating a space for our families to live, and filling that space with interest and inspiration is an art form, just like painting, drawing, or sculpting. Creating and recreating our homes to reflect our personalities is a form of self-expression. We recently asked our clients where they go to seek design inspiration.

Design Magazines, Websites, and Television Shows

Kitchen and Bath News is a popular destination for our clients who are looking for inspiration in the pages of magazines; Southern Living was another favorite. HGTV and the Nate Berkus show were top picks for television. Pottery Barn was a top pick for both showroom floors and magazine inspiration ideas. 

“Picker Sisters” on the Lifetime Network combines design with the latest treasure hunting/reality TV craze (Pawn Stars, American Pickers). You can see video excerpts and get tips for treasure hunting for interior design on the Picker Sisters’ website.

Designers and Friends

Feedback is important, and clients cited other artists and designers as people from whom they seek advice and opinions on design decisions. Some of our clients cited spouses or friends who have similar interests as their go-to person to bounce ideas off.

Another client, also a designer, told us she prefers to keep her ideas between client and designer. For some, keeping things simple means keeping the loop small; too much input can muddy the waters.

Travel

Travel was high on the list for clients seeking inspiration. Travel allows us not only to see new trends and ways of designing, but often provides us with the opportunity to see the world from a completely new perspective. 

Other Areas of Inspiration

Sometimes inspiration is found in less obvious places, like a dream! One client told us she occasionally wakes up with an idea that came to her in her sleep. 

Interior design lovers are in luck, as there is currently an amazing objet d’art exhibition showing at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. You can view Life and Luxury: The Art of Living in 18th Century Paris between now and January 2, 2012. Move through the life of an 18th century Parisian household room-by-room, and see some 180 objects—textiles, lighting, furniture, and more—for a glimpse at another time and place. What objets d’art from your home will end up in a museum exhibit 400 years from now?