Finding Design Inspiration | A Designer’s Top Sources for Design Inspiration
As a professional interior designer, I know the importance of seeking inspiration when it comes to creating a space that truly reflects your unique style and personality. Design inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, from nature and art to architecture and fashion, fueling creativity and influencing the spaces we create. Whether you're embarking on a new design project or simply looking to refresh your existing space, finding design inspiration is an essential part of the creative process. Below are my top five sources of design inspiration that go beyond scrolling the internet, to help you unleash your inner designer and bring your vision to life!
01. Design Books, Magazines, and Different Designers
Whether you're looking for home design ideas, inspiration for a specific project, or simply want to learn more about design in general, design books and magazines are a great place to start. Studying the works of various designers can expand your vision, by exposing you to diverse styles, and fuel your creativity. Take the time to immerse yourself in the pages of publications dedicated to interior design and architecture. Explore the stories behind stunning projects, discover new trends, and draw ideas from the innovative approaches of other designers.
02. Browse Boutique Shops
Boutique shops are a hidden oasis for design enthusiasts. These carefully curated spaces offer a wealth of inspiration, showcasing unique furniture, accessories, and decor items. Take a leisurely stroll through local boutiques, noting the design elements that catch your eye. Pay attention to color combinations, textures, and types of materials used. These independent shops often reflect the latest design trends and seeing their distinctive displays can help you envision your own space in a similar style.
03. Attend Art & Design Expos and Events
Attending art and design expos and events provides an immersive experience that can ignite your creativity and provide a wealth of new design ideas! Witness the fusion of art and design, as artists experiment with new materials and forms, when exploring exhibitions featuring contemporary art or sculpture. Attending trade shows or gallery openings is another way that you can experience and connect with other creatives. These events expose you to emerging talents and cutting-edge design trends that can be translated into your own projects. As an added bonus, you might also find a one-of-a-kind piece of art to highlight and personalize your space.
04. Exploring New Restaurants and Traveling to New Places
Finding inspiration outside the traditional design realm can lead to fresh and unexpected ideas. Visiting new restaurants allows you to immerse yourself in different design styles while enjoying culinary delights. Take note of lighting fixtures, seating arrangements, and color combinations that evoke a particular ambiance.
Similarly, traveling to other places, whether local or abroad, provides an opportunity to explore various architectural styles, cultural influences, and design aesthetics. Seek out places where you might find the inspiration you need. If you want your home to have a natural, coastal vibe, visit the beach for a long weekend. While you are there, gather inspiration from nature, local stores, and restaurants. Or, maybe you prefer a more modern farmhouse aesthetic, or an earthy, Scandinavian vibe? Seek out restaurants or destinations that feature those elements. Absorb the atmosphere, capture the essence of the spaces you encounter, and let them inspire your design direction.
05. Connect to Nature
Finally, one of my favorite sources of design inspiration is simply being outdoors and connecting with nature. Nature has long been a wellspring of inspiration for designers. Spending time outdoors, whether going for a run, hiking in the woods, taking a leisurely walk along the beach, or simply spending time in your garden, can rejuvenate the mind and spark creativity. I often seek inspiration for my earthy, coastal design style from the grounding elements found in nature, such as the relaxing colors of the ocean, the delicate beauty of flowers, or the calming scent of lavender. Incorporating fresh flowers or sprigs of eucalyptus can add a sense of tranquility to your space while also introducing organic textures. Incorporating such elements from nature often creates an inviting, relaxing, and timeless space.
Finding design inspiration by exposing yourself to a variety of different design ideas and styles, will help you come up with new and unique ideas for your own projects. Seeking inspiration can also help you make design decisions and find solutions that you may not have otherwise considered. There are countless ways to incorporate your design inspiration into your space, from choosing the right color scheme and lighting fixtures to selecting the right materials and hardware. You can bring your vision to life and create a space that is both beautiful and functional by staying open to new ideas and seeking different design inspiration from these five amazing sources of inspiration.