Even when you’re hiring a designer, the best ideas need inspiration, and it can be helpful to get things off to a good start by bringing to the design colours, pictures, trinkets, or even items of furniture that you love. Whether it comes from incredible architecture or even a small souvenir, new ideas often come from what we already have. But coming up with your ‘interior design muse’ can be difficult.
I found myself in this situation while trying to settle on a new look for my lounge. I had no idea where to start – I needed inspiration! My designer suggested that I look at art collections and take “tours” on Houzz, but neither of these stimulated or inspired me. Finally, out of desperation, I wandered up into the attic and an old needlepoint rocker lured me closer. I had inherited this antique from my great aunt many years before, but it never quite felt at home in my traditional setting. I was captivated by its design and colours like never before and I knew I had found my inspiration.
Carol
Raleigh, NC
For me, inspiration came from an old piece of art that was a sculpture made of metal with a heavy patina, which has striking streaks of purple through it. I made the bold call to paint the living room in purple and use brass/gold throughout the decor, all based on this initial germination of an idea.
Perhaps a surprise is waiting for you in an art store or museum, a friend’s home or even hidden in another room of your own place. It might be sitting on the kitchen counter or hanging from your ceiling, but finding that inspiration will motivate the project or design into being!
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