Finding inspiration

When it comes to interior ‘inspiration’, you should give yourself permission to think outside the box. There are so many wonderful ways to define who you are when creating a magnificent living space. Inspiration can be found all around you!

I find that most people tend to play it safe and think that good design is about following fashions and trends. This can be a good starting point but it can also be restrictive.

You could be inspired by your life experiences; Think about places that you've been, things that you've seen, think about the things that you have found visually appealing. Think about the visual elements of these things, the colours, the textures and the shades of light and dark. You can then apply these elements as inspiration to develop your own individual style.

WHERE DO WE FIND INSPIRATION?

Architecture; historic and contemporary

Fashion design; textiles and tailoring
Retail design; window design and in-store visual display
Film and television; set, costume and production design
Fine art and artists, both contemporary and historic
Nature and the elements

One of my favourite sources of inspiration is travel. Something we have been sadly missing lately. For example, the rustic textures and styles of buildings in a foreign city or the shades of colour in the landscape of a historic garden can be so inspiring. I always take something away with me, in my memory, that I might use as inspiration in a future project.

When designing for yourself, finding your own inspiration is the best way to make your very own, absolutely personal, unique personality stamp. Be brave and trust your instincts, you might surprise yourself.

The inspiring storefront of R. H. Macey, W36 Street, New York