Inspiration
noun
“The process of being mentally inspired to do or feel something”
Let’s face it, nobody just wakes up one day with their perfect new living room design in their head. We all need ideas and images to bounce off or totally steal.
As I’m sure is the case for a lot of people, I feel most inspired when I’m overseas on holiday. When my mind, body and soul is physically removed from work, endless to-do lists and mundane chores. It’s so much easier to reflect whilst taking in the ocean rather than taking on the school run. And it doesn’t matter whether you are an artist, an interior designer or Brenda from accounts, we all need inspiration.
But we can’t just bugger off to Bali because we need to choose a new paint colour for the hallway. Sometimes we need to look closer to home to feel inspired.
So here are my tips for getting some serious interior design mojo going.
WHERE TO FIND INTERIOR DESIGN INSPIRATION
1. INSTAGRAM AND PINTEREST
Yeah, it’s pretty obvious that these are the go-to platforms for visual inspiration. Use your keywords and hashtags to seek out whatever look you are after #smallbathrooms #darkkitchens #gallerywall #wallpanelling. You’ll find every trend going and an unlimited supply of instaworthy images to motivate and inspire you. But these platforms come with a health warning. Firstly, they are not (all) real. They are carefully curated images to achieve likes and followers. All the tat is shoved aside to achieve the perfect shot. And secondly they are very trend-led, so over time they can actually become totally uninspiring. Seeing the same looks repeated over and over again can actually be a bit brain-washy. So by all means take a peak, but don’t get lost down the rabbit hole. Otherwise before you know it you’ll have the same flamingo wallpaper and pineapple lampshade as everyone else.
2. HOTELS
Now more than ever is the perfect time to visit British hotels. And the great thing about visiting British hotels is they are designed for the British climate. I don’t know how many times I’ve been seduced by hotel decor in Santorini or Marrakesh. But trying to recreate those vibes in Southampton with our dreary weather is never going to work. But if you see something you like in a hotel in Surrey then there is a very good chance that look will work in your own home.
When you’re on Booking.com look at the room images and find a decor vibe that resonates with you. If you are after a classic English look with a modern twist then visit *Limewood Hotel in Lyndhurst for your inspiration staycation (*millionaire budget required). Or if you love a contemporary, crisp vibe then try the Harbour Hotel in Southampton. Hotels are a great source of inspiration for paint colours, lighting and layout. They are all about creating a certain mood so are a good lesson in how to get the feeling of a space right.
3. RESTAURANTS
We all have a favourite restaurant, what do you love so much about yours? It’s likely to have amazing food and great service (and if you’re anything like my parents it will have ample free parking). But it’s never just about the food and the service. The decor of a space has a huge impact on the atmosphere and the feeling it creates, whether you consciously notice it or not. The colour scheme will be designed to either stimulate you or relax you. The lighting may be soft and intimate, or contemporary or industrial. The seating may be plush and luxurious or rustic and charming. The finishes may soften or heighten the acoustics. All these things will effect your overall dining experience.
So start observing and taking note. What makes you love a restaurant and more importantly what makes you hate a restaurant, this will give you an idea of what you want to copy or avoid in your own home. And always visit the toilets, a good restaurant will invest in high impact toilet decor that could be the perfect inspiration for your own downstairs loo.
4. TV AND FILM
Quality production companies spend a fortune on sourcing the right shoot locations to reflect the tone of the film and the characters who live in them. Take ‘Cold Feet’ for example, the well-observed sitcom that has us crying one minute and laughing the next. Every character is well-placed. Pete and Jenny have an unremarkable but homely and cluttered house. Karen is in her effortlessly cool period home with striking colour palette. And Adam is in his over-styled slightly uninviting bachelor pad. So next time you are absorbed in a TV drama check out the decor, because it will be partly that that is pulling you in.
I remember when I watched ‘Normal People’ I was obsessed with the decor. It was all so moody, beautiful and slightly melancholic, just like the tone of the series. I didn’t notice the sex that much because I was always obsessing over the linen bedding that was in every shot, just gorgeous!
5. NATURE
Struggling to put a colour palette together? Not sure what colours go together? Get outside and see what stimulates you. Do you find the rugged coastline in winter bleak or beautiful? Do you love the colours of spring? Does the turning colours of Autumn give you a sense of excitement and anticipation. And it’s not just the colours, it’s the textures and arrangement of patterns in nature that can be really inspiring. And if you are one of those people who believes you need symmetry to create a well designed room, just walk in the forest. Symmetry is definitely not necessary for beauty and balance.
6. FASHION
You don’t have to be ‘into fashion’ to appreciate it and learn from it. I know this from experience. I’m hopeless at putting an outfit together. I was one of those kids who dreaded mufty day (or whatever the hell it was called). You know the day when you got to wear your own clothes as if it was a treat?! The day all the cool kids would relish. Urgh, I can’t think of anything worse than being judged on my outfit. And it remains a mystery as to why I am still so bad at it. I can dress an entire room but I can’t dress myself?
Anyway. The catwalk effects pretty much everything so whether we like it or not we should sit up and pay attention. Look at how collections and outfits are put together. How colours, textures and patterns are combined. And if you’re not sure what colours to decorate just look at your own wardrobe. If you look good in blues and greens then you won’t go far wrong putting it on your walls.
So next time you need some inspiration don’t just limit yourself to your laptop or phone, you can seek out amazing interiors all around you and it’s a great excuse to visit some bars, hotels and restaurants. And if you would like someone to help you implement that inspiration then check out my services. I offer my interior design advice across Hampshire and would love to help you.
Sarah x
