What are some of your sources of inspiration when approaching a design challenge in your home?

Question

Using a mix of neutrals, honey-colored woods, and pops of wave-crested blues, the Amalfi Coast is the inspiration for the color palette of my new hotel project, The Fairfax in South Beach. It's beachy and easy, but with a certain elegance.

Answer 1

Hi, Todd. I am an artist as well and what inspires me in my surroundings is usually what I am "into" at the time. I look for really different offbeat looks to enjoy. Nothing like anyone else would have, and that includes influences in my fave books, music, comic books....I look for things that reflect my attitudes and make sure that however I decorate or furnish, it can be changed or altered easily to accomodate my ever-changing moods... but I never shy from bold colour pallettes as these can be worked around for me. Light purple hue walls in the bedroom can look quite different just by changing my bed linen colours. Throw on a light balsam or olive green spread and sheer drapes and i have springtime. Use red and i have my arabian nights look... basic pieces of furniture with strong lines are my fave centerpieces to work around and the look of that will inspire me further!!!

Answer 2

On the show I really really disliked the stark, cold white bedroom the judges chose. I would have frozen to death in a room like that; a bedroom needs some warmth, other than the bodies that are in it. And the dining room, likewise, was too starkly modern and didn't leave room for comfortable seatin just a part of a room, that doesn't quite work for some reason. Maybe a chair is too big and blocks part of a pathway, or there's too much clutter, the purpose of the room isn't sufficiently utilized or even just the wrong light in the wrong spot. This is immediately followed by a complete overhaul done with the most taste I can muster based on eliminating the original dysfunction and trying not to create anymore, while still pulling together the colors and general feel that would compliment that room's purpose best. That is to say I completely demolish my surroundings, and then put them back together in a satisfying manner. Most people find it initially terrifying, but I'm always satisfied with the end result.g and conversation;

Answer 3

What triggers it is functionality. I'll have a room, or just a part of a room, that doesn't quite work for some reason. Maybe a chair is too big and blocks part of a pathway, or there's too much clutter, the purpose of the room isn't sufficiently utilized or even just the wrong light in the wrong spot. This is immediately followed by a complete overhaul done with the most taste I can muster based on eliminating the original dysfunction and trying not to create anymore, while still pulling together the colors and general feel that would compliment that room's purpose best. That is to say I completely demolish my surroundings, and then put them back together in a satisfying manner. Most people find it initially terrifying, but I'm always satisfied with the end result.

Answer 4

I have made VERY expensive mistakes by decorating without having a solid plan, ended up with expensive furniture that I cannot stand, and colors that don't match or create a great feeling. SO... I created an "inspiration book". I go through design magazines, even some catalogs, love travel magazines too.. and I rip out pictures that catch my eye..of colors, patterns, furniture, detail touches, space saving ideas, how to advice... I tape them into my book (that way I don't have a massive pile of mags. sitting around). I also make notes IE: like the chair but in this color... In addition If I saw something inspirational I write a brief about it, so I don't forget the details. I actually use this book quite a bit to go through at a slower pace- and can plan out any changes I make. Right now I am redecorating the boys rooms. I took time to plan the whole project. I feel confidently that it will look great, have a better use of space, won't get "old" in a couple of years, and most imp. they will love their new rooms. I can't afford to make expensive/impulse mistakes, and now I know I won't!!This is immediately followed by a complete overhaul done with the most taste I can muster based on eliminating the original dysfunction and trying not to create anymore, while still pulling together the colors and general feel that would compliment that room's purpose best. That is to say I completely demolish my surroundings, and then put them back together in a satisfying manner. Most people find it initially terrifying, but I'm always satisfied with the end result.

Answer 5

I have a number of inspirations...all small, but meaningful. The first is a 3" by 3" tile I found at a garage sale. My living room already reflected one color found on the tile (a mustardy yellow) and the other colors (navy, a sea foam grean and a terra cotta) were so nice together that I picked it up. It sits on my kitchen window sill and for less than a dollar I have a whole house inspiration tool! Two other items I look at frequently are a poster/photo of two toys and a window. The toys are a shot of bobble head dolls- a mucha lucha character (in the background) and a spaceman (foreground). It hangs in my living room and was the inspiration for using old toys (mostly my own!) as accessories throughout the room. My children add to the toy collection all the time! The last item I use for inspiration is a stained glass window I picked up at a craft fair a few years ago. The window came from an old home being rehabbed for Habitat for Humanity. Apparently the windows were too old to save and the colored glass ones were sold. The window has some of the same color shades as the tile I described above and most of my first floor (kitchen, living room, dining room) reflect the tones and depth...dark red, a sea foam green, and the mustardy yellow. I feel confident that the colors are right for my family...first because we like them, and second because friends and family always comment on how nice the house is. Positive feedback is always a motivator! Anytime I find myself wondering what to do next, I look to those items.

Answer 6

Inspiration when you are considering designing a space can come from anywhere or anything. However, most people limit themselves and don't express themselves and let creativity flow. They are afraid of....what if it doesn't turn out...or what will people think....? We need to be true to our inner self. We need to most of all trust our instincts. That is the only way we will be an "individual" and unique. What is important is that you relate to the design...and most importantly how does it make you "feel" when entering a completed room you designed. I love the finished product. I am very passionate about design and decorating. I love architecture and surprise elements. I like to decorate in neutrals and in layers and add color for the accents so when I tire or want to change a look in a room it is not difficult or expensive. Right now I am into the "primitive", antique look...woods not too decorated or dark. Color palette is the key I believe. I have been inspired from a pillow, Pier One store, a picture in a magazine, a scenic view, a piece of material, bedspread and a picture I had purchased. Always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are or where you go. I am always looking for inspiration.

Answer 7

If I see an object and love it for example a traffic light from Mexico I bought (that works and was once used to direct traffic), I work around 'it', not the other way around. Blah, Blah, Blah blue and tan -everyone uses those colors for beach themes. Try finding objects that truly define the Amalfi Coast and then go from there. Colors you thought were not possible seem to emerge. This will make the ordinary, safe, and stale project original and truly inspiring. A place that feels like you are really there , never want to leave, and certainly come back for. Isn't that the goal?
Please don't use cheesy beach chair and sand pictures, find some original photography that someone has done, maybe from there, frame it instead. It can still be elegant yet inviting.
You want to shine, not be like everyone else, right?

Answer 8

I would have frozen to death in a room like that; a bedroom needs some warmth, other than the bodies that are in it. And the dining room, likewise, was too starkly modern and didn't leave room for comfortable seatin just a part of a room, that doesn't quite work for some reason. Maybe a chair is too big and blocks part of a pathway, or there's too much clutter, the purpose of the room isn't sufficiently utilized or even just the wrong light in the wrong spot. This is immediately followed by a complete overhaul done with the most taste I can muster based on eliminating the original dysfunction and trying not to create anymore, while still pulling together the colors and general feel that would compliment that room's purpose best. That is to say I completely demolish my surroundings, and then put them back together in a satisfying manner. Most people find it initially terrifying, but I'm always satisfied with the end result.g and conversation;

Answer 9

I have made VERY expensive mistakes by decorating without having a solid plan, ended up with expensive furniture that I cannot stand, and colors that don't match or create a great feeling. SO... I created an "inspiration book". I go through design magazines, even some catalogs, love travel magazines too.. and I rip out pictures that catch my eye..of colors, patterns, furniture, detail touches, space saving ideas, how to advice... I tape them into my book (that way I don't have a massive pile of mags. sitting around). I also make notes IE: like the chair but in this color... In addition If I saw something inspirational I write a brief about it, so I don't forget the details. I actually use this book quite a bit to go through at a slower pace- and can plan out any changes I make. Our landlord would not let us paint and I loathe looking at White plaster walls. So here is what we did. I found a large fabric retailer that was going out of business and raided them. I bought a couple of very large boxes of cornstarch, washed and dried the fabrics, and made a paste using the cornstarch and water. Basically, I wallpapered with the fabric! And the great thing is, the fabric literally washes right off the wall! The landlord will never be the wiser!

Answer 10

I'll have a room, or just a part of a room, that doesn't quite work for some reason. Maybe a chair is too big and blocks part of a pathway, or there's too much clutter, the purpose of the room isn't sufficiently utilized or even just the wrong light in the wrong spot. This is immediately followed by a complete overhaul done with the most taste I can muster based on eliminating the original dysfunction and trying not to create anymore, while still pulling together the colors and general feel that would compliment that room's purpose best. That is to say I completely demolish my surroundings, and then put them back together in a satisfying manner. Most people find it initially terrifying, but I'm always satisfied with the end result.

Answer 11

Use an eclectic method, find many different bases you want to start from. The colors, hues, types of wood. Get far more ideas and samples then you really need. Once you have them all step back and from a logical perspective find the items that have a common theme. Discard items that are there simply because you like them, if they clash with the rest of the theme, pitch them.

Perhaps the woods and colors you choose could be narrowed down to a woodland area feel. Warm, green inviting with an earthen tone for balance. Or maybe a relaxing blend of blues, pastel tones, soft woods, and natural curves.

Since you already have the materials and a theme in mind, the best inspiration is the backdrop to the location of the building. Simply work the colors, passagways, and structure into a harmonious blend of their surroundings. Simple, elegant and inviting.