Where we draw inspiration
from to give our homes the look and style we desire comes from a vast variety
of sources. Some we’re not even aware of
when the lightbulb moment or subtle suggestion arises. Let’s look at some obvious and not-as-obvious
inspirations to tune into.
Clothing and Accessories –
You see a dress or a top in the store or on someone and think it’s really
cute. Something about its pattern or
print or texture sticks with you, and the next thing you know, something oddly
similar shows up in your shopping cart in the way of a throw pillow or bedding
piece. You may or may not even realize
the connection, but fashion just impacted your home design. The same can be said about the potential
relation between a faux alligator skin purse and a dining room chair or button
tufted ottoman as well as a chunky necklace and drawer pulls on a dresser.
Advertising – I’ve often said
I’m a marketer’s dream. Commercials and
other ads can prompt action on my part pretty easily when I am so
inclined. From buying household cleaning
products to making a trip to a department store because of something seen on
TV, we can be swayed by what is put in front of us through various media. Even the settings behind a product for sale,
like a pristine kitchen or cozy family living room, can have you thinking about
an overhaul on a small or large scale, or just incorporating a neat piece that
caught your eye.
Online Designers and
Compilers – Hitting Pinterest boards, web image searches, and not-sold-in-stores
online hot spots for goods can all be eye candy to someone looking for both
inspiration and how-tos for a project, recipe, or creative suggestion. We design a party look and menu off of
someone’s creative display they shared online.
And we find unique pieces someone’s making in their home that we have to
have, as not just anybody can pick one up on a local store’s shelf.
Seasons – Thirsty for
lemonade? Think a cold slice of
watermelon would make a great after dinner treat? There is something about the rotation of
seasons that bring back around season-specific interests that make them feel
fresh and new and totally desirable at just the right time. As we approach summer, just watch and see
what seasonal favorites you’ve gone without for several months now that start
popping up to deck out your table spread or next gathering to make it feel
totally in-season.
The mother of all inspiration
can be found just about anywhere that strikes your fancy and lends itself to
motivation in the design department. Happy Mother’s Day to those special ladies who do so
much and do it with style!
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star May 10th.
