Inspiration can come from anywhere! A spill of coffee over a stack of paper leaves them perfectly aged and makes you think of days past. A nature hike can reveal to you a spider’s web spun into the most perfect intricate circle. An art gallery tour can leave you in awe as you view a painting that speaks to your soul. These are all introductions to inspiration. Interior designers use this skill to translate great design to spaces. The mind’s “eye” can be trained to see things from new and interesting perspectives. Let’s talk about how you can find design inspiration for your interiors from the world around you. Do you fancy yourself an amateur photographer? Photography is an art, but professional photographers know all the tips and tricks to let their tools make their creations into something magical. One place to look for personal design inspiration is on your camera roll. Scroll through your photos on your smart device and see if you spot a pattern or a subject theme. These hints subtly tell you what you’re drawn to. Is it a particular color or maybe even a shape? Do you keep seeing circles in all the things around you? Use this information to help you make your spaces more you. Paint a room the color of your favorite tree in fall that you take a picture of each year. Buy accessories with a circular theme and place them in your room. Doings these simple things will make you connect to your space. Are you a collector? Do you have a tray, box or jar of items that you just love and don’t know why they attract you? Analyze the objects. What do they have in common? How do they make you feel? What memories do they evoke? Carefully look at the textures, the materials and remember where you found them. For example, all the objects may be things found in nature; rocks, leaves, a piece of string caught on a branch, an old penny. Use these items as your starting point for a design. Find a piece of wood furniture that reminds you of tree bark. Paint the walls blue, the color of the sky. Find a cozy throw made of naturally soft sheep’s wool. Interpret your collected objects into tangible design elements. Is doing this exercise overwhelming to you? Then create limitations. Set boundaries for your design. Boundaries do not negate creativity. Boundaries and limitations make you think outside the box. Maybe you like a monochromatic design. Challenge yourself to create a space using only shades of one color. Think this is impossible? Look at nature again. How many shades of green do you see outside your window right now? Or is money a barrier? Set a budget! Monetary limits will force you to put all your other resources to work. Create your own artwork. Thrift furniture. Break out the power tools and build something you’ve only seen in your imagination. By limiting your design, you open up the possibility for greatness. Our team is skilled in helping you use your interests and inspirations to create beloved spaces. Let us help you find what makes you happy. Maybe you might even inspire others.

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Stylishly yours,

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The Chelsee Sowder Design Team

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