Crown Paints is currently searching for the nation’s inspirations. Log on to www.whatispersonaltoyou.com and upload a picture of a favourite place or object and tell us why it inspires you and you could be in with a chance to win a personally inspired home makeover. To celebrate this great new competition I thought I would share with you this week where I get my inspiration from.

 

1. Different Eras

I often look at each era in time which presents a different culture, lifestyle, and a different style of interior design. Why must that be buried in time? I think of a time in the past — or if I’m feeling really creative — a time in the future. Think about the buildings, people, art, culture, events, and even the emotions that run through that era. Then I usually pull out shapes, colours, patterns and mood to get inspired.

 

2. Art throughout the ages

Looking at Art and Design through the ages always inspires me. For a relatively recent example: imagine post World War II. It is a well known time for reawakening, rejoicing, and individualism. At this time, abstract art came about in great numbers. A look at past (or future) art inspires me to think differently, and come up with truly unique designs.

 

3. A Look at Everything Else

I love to look into colour schemes and designs from other eras as it can give some real inspiration to colour combinations. In every era from Victorian to 50’s and 60’s retro styles you will find unique colour combinations that can relate to design and that is the key reason why we should look into it. If you explore some of these historic patterns you might just stumble upon the perfect inspiration for your room. It’s really interesting to see what combining two eras can achieve for example the 20’s with the 60’s.

 

4. Nature

One of my favourites sources of inspiration as any of my students will tell you is nature. It’s been said a thousand times, but it’s going to be said once more — nature is a great source for design inspiration. However, many designers don’t know how to look at nature in order to draw the inspiration out. I personally like to go out sketching or photographing nature up close, pick out organic forms that I can abstract into unique form or colour schemes. I can then bring them through into a full interior design project without over illustrating the basic concept.

 

5. Urban living

Quite the opposite of nature is city life. Large cities have so much variety, color, personality, and action that it’s hard for me to ignore it as a source for inspiration. If I am in a larger city like Barcelona, London, Paris or Berlin, it is difficult not be inspired by the different colours, shapes, textures and moods that surround you. I like to sit and sketch urban details or photograph new and interesting hotel interiors. Large iconic sculptures used throughout cities to promote artistry and creativity can often inspire new and fresh ideas.

 

6. Architecture

The coolest buildings always seem to be in large cities. Passing by I am inspired by their beauty and form, so I try and take that beauty and turn it into design. Whether a building is interesting because it’s incredibly tall, oddly unique, or beautifully historic, each building in a city can tell an inspirational story. I study the lines, textures, and shapes used in intriguing city architecture the more I see the more creative I can be.

 

7. Books & Magazines

Of course I always look at interior / architecture books and magazines that have great images and strategically placed content that can inspire. While a book can spark creativity for a sketch, a magazine can spark inspiration for colour, images, and layout.

 

8. Away From it All

If all else has failed, and good enough inspiration cannot be found, there’s only one place left to find it: away from it all. If I am tired and thinking too hard, I often can’t see the bigger picture so a trip home to the country is called for. Long walks around the lakes and through the forests of Lough Key near Boyle always inspires me not to mention the amazing Georgian architecture found around every corner.

 

Happy Decorating 

 

Neville