Inspiration: How to Find Inspiration in Your Decorating

Inspiration will come to you in many shapes and forms and from places you never thought to look, both near and far away. But you have to fill your life with experiences and always be on the look out.

Here are some helpful tips to make you more aware of your ever-changing surroundings:

Look at designs on silverware and other flatware - or a favorite valentine card or art image. This beautiful original image was created by my long time friend, Sandy Cox. Look at how many interesting colors you could pull from in just this one image. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to find very interesting shapes and intricate patterns that might give you ideas.
Visit a great hotel. Check out the rooms, the grounds, the architecture.
Look at art books. Research artists and movements. Look for trends or periods and how you can modernize something old into something new.
Visit showrooms. Even if you can't buy anything, look for twists and ideas from the past.
Notice the colors of food and your favourite meals. Use these colors in a room. Hmmm. Appetizing.
Visit a local museum. Borrow ideas from artists and create your own art. Make it big and bold and express yourself.
Visit a linen store. Look at the colors, patterns, how designers mix and match. Create your own special blend.
Go hiking or take a walk in your local park. Look at the sky. Study the trees. Walk through your neighborhood in the spring and look at the flowers.
Drive to a neighboring town or city. Visit the art galleries.
Study various art mediums, especially palette knife and brush work. Think of how you can incorporate those strokes onto your walls.
Know yourself. There are many, many styles in home decorating that are stunning and beautiful. But I could not live with them. Know what you love. It is different from what you "like". You should "love" it before you try to "live with it".

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