Let’s start with some very basic and familiar forms of inspiration such as home décor, or shelter magazines. What we are really doing by simply thumbing through the pages is looking for inspiration. You see something you like the look of and you say, “I could do that…” or even “I WISH I could do that…” either way, you have been inspired. Let’s say that you put down your magazine and turn on the television. HGTV, DIY, even the morning talk shows, all have interesting and inspiring information which can lead to a beautiful new project in your home.  Admittedly, these are pretty obvious but it’s only a beginning. Being inspired means that you have been so moved by something that you simply must act upon it. Maybe these magazines and tv shows are not all that intriguing to you. Maybe you need to develop a higher level of consciousness when looking for your inspiration.

Where can you find another level? How about hotel lobbies? Some of the most beautiful and interesting ideas can come from hotels. Pay close attention the next time you check in. We aren’t always in the decorating mode when we are on a trip, but this is where developing your skill of being inspired comes in. Look for it. It’s everywhere. Another place to look is in friends’ homes. Now I’m not suggesting that you copy the look of your dearest friend’s house, but she can have a few interesting ideas to draw from. Home tours at the holidays are great ways to see more than just Christmas decorations. Plan to attend the nearest Parade of Homes for the most current ideas in style.

Ok, if you are still looking for a design muse then you obviously need to go to the next level. This is where you are going to start working at it. It’s ok though, because this means that you have a higher sense of who you are and what sparks your creative spirit. You have looked at magazines and TV, you have admired others’ homes and their styles, you have gleaned every possible idea that you can claim for your own from all of the above mentioned sources and it feels like there must be more. Well, there is. You will begin to notice things that are completely out of context with home décor, such as nature and emotion. These are things that can be the greatest inspiration of all for your home if you learn to look for it. For instance, I happen to be at the beach right now, (yes, I am working on vacation) and I have to tell you that I was overcome with inspiration by the varying shades of blue and aqua that I saw as the ocean met the sky yesterday. Beautiful! Add to that the khaki colored sand and I believe this will have to be the next color scheme that I use in my own home. As for finding inspiration in emotion, I also realized that the way I feel when I am here, relaxed and content, is another element that I want to incorporate into my own home. My patio is next on my list of decorating projects and my goal is to make it feel like I’m on vacation when I’m out there!

I hope that you can learn to be inspired by everything that surrounds you. It is a wonderful thing to feel your creative juices flowing. And they will. Start looking for your decorating vision, even in the most unlikely places. You may be surprised where your ideas will come from.  And hopefully, if I have done my job, you will be inspired today just by reading this article. 

Stop by Tope's Furniture and let us help  you create your vision! We have so much to see and to choose from, it's sure to get your inspiration flowing!