Finding inspiration for your next interior design project

A cafe with a large window and bright light. Wooden tables with white chairs and large ceiling pendants

Starting on an interior design project can be both exhilarating and daunting. Whether revamping a single room or tackling an entire home, finding inspiration is key to kickstarting your creative process.

While sources like design magazines and Pinterest offer valuable insights, there's a wealth of creativity waiting to be unearthed in unexpected places. In this exploration, we'll delve into unconventional sources of inspiration, from the inviting ambience of cafés to the wanderlust-inducing landscapes of travel.

Cafés, Restaurants and Pubs

Cafés, restaurants and pubs are more than just places to enjoy a meal or a drink — they are immersive environments designed to evoke specific moods and atmospheres. Pay attention to the décor, lighting, furniture, and layout of your favourite spots.

Whether it's the cosy intimacy of a local cafe or the chic sophistication of a fine dining establishment, these spaces are most likely designed by experienced professionals and showcase expertly balanced aesthetics and functionality. Studying these venues offers valuable insights into design principles, spatial planning, material selection, and attention to detail, providing a blueprint for crafting memorable and impactful interior spaces.

Take note of the colour schemes, textures, and materials used in these venues. Consider how they contribute to the overall ambience and how you might adapt similar elements to your own design projects.

A pub setting with wooden dining tables set with glasses and cutlery

Photo credit: Amberley Black Horse

Travels and hotels

Travel opens the door to a world of inspiration. Whether you're exploring bustling cities, tranquil villages, or exotic landscapes, every destination has its own unique design story to tell. Pay attention to architectural styles, cultural traditions, and local craftsmanship as you journey from one place to another.

Draw inspiration from your travels by incorporating elements of global design into your projects. Whether it's the vibrant colours of Moroccan souks, the sleek minimalism of Scandinavian interiors, or the ornate detailing of Indian palaces, let the spirit of your favourite destinations infuse your designs with a sense of wanderlust and adventure. By weaving together elements from different cultures and traditions, you can create spaces that tell the story of your own journey.

Nature's palette

Nature serves as an endless source of harmonious colour combinations, where hues seamlessly blend and coexist in perfect balance.

Take a walk in the park, stroll along the beach, or simply observe the changing seasons from your window. Notice the colours, textures, and patterns that surround you. From the serene blues of a clear sky to the vibrant greens of lush foliage against earthy browns, nature effortlessly pairs colours that work together in harmony. Inspired by the natural world, draw upon these organic palettes to create a cohesive and visually pleasing colour scheme. Just as colours in nature naturally complement each other, incorporating these harmonious combinations into interior design schemes ensures a sense of unity and tranquillity.

Bring elements of nature indoors by incorporating biophilic design principles into your projects. Integrate natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo to add warmth and texture to your spaces. Embrace earthy tones and soft, muted hues inspired by the natural landscape. Consider incorporating living plants and greenery to infuse your interiors with a sense of vitality and connection to the outdoors.

Explore Your Personal Style

Before diving into the vast world of interior design trends, take some time to reflect on your personal style. What colours, textures, and patterns resonate with you? Are you drawn to minimalist aesthetics, or do you prefer cozy, eclectic spaces? By understanding your own tastes and preferences, you can establish a foundation for your design journey that feels authentic and true to your vision.

Trust Your Instincts

Above all, trust your instincts and intuition as you navigate the creative process. Interior design is a deeply personal endeavour, and ultimately, your instincts will guide you toward the choices that feel most authentic and meaningful to you. Embrace the journey of exploration and experimentation, and allow yourself the freedom to take risks and push boundaries in pursuit of your design vision.