Every time you pass through your kitchen, you get the itch to renovate. The countertops, faucet flooring and cabinets are crying out for a refreshed look. You’re excited about the prospect of starting from scratch with a whole new look, but it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. If you need some seriously stylin’ ideas for your design plan, here are some places you might not have considered. Remember to bring your camera along to document your favorite ideas!
Nature and Nurture
Designers at Delta find inspiration in nature (hello, Tesla butterfly), and you can, too! Spend some time at a local botanical garden or nature trail and notice what colors jump out at you. Delighted by the orange fish in a koi pond? Digging the dreamy blue sky over your favorite lake? The colors that delight you most, as well as the textures of trees and patterns in wood, will help you determine your personal style.
Around Town
Most towns have historic buildings and homes, some of which might be on the National Register of Historic Places. If they’re open to the public, these spaces can inspire and inform your next project. Look for local landmarks or cultural neighborhoods to uncover unique aesthetics and inspiration. If you snap photos, you can shop for items that emulate the décor you’ve discovered. For example, this group of bloggers recently took a trip to Chicago to look for inspiration for kitchen and bath design.
Come Stay Awhile
Here’s another fantastic trend that makes it easy to discover what you love: Hotel rooms have become “shoppable” show rooms at boutique hotels like the Parachute Hotel in Venice, California or 21C Hotels nationwide. These chic spaces feature items (art, furniture, fixtures and linens) that you can enjoy for a night and then order for your own home. The beautifully styled room you admired on vacation can now be replicated, right down to the placement of the furniture.
Open House
You’ve driven past that gorgeous Victorian gingerbread house on your way to work a thousand times and have always wondered what it looks like on the inside. Open houses and home tours, especially popular around the holidays, are your opportunity to peep on the décor and stylings of homes in your town. If the owners are present, you can ask where they got that gorgeous chandelier or beverage cart.
Designer for a Day
Do you feel you could use some professional input on how to style your home? Want to know which kitchen floor plan would work best for your space? Some interior designers are available for quick consultations and can give you a fantastic starting point. You’ll benefit from the designer’s experience and come away with a more solid idea of how your project should look when finished.
Sure, there’s an endless supply of images online and in design magazines, but now you know how to find inspiration for your next home renovation or remodel by stepping out for adventures of your own. Pay attention to your reaction to different styles and settings — your heart will flutter when you see something you like. Inventive and creative uses of space can easily be translated into your home, so keep your eyes peeled for your next design muse.