How to take Interior Design Inspiration and Make it Your Own
Introduction
So often people will bring me inspiration images and say “ I want my room to look exactly like this photo.” The answer is almost alway no. Well, that may sound harsh but here is the truth most magazines won't tell you. The room in the photo is highly curated, professionally styled, and usually has a completely different architectural design than your average american home. Do you find yourself lost in a sea of design ideas, unsure which one you should use and afraid to copy someone's design? Do you find yourself spending hours scrolling through Pinterest and Houzz only to come up empty-handed? Or maybe you're a designer trying to tie together multiple projects in your portfolio. Whatever the case may be, this article is for all of us who want to find that perfect blend between color, furniture and more!
Here is how to take that inspiration image and make it your own.
Start with a color palette
What colors are you drawn to in the images? Do you like the wall color, rich jewel toned accent pillows or the color of the sofa? How color is used in a space it key.
When you're starting to design your space, it's important to choose a color palette. You can do this in one of three ways:
Choose a single color that will be the basis for everything else in your room or home. This is especially helpful if you want an eclectic look with lots of different patterns and textures--just make sure that they all work together well!
Decide on a range of hues within each shade family (warm versus cool). If you're not sure where to start on this one, try using our color wheel tool below!
Gather inspiration: Look for inspiration in home decor magazines, online platforms such as Pinterest or Instagram, or even in nature. Find images that you are drawn to and take note of the colors that catch your eye.
Consider the mood: Think about the mood you want to create in the space. Do you want it to feel calm and relaxing or vibrant and energetic? Different colors can evoke different emotions, so consider what kind of atmosphere you want to create.
Choose a dominant color: Select a dominant color that will set the tone for the space. This can be a bold or neutral color, depending on your personal style and the mood you want to create.
Choose accent colors: Once you have a dominant color, choose one or two accent colors to complement it. These can be different shades or tints of the dominant color, or contrasting colors that work well together.
Test the colors: Test the colors you have selected by painting small swatches on the walls or using color samples. This will help you see how the colors look in the space and how they interact with each other.
Consider lighting: Lighting can affect how colors look in a space, so consider the direction and intensity of natural and artificial light in the room. Test the colors under different lighting conditions to ensure they look good in all situations.
Use the color wheel: The color wheel can be a helpful tool when selecting a color palette. Analogous color schemes use colors next to each other on the wheel, while complementary color schemes pair colors opposite each other. Experiment with different combinations to find the right color palette for your space.
2. Consider your space
When you're looking for the perfect style, there are a few things to consider. First, think about how much space you have. If it's an open floor plan and your kitchen or living room is connected by large sliding glass doors, then maybe it's time to look into some sleek modern furniture that will fit in perfectly with your decor. If you live in an apartment with very little square footage, perhaps buying something like a modular sofa would be better suited for your lifestyle--it can be configured in various ways to maximize your space.
Size and Scale:
One of the most important things to consider when selecting furniture is the size and scale of the pieces. You want to choose furniture that fits the space well and doesn't overwhelm the room. Be sure to measure the room and consider the layout of the space when selecting furniture. Avoid overcrowding the room by choosing furniture that is appropriately sized for the space.
Style and Design:
The style and design of your furniture should reflect your personal style and complement the overall aesthetic of your space. Consider the existing decor in the room and choose furniture that will work well with it. If you're going for a modern look, choose furniture with clean lines and simple designs. If you prefer a more traditional look, opt for furniture with more ornate details.
Function and Comfort:
It's important to select furniture that not only looks good but is also comfortable and functional. Consider how you will use the space and choose furniture that meets those needs. For example, if you spend a lot of time in your living room, choose comfortable seating options that allow you to relax and unwind. If you need storage in your bedroom, choose furniture that has built-in storage options.
Another thing worth considering is whether or not this new piece will work well with other pieces already in place at home (or work). Do the colors match? Does one style complement another? Is there enough contrast between each item so as not to overpower each other but also mix well together aesthetically speaking?
3. What are your statement pieces? Go big or go small!
When you're trying to design a space, it can be helpful to think about the furniture as the center of attention. Based on your inspiration images, what furniture catches your eye? Consider the following:
Determine your style: Before you start shopping, it's important to have a clear idea of your personal style. This will help you narrow down your choices and make it easier to find pieces that will work well in your space.
Focus on one or two key pieces: Rather than trying to make every piece in your room a statement piece, focus on one or two key items that really stand out. This could be a bold piece of artwork, a unique piece of furniture, or a colorful rug.
Consider color and texture: Statement pieces are often defined by their color or texture. Look for items that have bold or unique color combinations, or that feature interesting textures or patterns.
Mix and match: Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles and textures to create a unique look. For example, you might pair a modern sofa with a vintage rug, or a traditional coffee table with a contemporary piece of art.
Don't forget about lighting: Lighting can also be a statement piece in a room. Consider adding a dramatic chandelier, a colorful table lamp, or a unique floor lamp to your space.
Take your time: Finding the perfect statement pieces for your room may take time, so don't rush the process. Be patient and keep an open mind as you explore different options and ideas.
For example, if you want your living room sofa to be the focal point of the room, then go big! If you want something else--maybe an accent chair or lamp--to draw attention away from other parts of your home (like if there's too much clutter), then go small.
4.Choose a Material That's Versatile, But Unique to You.
The next step is to choose a material that's versatile, but unique. This can be tricky because it seems like there are so many options out there when it comes to materials for your home. If you're looking for something durable and long lasting, think about wood floors or stone countertops--both of which can withstand wear and tear over time. When it comes down to choosing the right material for your space, think about what fits with your lifestyle: do you have kids or pets? Do they need a lot of maintenance? Are they messy eaters who will leave crumbs everywhere? Are there going to be spills on this surface often? These questions should help guide how much maintenance each particular surface requires so that when it comes time for repairs or replacements down the road (which inevitably happens), they won't break your bank account!
5. Use Light Effectively.
Light is a powerful design tool. Lighting is essential in creating the atmosphere and mood of a room. It can highlight key design elements, provide warmth and comfort, and even affect our mood and well-being. With the right lighting, a space can be transformed from dull and uninviting to vibrant and welcoming, making it an essential element in any home design. Based on your inspiration consider the following:
Where is the lighting placed in the room and how can you do that in your own space.
What is the purpose of the room? Consider how you plan to use your living room. Will it be a space for relaxing and reading, entertaining guests, or watching TV? The answer to this question will help you determine the type of lighting you need.
What is the mood or atmosphere you want to create? Think about the mood or atmosphere you want to create in your living room. Do you want it to be cozy and intimate, or bright and energizing? Different types of lighting can help you achieve different moods.
What is the existing decor and design scheme of the room? Consider the existing decor and design scheme of your living room. The lighting you choose should complement and enhance the overall look and feel of the space. For example, if you have a modern, minimalist design, you may want to choose simple, sleek lighting fixtures, while if you have a more traditional or rustic design, you may want to opt for warmer, more natural-looking lighting.
Here are some examples of how light affects the way we perceive spaces:
Conclusion
With these tips, you can take design inspiration from anywhere and make it your own. You don't have to be SO afraid of copying someone else's ideas--in fact, doing so a little can be a great way to get started on your own décor project! Take the best parts of your inspiration and focus on how you can create similar vibes in your own home.
Remember that every room is unique, so don't feel like there are any hard-and-fast rules when it comes time to choose colors or furniture styles. But by starting off with some guidelines like these ones here (or maybe even just one), you'll find yourself well on the path towards decorating success before long.