I just returned from a business trip to Boston and thought I’d post some thoughts I had on discovering design inspiration as you travel on business, or pleasure this summer.
Many times when we travel, we get so rushed and distracted, we miss the beautiful ambiance around us that makes a trip so pleasurable. We know we “feel good” in certain places, hotels, restaurants etc. but why? Making a conscious effort to look at, and feel the mood of the setting will enhance the enjoyment, and inspire you to recreate that mood and feeling at home.
I did just that! While sitting in the massive but elegant lobby of my hotel, I let the atmosphere inspire me. I noticed the dramatic, 50 foot high, metal and wood, trussed and beamed ceiling, drawing my eye upward. Then, 4 massive but modern “Phantom of the Opera” sized chandeliers filled the volume of the heightened space. The old brick walls (the lobby used to be part of a prison built in 1851) were interrupted by, 4-story “tree” graphics, to open up, lighten, and bring depth to the space. The furnishings were transitional, groupings of white leather wing chairs with nail head trim, stood out as sculpture, amid the darker contemporary background furnishings. The lighting enhanced and directed attention to all the interest in the space . A large scale, brown and white, random-square contemporary carpet anchored, and “shook up” the space. Also the background music was upbeat contemporary vocals. And a fresh scent filled the air. It was “sensory overload” in a good way! I felt so enveloped with stylish comfort. It felt good to process and appreciate what the designers wanted me to feel.
(click on photos to enlarge)
Of course, our homes arn’t large hotel lobbies, but we can take away much from each exposure to good design. In this case, I mentally filed… tall open rooms need large scale lighting, and big wall interest. Contrasting elements in a room produce drama/tension. Adding some exciting interest underfoot will draw the attention downward. Good lighting and music will produce ambiance and mood. And so much more I noted there. Every beautiful place you visit will give you inspiring design direction, for free, if you have “eyes” to see it.
So, what does this have to do with decorating my home and where do I begin? First, be inspired by something or somewhere. From a handpainted tea cup to the Italian countryside. Something that elicits an emotion, is a place to begin. Look and feel everything around you. When you travel, things are new and exciting. Pick up on those visceral pleasures. Then translate them to how you want your home to look and feel. Doing this, brings very personal, meaningful style to your home.
Enjoy your travels and take home some great inspiration (along with the dirty laundry and a sunburn).
What inspires you?
(Photos of lobby, Liberty Hotel, Boston)
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1. Cathy, I have a friend who painted one of her rooms a nice, golden yellow — the exact shade of the wall color of a favorite restaurant. I’ve tried doing this myself — not painting the walls yellow — but having “eyes” to visualize how ordinary objects can become sources of inspiration when decorating. I have another friend who decorated her entire house around the colors found in a thrift store plate — red, gold and olive green. Her house flows beautifully, thanks to her inspiration piece. You’re probably thinking that I got my inspiration from a Dalmation wearing a red collar! LOL Hey, that black, white and red does sound striking, doesn’t it?
by Janice — 7/22/08 at 12:14 pm #
2. Oh Janice,
You’re so funny! I was drinking a coke when I read about the dalmation wearing a red collar…spit it all over my keyboard! Thanks a lot!
I think it’s great, your friends were aware of their surroundings and picked up on the inspiration they found shopping, dining and of course, you at the firehouse watching those dogs and red firetrucks…LOL.
You’ve must have recieved inspiration from somewhere for your colors and style. Go back…and see if you can connect where. Let us know after you think about it.
Can’t wait to hear this one! LOL.
by Cathy — 7/22/08 at 3:30 pm #
3. Sorry that I made you make a mess! LOL Oh, well, your keyboard probably needed a good cleaning anyway. (smiles) I’m trying to think, Cathy. Perhaps my initial inspiration came from a home tour I took many years ago. One of the homes was decorated in a style called Modern Country. I remember the living room having red carpeting and one of the chairs was upholstered in black and white checks (bold). The backsplash in the kitchen was white brick and the accessories were red. I recall one of the beds having white linens and the dust ruffle was red and white-checked. Red has always been one of my favorite colors, especially for a kitchen/dining area. That comes from my mother, who always had a red kitchen. In addition, I’ve always loved what I call “pure colors” — no muted or dusty tones for me. And, I have always liked high contrast — black and white with red, or black and white with lime green, etc. It’s the play of dark and light that I love. Thank you for making me realize why I love the colors that I do. Now, it’s your turn. Where did you get your inspiration?
by Janice — 7/22/08 at 4:32 pm #
4. See Janice you do have remembered inspiration. A home you saw made an impact on you…it felt good, it felt right, it was you. Also a wonderful memory of your mothers kitchen in red…comfort, safety, memories. All of these inputs, define our style . It’s good to get in touch with our “inner designer” LOL. Thanks for reconnecting. I’m sure it was insightful to you too.
As for me and my inspiration. It’s mostly my environment. I love color, pattern, texture, a mix of old and new, contrasting colors and elements.
The bright vibrant colors of the flora, strong sunsine, ocean, sand, sky, deep shadows and highlights all play into what inspires me and how I want to live. Living in southern California, eclecticism is the norm. A mix of styles, cultures, lifestyles…anything goes. So I guess, our environment plays a big role, but looking beyond that, you can infuse your own personality and style with what you are really drawn to.
It’s good to dig deep and find out what moves us. Thanks for the exercise.
by Cathy — 7/24/08 at 12:54 pm #
5. Indeed, it was insightful to me, Cathy. I really hadn’t realize why I was drawn to certain colors or styles until you jogged my memory. And, I thought it was because i always went for the red crayon in kindergarten! LOL
by Janice — 7/24/08 at 5:41 pm #
6. Cute Janice, now you’re going waaaaay back. Your took “color therapy”
to heart! LOL.
by Cathy — 7/25/08 at 5:09 pm #