If your home is starting to look rather outdated and even a bit drab, then it’s time to come up with a fresh new design that will brighten things up. You may, however, be at a loss for ideas. Don’t despair! You can find inspiration for your home’s design in many places, even places you’ve never thought to look. Consider some of the following possibilities.
Your Travels
You might find inspiration for your home in your travels. Perhaps you’ve taken one of the amazing Italy cruises recently. In that case, incorporate a Tuscan or Roman flare into your home through colors, textures and your souvenirs. Maybe you’ve recently spent some time at the beach. Then give your house a “beachy” feel with cool blues and whites and fun accessories. You’ll be able to recapture a bit of your vacation this way.
Books, Magazines and Websites
If you’re looking for home design ideas, you can never go wrong with books, magazines and websites dedicated to home improvement and decoration. You’ll see a multitude of pictures showing off new kitchens, family room ideas, bathroom remodels and much more. Most of these probably won’t fit your taste, but you might have an occasional “Ah ha!” moment. Remember that you don’t have to make your home look exactly like those inspirational photos. Use them as a starting point to get your own creativity flowing.
Your Friends and Family
Maybe you have a friend or family member with a knack for design. In that case, ask for some advice as you make your own plans. Working with another person can be a lot of fun as you explore ideas, discuss colors and styles and shop for furniture and decorations. Just make sure that the finished project is still your style, and don’t let others overwhelm you with their personal preferences.
Vintage Looks
Vintages looks can be a delightful addition to your home, at least for a room or two. You might consider turning your family room into a 1950s hang out, for instance. Pick up a vintage table and chair set, and incorporate the styles, colors and even music of the decade. It’ll be a great place to spend time together. If you own an historic home, you may want to gear your decorating to the house’s era with the proper furniture, wallpaper, window treatments and decorations.
Shops
Shopping often provides excellent inspiration for home design. Visit furniture and home decor stores, and see what strikes you. Try antique shops, too, especially if you love the vintage look. You may not be able to afford everything you find, but you’ll discover plenty of ideas.
A Special Piece
Perhaps you have a special piece of furniture or a decor item that especially strikes your fancy. It may have been handed down in your family, or it may be something you just bought but absolutely love. Then design a room around it. Use the piece’s color and style to blend in other furnishings or decorative items, paint tones and textures of rugs and window treatments. You might have a beautiful, old-fashioned dining room set, for instance, that you can use as the centerpiece of an elegant dining room, or you could design your living room around a sleek modern sectional. The possibilities are endless.
The Great Outdoors
Finally, if you love the great outdoors, then consider bringing the outdoors in as part of your home design. This might mean going for a rustic cabin feel in a room or two, or it could involve incorporating as much natural light into your home as you can. A garden window or screened-in patio with wide doors can also bring a feeling of natural freshness into your home.
Even if you feel stuck for home design ideas at the moment, they will multiply quickly when you start seriously considering these sources of inspiration. In fact, you may discover that you have too many ideas, so choose the ones that best fit your style and budget so that your home can be a unique, comfortable retreat for you and your family.