“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious..” Stephen Hawking. The first time I really picked up a camera, I read somewhere to look up, find inspiration in architecture, objects, light reflection and small pieces. I use my eye to look around a corner to seek the unexpected, this is what inspires my decor. When decorating or renewing a space, there are many blogs, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media to find instant snapshots. There are additional ways to create your visual focus and to define your style. Here are my favourites.
Store Displays
Creating fashion or homewares store window displays is an art. You need knowledge in colour and balance, avoiding or intentionally using ‘black holes’, be confident in asymmetry and know when to stop and walk away. Something artists understand. Walk past small and large window and floor displays, even fashion, and take snapshots of colour, fabrics to narrow down your style. Some of my favourites include:
Berlin
- Zara Home
- Rahaus
- IKEA
- KaDeWe
- Sisley Fashion
- & Other Stories
- Butlers
- Depot
- Bikini Berlin
- Stilwerk
New York
- ABC Homewares
- Restoration Hardware
- West Elm
- Crate & Barrel
- Pottery Barn
- Anthropologie
- Monaco Fashion
- Chelsea Market
- J Crew
France
- Maison du Monde
- Galeries Lafayette
- Le Bon Marché
- Le Marais
Flea-markets
A flea market, brocante or flohmarkt, is like a treasure hunt and a favourite past time. You are seeking something special and may or may not find it. It is a place for interior inspiration not only for the objects but for the displays of decor. I love walking through the stalls, one eye on a prize and the other on a photo. Mixing and matching the old with the new, the ornate with the plain is my style. Some seek only the modern and others seek shabby chic. Write down or photograph the pieces that you like – it will help filter down to your key style. Don’t be afraid to repaint a chair, a table or use a wine glass for a vase, a glass bowl for jewelry. I love to collect old 1940s prints and have been able to find fashion plates for 20 euros.
Magazines
There are many designer interior magazines however, it is easy to decorate with money not being an issue. I prefer those that offer simple ideas within a budget. When first decorating a place or room, I cut out pieces and pictures that I like and put them in a folder. Don’t ignore what comes through your mail, check out general magazines including adverts.
The Adhoc
Keep an eye out in places you wouldn’t normally consider. I have found chic smokey plastic shampoo dispensers in the local drug store, two white Chinese tables in an Asian market and pretty containers in a local tea shop. Looking forward to hearing about your interior inspirations!
