Before you begin a renovation project of any kind it’s important to spend the time to seek out inspiration – and educate yourself as to what inspires you, what moves you, and what speaks to you and your family’s wants and needs.
So where do you find this inspiration?
Start With Print – The 2D Experience
The obvious resources such as books, magazines, online design sites, blogs and digital magazines are the easiest and most accessible. These particular sources are terrific for details and overall themes, and design aesthetics of spaces within a home.
It could be a window style, a staircase detail, or a paint color you’re in love with. Just print pages and immediately note what you’re drawn to. Be specific. Is it the 6-burner stainless steel stove, the gorgeous entry doors, the cabinet detail or the sophisticated outdoor living space that you can’t live without?
Collect these ideas and begin your “Inspiration” File. This is a great start – yet it’s only 2-Dimensional inspiration. From these pages it’s extremely difficult to experience the physical feeling volume and space.
Venture Out – The 3D Experience
Get yourself out there into your community and walk into some open houses in and around your neighborhood.
Seeing and
feeling the way others live and the ideas they’ve implemented into their homes may actually inspire you in some way.
The 3-Dimensional experience of physically walking into a home and experiencing the environment provides a truer perspective.
How do the homes of your friends who share similar lifestyles to yours feel – and how could you implement those “must haves” into your home and make them your own?
Drive around and notice the homes’ exteriors as well.
Are there certain rooflines you feel will complement your proposed addition? What about the façade and the materials they’ve used? Is it board and batten siding you love for that cottage feel or concrete and wood for the contemporary design you’re drawn to?
In fact just yesterday after a site meeting, I hopped into the car with my client and took a quick drive through her gorgeous neighborhood looking at porch, trellis and pergola details – which we will be incorporating into her home as well. It really is the best way to see the plethora of design options and details in a 3 dimensional environment.
Take as many digital photos as you can, print them out immediately and write while your thoughts are still fresh and your memory sharp – and be specific with what inspired you. Then pop then into that file!
Finally, don’t forget the “Shows”!
- Home Builder Shows
- Kitchen and Bath Shows
- Designer Showhouses
- Contemporary Fairs
- Antique Marts
- Travels/Hotels
Where have you found your greatest inspiration for your home renovation projects?
Stay Inspired!
Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report:
“15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”
Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.
