I’m often asked, how do you get inspired? The truth is, inspiration can strike anywhere, from ordinary to weird and wonderful places. Sometimes I ‘look’ for inspiration, by picking up a magazine, going on an architecture tour, or booking a trip. Other times, it ‘finds’ me, often when I least expect it.
Books and magazines
I have collected stacks of books and magazines over the years, and I find they are an endless supply of inspiration. Whether I’m flicking through a design, interiors or fashion magazine, I almost always come across a trend, object, or concept that sparks my imagination. As a Sydney interior designer, I’m naturally a very visual person, so I am drawn to the beautiful photos and layouts in magazines and coffee table books.
Other interior designers
I am often inspired by the work of my peers from all corners of the globe. Christian Liagre has built an empire on the allure of simplicity and amazing craftsmanship. Kit Kemp is an upmarket hotelier-come-designer who is known for ‘dressing’ rooms in a mod, chic style. Belgian-based Axel Vervoordt creates refined yet memorable interiors by expertly mixing antiques with contemporary pieces. I also admire Celerie Kemble, whose only constant is that she’s unpredictable. She deftly designs spaces in all kinds of styles: minimalistic, Italian, earthy, and ‘WASP’, to name a few.
Travel
In my experience, nothing revs up my inspiration engine more than travel. I’ve travelled far and wide and I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that these trips have had a major influence on my work and design philosophy. The world is brimming with diversity, and everything from a country’s culture and food to its history, architecture and art can inspire me. I’ve found that staying in or exploring well-appointed hotels usually leads to fresh ideas.
Fashion
Much like design, fashion reflects the culture and context of the time in which it is made. Fashion designers are tastemakers and trendsetters, always pushing the boundaries, reinvigorating the ‘old’, and pioneering the new. They are incredibly creative but at the same time, they design for their target market. All designers have bits and pieces to offer; they learn from others and keep an open mind. I’m mostly inspired by the ‘greats’ like the late Alexander McQueen – along with a trademark style and clever design approach, he’s left behind a lasting legacy.
Clients
Sometimes my clients’ homes or offices will provide a burst of inspiration. In most cases, I’m drawn to something obvious and memorable, like the client’s art collection. But other times, I can be inspired by something as simple as a gorgeous rug or rustic piece of furniture. Examining a client’s current, pre-makeover space gives me an insight into their taste, style, likes and dislikes, which is a huge help during the design process.
Life in general
As clichéd as it sounds, I’m inspired by the people and places around me. In other words, by life itself. Whether I’m walking along the street, enjoying a garden lunch, socialising at a dinner party, or going window-shopping, I try to keep my eyes (and mind) wide open. Observation in life is just as important as attention to detail in design, and I’ve learnt that ideas can pop up just about anywhere.
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