6 Ways to Gain Inspiration For Your Upcoming Interior Design Project

1. Research Using Blogs and Pinterest

We all need a boost of creativity from time to time. Design blogs and Pinterest are the ultimate way to get your juices flowing and spark new ideas. Pinterest is the second most popular image-based social network, making it a hugely valuable resource for those in the design field (who tend to rely on beautiful pictures to create mood boards etc). Search functions and tagging make the platform easy to use and extremely useful. 

When it comes to blogs, these can be exceedingly handy when you are looking to discover the latest design trends, product releases and colour leanings. It isn’t always easy to know which blog will be useful to you, with there being so many to choose from. Discover Decorex’s insightful blog posts, which are filled with interviews with leading design figures, timely colour reports, product announcements and advice for designers.

2. Visit Muesums and Galleries

You’re presented with a client brief that asks for classic design features, where do you go from here? While Google holds a wealth of information, nothing quite compares to seeing heritage design up close in a gallery or museum. There are dozens across the UK, many of which have interior focused exhibitions scheduled in their calendar. Do some research and book yourself a visit to a popular gallery or museum such as The Geffrye Museum in East London, William Morris Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum, The Mackintosh House in Glasgow or Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge. In most cases, the architecture alone is enough to stir up your enthusiasm. 

3. Attend Trade Shows and Exhibitions

Trade shows are integral to the design community. They’re a rare opportunity for suppliers to showcase their finest work and latest collections. For interior designers, they allow you to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry and source products for upcoming projects. With plenty of networking opportunities, you are sure to come away with new contacts to help improve your business or practice.  

Decorex is one such event, a firm date in the diary for design professionals across the globe. As Europe's leading high-end design exhibition, we attract the most influential industry names each year. Offering unique features, there’s always something exciting to discover – from immersive installations and a fresh bar design, to up-and-coming makers at Future Heritage and an unmissable seminar programme.  

4. Browse Auctions and Antique Fairs

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Try your hand at a local auction or antiques fair. When inspiration is dwindling and you aren’t quite sure what to fill a certain space with, attending an auction can be a great way to find something unique.

Plus, giving antiques a second home helps to keep them out of landfill and brings immediate character to an interior. At antique fairs there tend to be interior design pieces from a wide range of eras, from Victorian and Georgian to Art Deco and Art Nouveau. If you simply want to browse for ideas, there’s no harm in looking through the lots without bidding. 

5. Sign Up for Online Magazines and Newsletters

If you’re constantly seeking inspiration for work, it’s a good idea to sign up to a few good design focused newsletters. This will save you a huge amount of time in research, instead you’ll receive ideas direct to your inbox. Each month Decorex delivers a digital newsletter to our avid community of design lovers, which is filled with fascinating news reports, the latest trends and movements, gripping partner articles, inspired interiors, advice from experts and much more. Simply sign up and let us do the legwork for you. 

6. Seek Out Expert Advice

While newsletters and blogs can be helpful for insight and initial research, you need something a little more detailed in order to make business changing decisions. Seek out experts in your field to understand their viewpoint on pertinent issues facing your industry such as how to approach interior trends and what thought process is involved in creating a brand new design. 

Industry subscription services and content hubs are a great way to find such information, often attracting the industry’s brightest minds to talk on important topics. The Edit by Decorex is a new members-only platform offering year-round inspiration, upskilling, networking and sourcing opportunities for those devoted to interior design. The platform houses a rich library of content with actionable advice and tangible take-homes at their heart. Hear from design experts, including the likes of Michael Anastassiades, Helen Ankers, James Bassant, Fiona McCarthy, Lucy Barlow, Bruce Hodgson, Kerryn Harper-Cuss, Henriette von Stockhausen and many more. 

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