inspired
decor
Now back to those white walls that some of you may love.
the true passion of the soul. Interior design is
Time to cover them with meaningful inspiration. Psychologists
unimportant if it does not embody the needs and
label the brain activity associated with creative thought as
beauty of individuals that reside within the four
“loose associative thinking.” This type of thinking does not
walls. “I think the most genuinely appealing and inspiring
follow a linear or organized thought process, but jumps around
homes I have visited are anything but the stage-set depictions
making associations while actively trying to form connections.
in ads, magazines, and coffee table books. The most inspiring
Encouraging this type of sporadic creative thought is imperative
spaces are deeply personal and livable. I am inspired by homes
as the brain is on “search mode” and needs time and space to
that come about when people question the true value of the
develop new ideas. According to a study done by the Harvard
objects around them, celebrate the beauty in the ordinary and
Business School, during this “jumpy thinking period” the
elevate the objects in their home to a higher status by simply
brain needs items to focus on in order to spur creative thinking
showing how much they themselves are inspired,” says Alex
forward. Message boards, vision boards, blackboards and mind
from Rusty Gold. You must be seen within your home. Jeffrey
maps all help the brain to focus in and create connections. But
from Junc states, “The most inspiring spaces for me are the
just like we glean inspiration from our environment, so it is the
spaces that reflect the personalities of its inhabitants - spaces
same with who we are and where we are from.
you walk into and you immediately know who lives there and what kind of a person they are.” Personality, preference and
Americans are a mixture of culture, religion, and backgrounds.
passions must be visible and obvious to your visitors. Otherwise
We come from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and
there is nothing that distinguishes your space from any other, or
beyond. Wouldn’t it follow that our trends in home décor are
your home from the staged home in the catalogue. Your space
influenced just as heavily by others? Just as fashion seems to
must fill the needs and functions of your family. The designers
trend from Paris or Milan, home décor also has its starting
at Progress realize that, “making a space personal is less about
point. Some trends are shared, and others are taken. We pull
acquiring decorative objects and more about creating a room
our inspiration “from the simplicity of Japanese design, the
that makes sense for an individual or family’s lifestyle.”
or the rich sophisticated design of Italy and so on,” says Jeffrey
Ready to dive in and create the perfect creative haven? Ask
from Junc Boutique and Gallery. But just as our culture is a
yourself a few key questions. “What is this spaced used
conglomeration of cultures, so is our influence in design. Laura
for? How many people does it need to accommodate? What
Lemle from Domicile-LA says, “We as Americans are influenced
functions will take place here? What style do I want to
by everyone and no one, meaning that we love all things foreign
convey? What feelings do I want to evoke?” Laura Lemle from
but make it our own.” Surround yourself with what you love
Domicile-LA suggests these as beginning questions to start the
and what resonates with you.
design process. Flip through some design books, magazines,
ISSUE 002 FALL 2012 // SHOPGRAFFITIBEACH.COM
clean modern style of Scandanavia, effortless French interiors,
and most of all be aware of your surroundings. Designers are Rick from Rusty Gold suggests surrounding yourself with art
always seeing, planning and plotting improvements. Their eyes
that expresses what you love, and your past experiences, “I
notice details; they pay close attention to function and space.
definitely think that art is one big element that defines a space
“Inspiration can come from anywhere. I once designed an entire
and it is very often overlooked and undervalued. For me, art is
room around a client’s favorite tiny pillow.
like getting a tattoo – it has to be significant – after all it’s a fairly permanent fixture in your home. Don’t be afraid to take your
Another client cherished a painting that his grandfather painted
time to find the right pieces or to splurge if you are able. But
so we pulled colors and the feeling that the painting evoked for
keep in mind, art does not have to be expensive to be inspiring.
the entire room,” says Lemle. Begin to think like a designer. Gain
In fact, I’ve found my favorite room-defining art pieces in my
inspiration from everything. Soon you will be acutely aware of
travels in Mexico and Hawaii – they bring a smile to my face
the creativity and inspiration that is constantly swirling around us,
every time I see them. Plus, talk about conversation starters!
and in being aware you are open to the creativity within your own
You get to share stories and relive great moments with your
soul. You are ready to create the space that will promote optimum
friends and family.”
creativity and unleash the creative beast found within. Your creative beginning? An inspiring space of your own – the first
Just like a beautiful wedding means nothing if it does not reflect
step to that next novel, beautiful painting, extraordinary musical
the love of the couple, artwork means little if it does not express
composition and award winning runway design.
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