Interior Design Ideas and Inspirations

Let's face it: some people were born decorators. It seems that no matter what they turn their hands to do, their flair and creativity turns even the mundane into a breathtaking work of art. However, if you are like most of the population, count yourself in the "uninspired" category when it comes to interior design ideas. A little bit of observation can go a long way when it comes to finding great interior design ideas.

If you haven't redecorated your home in several years, or if you've never taken on an interior design project at all, it can be a little bit daunting. But even if you don't know the difference between "modern" and "contemporary" or "shabby chic" and "art deco," you can still design a room that speaks to your personality, taste, and budget. Forget the fancy interior design terminology. Instead, start looking for your interior design ideas in the world around you.

Draw inspiration from nature. An interior decorating theme might start with an afternoon walk outside. Take a look at your environment. What is it about nature that gets you excited? That's a good place to start to look for interior design ideas. Going with earthy colors such as deep browns, forest greens and natural wood accents may be just the right base for a cabin theme or hunting-style motif. If you find yourself appreciating the deep blue expanse of the sky above you, consider giving your room or home's interior a light, airy feel with a sky blue base and accents of white reminiscent of fluffy spring clouds. A love for the ocean might lead to a vintage nautical theme; with decorative accents like an antique compass, weathered sea maps, or even a ship's wheel. Or bring the beach home to your living room with sandcastle-inspired artwork and driftwood pieces. The decorating possibilities are virtually limitless when you look to nature to guide your interior design ideas.

Consider your hobbies and favorite pastimes. Whatever you delight in doing in your spare time can be turned into a delightful interior design theme. The avid musician might choose a musical theme. Grace your walls, ornamental shelves or display cases with vintage musical instruments. Old sheet music can be framed and hung on the wall for a truly unique twist on "artwork." If shooting pool is your thing, decorate your family room like an old-fashioned billiards hall by installing hanging glass Tiffany-style lamps, then criss-cross pool cues and hang them on the wall. If space and budget permits, install that billiard table too! If you like to read, make books a prominent part of your decorating theme rather than merely tossing them on a bookshelf as an afterthought. Or, take it a step further and draw inspiration from your favorite novel for a decorating theme. This idea works especially well with children's rooms. What child wouldn't love to be lulled off to sleep with scenes from Mother Goose or Peter Rabbit peeking down at him or her?

Build your theme around a favorite color base. Break the rules that say you have to pick a theme first and wall color second. If you're sold on having paint in primary colors, pick a decorating theme that builds upon reds, yellows, and greens. Warm orange paint lends itself to visions of Tuscany. Muted hues could be combined with dark brown or black accents to create a coffee-shop look. Often, all you need is to pick your favorite color and decorating ideas will flow naturally from your choice.

If you've managed to choose a theme by opening your eyes to the world around you but you're stuck on some of the finer details, don't worry. Once you have your theme you've already conquered the biggest part of the interior design challenge. Share your idea with friends or co-workers and you'll probably get a whole bevy of helpful suggestions to enhance your chosen theme. Or take your ideas to a local home builders supply store, who often have interior design specialists on hand that can help you develop your ideas for free. You'll probably find that you have more decorating savvy than you thought!

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