15 Best Places to Take Inspiration for Home Interior: Websites, Places, and People
When planning your home interior design, finding the right inspiration can transform your ideas into reality. Whether you are redecorating a single room or designing an entire house, knowing where to look can make all the difference. Here are the 15 best sources for interior design inspiration – from websites and social media platforms to physical places and design experts.
Websites for Interior Design Inspiration
1. Pinterest
Pinterest is a treasure trove for interior design enthusiasts. With millions of curated boards, you can search for styles ranging from minimalist to boho chic. Use keywords like “Interior design inspiration” to find mood boards tailored to your needs.
2. Houzz
Houzz combines beautiful imagery with practical advice. You can browse by room, style, or budget and even connect with professionals for advice and services.
3. Architectural Digest
A go-to source for luxurious interiors, Architectural Digest showcases designs from celebrity homes to trend-setting spaces.
4. Apartment Therapy
Perfect for small-space dwellers, Apartment Therapy provides ideas for making the most out of limited square footage while keeping it stylish.
5. Make My Interiors Blog
Your very own resource! The blog (on this website) will soon host curated design ideas and practical tips for homeowners and interior enthusiasts.
Social Media Platforms
6. Instagram
Instagram is a visual playground for interior design enthusiasts. Follow hashtags like #InteriorDesignInspiration or #HomeDecorGoals for daily doses of creativity. For example, accounts like @studio_mcg and @interiordesignmag often share unique room transformations, DIY projects, and trending styles
7. YouTube
Channels such as “The Local Project” and “Mr. Kate” provide in-depth video tours of interior makeovers, DIY projects, and tips for modern living. For example, “The Local Project” often features stunning minimalist homes from around the world, while “Mr. Kate” focuses on quirky, budget-friendly makeovers.
8. TikTok
For quick and creative ideas, TikTok is brimming with short videos on DIY hacks, styling tips, and before-and-after transformations. Look up creators like @designbysun who share quick room styling hacks or @smallspacesquad for maximizing compact living areas.
9. Design Blogs and Influencers
Follow influencers like Emily Henderson or Joy Cho, who regularly post tips, projects, and sources of inspiration. For example, Emily Henderson’s blog features room reveals with detailed breakdowns of colors, materials, and styling techniques.
Physical Places
10. Local Furniture Stores and Showrooms
Visiting high-end or boutique furniture stores can inspire creative layouts and unique furniture choices for your home. For example, a visit to IKEA can provide insights into modular furniture and space-saving solutions, while a boutique store might showcase handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items.
11. Museums and Art Galleries
Spaces like museums are designed to evoke emotions and often feature color schemes, lighting, and layout ideas that can be adapted to home interiors. For example, the Guggenheim Museum’s use of curves and open spaces might inspire an open-plan living room with modern art as a focal point.
12. Nature and Outdoor Spaces
Draw inspiration from natural textures, earthy tones, or the tranquility of outdoor spaces. Think organic shapes, lush greenery, or calming water elements. For example, you might incorporate a color palette inspired by a beach sunset or use raw materials like stone and wood seen in natural landscapes.
13. Cafés and Boutique Hotels
Many boutique hotels and themed cafés are meticulously designed, offering innovative ideas for lighting, furniture placement, and decor. For instance, a visit to a coastal-themed café might inspire nautical decor with blue and white accents and rope detailing.
People and Communities
14. Interior Designers and Architects
Schedule consultations with professionals or follow their portfolios online to get expert insights and cutting-edge ideas. For example, an architect might suggest innovative space-saving designs, while an interior designer can provide mood boards tailored to your tastes.
15. Friends and Family Homes
Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from real-life spaces. Visiting friends’ or family’s homes can spark ideas you hadn’t considered before. For instance, you might notice a unique way they’ve displayed artwork or an unconventional furniture arrangement that works beautifully.
Tips for Using Interior Design Inspiration Effectively
Create a Vision Board: Compile your favorite ideas from the sources above into one place to visualize your theme. Use tools like Canva or even a physical corkboard to organize your inspirations.
Stay Practical: Ensure that your inspirations align with your budget and functional needs. For example, while you may love a marble countertop, there are more affordable alternatives like quartz with a similar aesthetic.
Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to combine ideas from multiple sources for a unique look. For example, pair modern furniture with vintage decor for an eclectic style.
By exploring these websites, places, and people, you can gather all the “Interior design inspiration” you need to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Start your journey today and turn your dream interiors into reality!