Whether you are looking to build or renovate your commercial or residential space, it is important that you come up with a plan. But, before you even get to that stage, you need to source design inspiration from available sources to create something that will suit your tastes and the space on offer. While this can be a lot of work, it is also exhilarating and a lot of fun, as you get to scout around for ideas and let your imagination run wild.
Consider your Likes/Dislikes
We all naturally gravitate towards different styles and designs. Quite often, it is easier to realise our dislikes before our likes; but, over time, and with practice, you will begin to see where your priorities lie. Pinterest and Houzz can offer a wealth of assistance as you can cover a large number of design images in a short space of time which you can save and sort to your heart’s content. These websites will allow you to be guided by the latest trends and help you uncover new ideas.
Consider your Wants/Needs
While there are plenty of great sites out there on the World Wide Web, we recommend these three wonderful sites in particular.
Seek Inspiration Online
While there are plenty of great sites out there on the World Wide Web, we recommend these three wonderful sites in particular.
Arch Daily (Our Fav)
Arch Daily is a blog that offers up to date trends on all things design and architecture. It allows you to curate the best ideas and images, and keep up with the latest fads, to create a design portfolio that you can come back to again and again. Ideas are submitted from all around the world so you can get to experience what is happening in the world of architecture on a global scale.
Design Milk
Design Milk is an informative online magazine dedicated to design, furniture, architecture, art, and technology. They offer a wide range of articles that will get those ideas flowing without any trouble at all. Just click on the category you need and start browsing. Read their regular columns and enjoy the mix of fresh ideas they bring to the design table.
Dwell
Dwell showcases an extensive range of design ideas through images that you can save, pin, share on Facebook or email to yourself and others. Whatever your preferred method, there is no denying that it has a myriad of fantastic design options to get you started. Dwell also publishes a digital or print magazine for extra inspiration.
Seek Inspiration Offline
Take to the streets
Drive around the streets and see if there are houses that tickle your fancy. Visit homes in your area and neighbouring suburbs to get a feel for trends and features. What do you like about them? What don’t you like about them? Attend open houses so you can get an up close and personal tour of houses and jot down the ideas that appeal.
Buy the property papers
Have a look at the newspapers, particularly on the weekend, and browse those property pages. If you see a property you like, then look for its accompanying online ad. Even better, if it is near to you, take advantage of its locality and stop by to have a look. The more houses you see, then the more ideas you will gather.
Look out for design magazines
There are a number of design and architectural magazines on the market, similar to Dwell. Keep an eye out for titles such as Architecture Australia, Green Magazine, Sanctuary, Grand Designs and Inside Out to name a few. Use whatever resources you can find on the newsagent shelves or browse your local library for past editions. You can never do too much research when it comes to working out what you like and what you don’t.
All of this information gathered from both online and offline sources, once compiled, is very helpful in putting together your design brief.