Get inspired

From tiny homes to inner city apartments, contemporary family dwellings to sprawling country mansions, inspiration helps to set the scene and define those who live in them.

Finding such inspiration doesn’t always come easy, which is where architects, designer, and home shows often play a valued role.

Here are other possibilities:
1. HOME EXPOS
Hundreds of ideas all under one roof, so you can wander at leisure, conduct research, and make useful contacts.

2. INSTAGRAM AND PINTEREST
Go-to platforms for visual inspiration, keywords and hashtags will take you where you want to go whether it is a compact bathroom, or an aquarium. Remember, however, that untold others will be doing the same so your trendy “out of Africa” wallpaper may not end up being that unique.

3. HOTELS
A great source of ideas, contemporary hotels often rock the latest vibes, and as such are useful when it comes to paint colours, lighting and layout. They are all about creating a certain mood so are a good lesson in how to get the feeling of a space right.

4. TV AND FILM
Quality production companies spend a fortune on sourcing on set staging so take a leaf out of their design book. If you’re watching and something catches your eye, make a note of it for future use. Keep an eye on bedrooms, for example.

5. NATURE
Look to the outdoors to see what stimulates you. Imagine the season’s colours in your décor, the textures of nature, and the arrangements of patterns.