Where do you get your design inspiration from?

donnaessex

We need to decorate the hallway, daughters bedroom (2.5 yrs old), living room and dining room of our new house.

I'm useless at putting ideas together in my head (will never be an interior designer) so wondered if there were any websites that feature pictures of "real homes" or anything? Or certain magazines maybe? Everything I can find online is of expensive houses and we just wouldnt be able to afford to get even close to some of their furnishings and stuff.

suisidevw

My wife buys 'ideal home' which I even have a read of! Some great articles, not all expensive stuff, real homes done on budgets etc and lots of 'style tips'.

They have a website too with a LOT of images on to gather ideas
.

donnaessex

Off to have a look thanks!

hatewashingmachines

We always get ideas from visiting Laura Ashley, going round New house build show houses, and also looking in magazines. I always find showrooms are my favourite. We got the ideas for our bedroom from Laura Ashley - you don't have to buy from there but it's great for helping you put together a colour scheme or for choosing fabric and wallpaper etc. The ideas for our kitchen came from visiting lots of different kitchen showrooms and taking their small ideas like illuminated shelving etc and then we bought them from a DIY store. Saved lots of money!!!

madget_2

This is an edited version of a post I made on a previous thread that might help...

For inspiration, try looking through magazines, catalogues or online sites. Graham & Green is one of my favorites for coming up with ideas. You don't need to buy from them, just look around and see if you can come up with something similar on the cheap.

I usually base my rooms on something I fall in love with - a colour, a piece of wallpaper, a framed picture - anything that catches your eye. Then you can work around it.

Ikea is fantastic for cheap lamps and little bits of pieces. Also, have a wander around places like Habitat - sometimes they have bargains, particularly during sales, but it's also great for gathering ideas about what you'd like.

Here are some sites I love for inspiration:

www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
www.lauraashley.com/cat/homefurnishings
www.housetohome.co.uk
www.channel4.com/4homes/design-style
www.mydeco.com

one_hot_minute

I love visiting show homes for inspiration, then finding cheaper ways to get the look from High Street stores, B&Q etc.

hatewashingmachines

Oh and don't forget the Next Directory!

ormus

blenheim palace in woodstock, oxfordshire.