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	An Oriental rug, striped wallpaper, and an architectural element brings a feeling of elegance. Photo ©2002 G. Morton, About.com    Email to a friend  Printer friendly version More of this Feature • Part 1: Inspiration • Part 2: More Inspiration • Part 3: Fabric, Designers Related Resources • Before You Build • Hire a Designer FAQs • Terrific Ways To...- Learning to Decorate • Furnishing on a Budget • Decorate in Order • Learn to Read Magazines About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address:

Finding inspiration is so individual and personal, that it can be hard to define. What one person sees to inspire them will probably not be the same for another. So, having several sources to get your creativity flowing is a terrific idea.

You've probably already used, or will use, each of the ideas listed below, and you may come up with many more of your own.

Keep in mind that your creative interpretation of any design inspiration is what will make something "yours" and give a room individuality. In addition to model rooms, design TV shows, and research, try some of these to spark your inspiration:

Interior Design Magazines
Teach yourself more about design by looking through magazines. Subscribe to popular favorites such as Traditional Home Magazine, Country Living Magazine, and Better Homes and Gardens or find others that appeal to your sense of style.

If you don't have any design magazines, try visiting your library or go to a large bookstore and see which ones appeal to you. Begin to look critically, then rip out photos you like. Make nototations on the picture. Even if you don't like everything in a photo, you can note what you do like. If the photos are small, tape them on pieces of white or black paper and put them in a notebook, file, or portfolio that you can refer to whenever you're looking for inspiration.

The Power of a Theme
For the home decorator, a theme is one of the easiest ways to decorate. Having a theme will automatically include elements to consider, just as it will automatically exclude the things that won't work. This makes your job easier.

What is a theme? Basically it's the MAIN IDEA of your room. It could be bunnies for a baby room, a car theme for a boy’s room, sunflowers for a laundry room, old world library for a den, pears for a kitchen, sun and stars for a bathroom. The list is endless and your theme can be as colorful and creative as your own personality.

Themes are a great way to jump start creativity and they will often inspire a very personal and fun room. Consider what hobbies, dreams, locations, interests, collections, or design elements could be used as themes in your home.

Online
Use the terrific resources available on the Internet. This website has hundreds of terrific links to online decorating magazines, furniture manufacturers, advice on choosing colors, where to see wallpaper samples, or find the names of fabric stores near you. Keep notes of things you like and print out photos that appeal to you. Keep them in your clippings file.

Next: > Starting with Fabric

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