As an interior designer, my travels - both national and international - serve as a wellspring of inspiration. Whether I’m on a work assignment or exploring new destinations for leisure, I always keep my eyes open for design ideas. Each city, big or small, offers a unique tapestry of architecture, colours, and materials that can help me elevate my taste and reflect on my projects. From the intricate details of historic buildings to the innovative use of space in modern homes, travel enriches my design vocabulary and sharpens my creative vision.
Old flooring for example always amazes me. Flooring is one of the most important selections in any project. It possibly has the strongest impact in any interior and, not last, it will stay there way longer than the wall paint, the furniture and the decor, which are easier and cheaper to update over time. When travelling to historic sites I’m always amazed by how good floorings have survived the centuries and still influence our taste...
The Front Door is another element that I never stop taking photos of. Old doors, big doors, small ones, arched, squared and so on... Also, size, colour, handles and what plants or decor people choose to embellish the front door for a welcoming impact. The front door of our home is a very important element to help make a strong first impression. Here are some charming examples...
Facades of course are unmissable, the first thing we notice about any building, and how it fits within the neighbourhood, the story it tells and the finished selected to achieve the effect. First thing is colour, daring at times, but exciting is it to travel and be confronted by an entire new palette of possibilities... Totally inspiring!!
In conclusion, I encourage fellow travellers to embrace cultural differences and seek inspiration beyond the typical tourist spots. Explore cities on foot, wander through local neighbourhoods and engage with the communities that shape their environments. Paying attention to the colours and materials that resonate with the locals can transform anybody's design approach. It works for me.
So, next time you travel, dare to venture off the beaten path and discover the authentic stories and styles that lie within each city - it's a journey bound to enhance not only the creativity but also a greater understanding of the wider world.
James Treble has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through practical design & styling. James is also an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for plenty of Design information. Watch his free Online Series to see how an Interior Designer renovates his own home.
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