When it comes to designing a new collection, feeling inspired is an absolute necessity. Luckily, inspiration can be drawn from the world around us through many different sources. Whether it’s for colour, trends or beautiful new imagery; our surroundings offer us endless possibilities.  Immersing yourself in the beauty of the world around you and always keeping your eyes open for new ideas is a sure way to keep those creative juices flowing. For me, there are certain things I find especially inspirational and so here’s my top few tips…

Get out and about

Whether it’s a day trip to Kew Gardens or a holiday exploring the beautiful coast of Italy, the beauty of nature is arguably the best source of inspiration to be found. Whether it’s a new colour palette you’re after or a beautiful floral design idea you are stuck for- the natural world never disappoints. With no two flowers blooming the same, you can be sure to find something wonderful if you simply keep your eyes open and take note of your surroundings.

Galleries/Exhibitions

Art exhibitions and galleries allow us the opportunity to get a glimpse into the minds of other creative individuals and see the story behind their work. Seeing how others have been influenced by their era, surroundings and their perception of the world is truly fascinating. Some of my favourite exhibitions and galleries include The Courtauld Gallery which boasts and impressive collection of impressionistic pieces; The Fashion and Textile Museum which puts on some of the most notable exhibits of designers past and present, including the talented Josef Frank and Orla Kiely and a personal favourite, the Tile Museum in Lisbon, which is home to some of the most beautiful ceramic works of art in the world.  Visiting galleries and new exhibitions is a great way to stay in tune with the creative world, trends and see what’s out there.

Books/Film

From past to present, the world of literature and film is rich in inspiration. Books allow us to submerge ourselves into different worlds- from Block Printing in India through to Design style in the 60’s; imagery and information can lead to new ideas and broaden your creative mind.  Film equally allows us a glimpse back through history- from curtains back in the 70’s through to fashion in the 80’s, it’s a great way to discover both past and emerging trends.

Being experimental

Whilst it’s great to see what’s out there on the catwalk, in galleries or in books; sometimes nothing can provide inspiration quite like being experimental. From shibori and tye-dye through to painting with bleach or wax, the best results can often stem from happy accidents and trying new things. Putting paint to paper and watching online tutorials into new techniques is a great way to keep your designs moving forwards, create new looks and discover ways to come up with some stunning and innovative designs.

Fashion

The world of fashion is something that is very intertwined with the world of interiors. Trends for the home often emerge from the catwalk- with designers showcasing new and exciting prints and designs for both Spring Summer and Autumn Winter. Keeping up to date with the way the fashion world is going is imperative in understanding the nature of the current design world as a whole. Watching the catwalk shows, visiting London Fashion Week or taking a trip to London’s Dover Street Market are all great ways to keep you feeling inspired ready to create new and exciting designs.

In summary, take in your surroundings and when you come across something exciting or beautiful- take photos and begin building up a bank of things that you can reflect back upon when you feel as though you need some inspiration. Keep on the look out for new exhibitions, book recommendations or even just the changes of seasons in nature and from there, you will always have a great starting point for innovative and exciting designs!