Design Lounge

Good inspiration can make a world of difference to the final result of your new build or refurbishment. After all, why only use your own imagination when you can explore the imaginations of thousands of other people who have created their own projects? You never know when you might stumble across an idea which ticks all the right boxes and really gives you that “light-bulb moment”.

So where exactly can you find the many interior design ideas out there? Here are Bischell’s suggestions for the best sources to explore:

Interior design websites

A quick search on any search engine displays thousands of websites dedicated to interior design with many ideas and forms of inspiration. You can also narrow down your search to take a look at ideas relevant to your project. For example, if you’re considering a loft conversion, then search for “loft conversion designs”. If you like the colour green, then searching for “green interior design ideas” will display plenty of suggestions with that exact colour scheme.

Your design and build company’s portfolio

A portfolio or gallery isn’t just useful for assessing the quality of a design and build company. You can also use it as a source of inspiration for ideas – especially if the company has previously conducted projects similar to your own.

A good design and build company may also be proactive in their approach to digging out old project examples which may be help you when formulating your ideas.

Interior design TV shows/interior design television programs

 There are a lot of TV shows dedicated to renovations, refurbishments and interior design as a whole. These may be useful to watch as you can take inspiration from them and also explore how other people formulate their own ideas. Some of the most popular shows to try out include:

• Grand Designs
• The Great Interior Design Challenge
• 60 Minute Makeover
• The Restoration Man
• The Renovation Game

Interior design magazines

 Interior design magazines can be a fantastic source of inspiration, and as they’re made out of paper, it’s easy to cut out your favourite ideas to add them to a mood board or folder collage.

Some of the most popular magazines to try out include:

• Ideal Home
• Homes & Gardens
• House Beautiful
• Livingetc
• 25 Beautiful Homes
• Beautiful Kitchens
• Style at Home
• YourHome
• GoodHomes

Interior design magazines like these not only help with inspiration for a project, but they also provide fantastic design tips to help you slowly adapt your home to new trends over time.

Architecture magazines

If your new build or renovation is very intensive with a lot of construction involved, then it may be worth exploring architecture magazines which showcase examples of impressive engineering feats. Even some of the most amazingly elaborate methods of interior construction may be more affordable than you think and help to add that ‘wow’ factor to your home.

Pinterest

Pinterest.com is a visual discovery website where people share collections of their favourite images and media content on their own ‘boards’ which can be shared with other members. Interior design is actually one of the most popular topics on Pinterest, and by creating an account, you can browse through thousands of board collections where other members have shared their favourite interior design ideas.