Response due at the beginning of class 9/08.
The inspiration concept board assignment requires you to have two levels of inspiration: (1) The first inspiration includes your answers and images to the questions asked on the assignment sheet, and (2) What is the overall inspiration of the board going to show. In other words, what is the common theme unifying your inspiration concept board.
Please watch this short video (3 mins) below of 4 designers explaining their inspiration topics when designing a fashion line. You will see all four had a distinct “inspiration” guiding their design process including a Bosch painting, Aztec culture, and Chain Mail and Japanese Armor. As you watch you can see how they were “inspired” by their inspirations, they did not create “theme” design but inspired or stylized designs.
The Fashion Show – Sharing the Process
Also, if you’d like a more in-depth TV example of inspiration versus literal interpretations/themes you can watch the latest episode of Project Runway online (Episode 6 – The Art of the Matter). It is an hour long, but it shows how inspiration versus theme can be interpreted, in this case the designers were using art paintings. What is great about this episode is that you can see where inspiration was stylized and where is was literal and how bad literal inspiration can make a design look. Stylized/inspired design is good design.
Your assignment for this week is to brainstorm 5 unifying inspirations that could be the inspiration behind tying your board together. You will end up only picking one of those themes to tie your board together. Remember you will not throw images on your board answering the questions I’ve asked, but you will use something that inspires you to guide how you answer those questions. Please see the first comment posted by “Megan” to see the type of answer appropriate for this week’s entry, my example should help clarify what I’m asking of you in this assignment.
2350 Design Inspirations 
1) I have always loved going to downtown cities and I am always inspired by the urban lifestyle with the lofts and the old buildings that have been redone and been given a new life. I love staying in hotels that overlook the city, I love being able to look down and see the movement of everyone and everything within the city. My family and I went to New York City a couple years ago and I just remember all of the lights and the overall vibe of the city itself was just incredible. We had a blast being there just immersed in everything going on and how there is so much going on at one time, it is loud and fun but you do’t feel overwhelmed, it is a different world there. I loved the vibrancy and all the colors and I hope my board has that same sort of feeling.
2) I am also inspired by works of art and I enjoy going to art museums and just staring and thinking about the creative work behind it. I enjoy artwork that infuses a lot of color but not too much color that it takes away from the beauty of the piece. My cousin and I went to the Salvador Dali exhibit over the summer at the high museum and I wasn’t really that familiar with his work but I found it really fascinating, in many of his paintings he incorporated illusions that were so detailed and that it looked two different paintings within the same painting. Now I’m not an illusionist or a good painter so I don’t think I could incorporate that into my board but maybe the colors.
3) I am also inspired by the beach, I absolutely love the beach and so does my mom so we try to sneak down for a quick trip whenever we get the chance. I love that you are instantly relaxed with the warmth and sunshine. We love taking beach walks in the early morning to watch the sunrise and and just walk along the sand watching how quickly the sky changes and how many different colors there are reflecting on the water. The water is also really calm and the movement of the waves is beautiful to watch. I’m also inspired by shells I love that they are all unique and you can just tell so much if it has been at the bottom of the ocean for a while or if it is just there on the shore looking perfect in its size and shape. I love the texture and the weathered age of the docks as well. I would like to incorporate that beachy relaxed feeling into my board.
4) I am also inspired by clothes, I think that interior designers can really appreciate fashion design because there are so many of the same principles and concepts with creating an outfit as with creating a room and finding inspiration to create the piece. I have a shirt that I got when I was in Paris, it is a blue turquoise top that can have straps or be strapless and it has beads it has a zipper on the side and it is a little tight in the chest but then it flares out a little (to hide the stomach). It is my absolute favorite shirt it was really expensive but it is really pretty and so worth it I love wearing it. I would like to incorporate the color and feel of this shirt into my board.
5) I am also inspired by flowers I love all of the different kinds and the textures they all have. I especially loves the big sunflowers because they just say summer and they are just such happy looking flowers. I also love the flowers that are really bright in color. I actually have in my dorm room some flowers that match my room and I love them because they incorporate all the colors of my room and I hope to bring these same colors into my board as well as a feeling of nature.
1) My Egyptian Cat Painting
I love to oil paint. I worked through every drawing and painting class in my high school in order to be in the national art honor society and AP studio art class. I love expressing my emotions on canvas and showing my own interpretation of an object. My Inspiration could be off one of my paintings. There is one of a gold Egyptian cat that I painted with yellows, oranges, reds and pinks surrounding it. I love metallic and bright colors together. Many of my favorite outfits are put together of bright colored clothing along with metallic earrings, sandals and bags. I have history of traveling and have been to Egypt so the painting reflects the fact I love to travel and have history of it.
2) The Winter
Ever since I was a baby I have loved the snow. My mom tells me how she used to walk me outside when I was crying as a baby and if it was cold out I would stop. The winter makes me think of amazing times back home when school would be canceled for a week or two due to snowstorms. My friends and I made the best memories in these time periods. I also love to ski. The visual of a white mountain with the green trees and spots of bright jackets from skiers and snow boarders is beautiful to me. It makes you realize how nature is better then any amusement park. I would go on my high school ski trip every year in vermont. These mountains were some of the most magnificent things I’d ever experienced. The memories on these slops and images will be imprinted into my mind forever.
3) Sea Island, Georgia
I have been going to Sea Island with my family since I was a baby. We recently bought a condo that my mom decorated. I feel like we decorated our condo like the color scheme of Sea Island. The color scheme of Sea Island would be green and white for the logo. I can’t help to include yellow and brown because most the time spent here is at the beach and the color of the water is a musky brown. All of these colors are beachy natural colors. If I was to capture the full color scheme of Sea Island I would add tiny accents of bright colors. This would stand for the bathing suites, lily dresses warn to bingo night, and colorful houses that Sea Island is famous for. Our house includes all these colors. We have light green walls in our main room with white blankets brown tables and yelllow accents on the blue couch. Our kitchen is mainly white but my mom painted a ton of colorful bathingsuite tops along the top of the kitchen walls. This reminds me of the small accents of color I mentioned in sea Islands color scheme.
4) Chinese Birds.
When I say this it may come as I shock to many because I have no background in China and have never been there. However I say this because it is similar to my first form of inspiration and that is painting. My favorite works were done from a book that really sparked my creativity and it was of Chinese birds. I did two paintings on them. One was of more bright blues and oranges and consisted of black and white birds. The other was a painting of peacocks and it was my favorite one. Most the painting is a simple white canvas but I used my brush strokes to make the image and two peacocks on the canvas. I also painted Chinese flowers around them. Something about the red and dark colors on top of a simple white canvas made them so much stronger. I connected so much to this painting I feel like it is a part of me.
5) My Yard.
So many of my memories from home make me think of my yard. I have a redbrick house with a redbrick walkway. It’s a Charleston style house so it has a black gate. You walk down the brick walk way and make it to the pool area. The pool has a turquois tint to it and grey bricks surrounding it. The garden surrounds the pool. There is a black table and seating area with a black fire pit in the middle. The cushions on the chairs are blue. When I think of this area I think of sitting there with my friends on a summer night with the pool lights and stars keeping the area bright. I also think of my dogs running around this area with joy. My friends always tended to migrate here with an intention to or not at the end of a night. It’s where we would sit and talk for hours and loose track of time. I could definitely see this being my inspiration. My yard is where my family eats when its nice out. We have celebrations In my yard for graduations, birthdays, proms etc. Its a true area that reflects important times in my life and I find it very beautiful.
1.The 1920-1940s eras is a big inspiration for me. When I was younger almost every day I would come home from school and go to my grandparent’s house because both my parents worked. When I was there we would always watch musicals and old Hollywood movies so I have seen almost all of them, and they are some of my favorite movies. I didn’t realize it at the time that they would be an inspiration in design for me, but now I love a lot of things that come out of that era such as clothes and design. I find it a very interesting time period and a big inspiration in my life.
2. I have a home up in the North Georgia Mountains where I go a lot to just get away and also to be inspired. Nature is so interesting because nothing is perfect and I feel like that’s what makes it beautiful. When I go up to the mountain it puts me at peace and opens my mind to a lot of things I would have never noticed before, I feel like there is always something changing. I love the colors that I find up in the mountains such as the vibrant colors of the leaves changing and the bright greens of moss.
3. Autumn is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year. I love everything from the weather to how it makes me feel and the colors are breathtaking. I notice I’m a lot happier during this time of year which makes me inspired to do more. I love the colors that come out during the autumn season they are so warm yet so vibrant. My mother loves fall colors so growing up our home had a lot of the warm undertones throughout the house with pops of color, so I have been surrounded by it for a lot of my life.
4. People in general inspire me the things that other people love and seeing their ideas and feedback and what I can come up with. My mother has been a huge design inspiration in my life from planning events to decorating our home. We moved a lot and so we got to redecorate every time and she would let me help her decorate because she knew that’s what I loved to do. We would go to dream homes every year and still do it’s a tradition we have. She has always supported me in my love for design and takes me to antique stores and decorator show homes. She has been a huge inspiration for me and I am very thankful for that.
5. I love music I wouldn’t say I have a particular genre I love a lot of it depends on my mood. I have found it is a huge inspiration in my life. I remember I had to do a line art drawing and you could tell one side I was listening to rap so it was more edgy and the other was soft and fluid and I was listening to Dave Matthews. It is weird how music can make you feel a certain way and how whatever mood I am in when I listen to music it makes me feel better.
1. I have this what I consider a beautiful scarf! I got it as a gift from my boyfriend for my birthday. So it already has sentimental value to it. But it is a vibrant colored scarf that reminds me of spring and summer time. The deep orange and bright green flowers that flow through the scarf are eye catching and gives me inspiration of color. When I wear this scarf I cant help but feel in a happy I can do anything mood. Then it also has a beige color background for the flowers to stand out. This could inspire my color pallet to have neutral tones and pops of color of bright orange, lime green and yellow to dark contrasting green and burnt orange.Giving my board a bright and fun feel.
2. When I go to the beach I always feel inspired. But recently I went to Laguna Beach, California to visit my boyfriends sister and her fiance. We had not seen them in forever and were very excited to explore somewhere neither of us have ever been! Landing at the airport was so cool seeing the beach and the ocean so close. While visiting the beaches there were so many things taking my breath away. The crystal clear blue water that was freezing, the sandy brown beach and palm trees that lined the boardwalk. All the different color bathing suits that lined the beach. Then you look and see a magnificent cliff with waves crashing into. The pictures from this trip were so beautiful and can inspire anything I want to do. I can imagine having my board so bright and inviting just as the scenery was in Cali. Light blues, greens, pinks and purples to characterize the beautiful sunsets on the beach and ocean horizon!
3. One thing we do every October is go camping in Helen. The weather is perfect during the day being not too hot or cold. Its what some people call primitive camping. There is no running water or electricity. Purely on your own in a cleared out space on the side of a mountain that’s first come first serve! Its so inspiring knowing that some people really lived like this at some point and things we take for granted. The first time we ever did it I was so against it and was like no way can I do this! But as the more we did this it became calming and real relaxing trip. Being in nature and really appreciating the natural beauty around us. The leaves beginning to change colors from dark green to orange and brown. Then looking over the mountain into the valley of greens and oranges and browns against the bright blue sky. Then at night watching the sun set behind the mountains creating this shadow amongst us was unbelievable.
4. As I think of all the things that inspire me it always centers around these things. I noticed in my house that I have a neutral tone base with pops of color here and there. Browns, beiges, and whites. Not so much blacks and grays. Then my accent colors are earthy tones that get brighter. Like in my kitchen we have the walls that are green and accents of beige and pop of color that is red and we incorporate it with plates, coffee cups, curtains etc. All things that inspire me subconsciously because I have never really thought about it. Looking at the things above it really has inspired my own personal character and designs!
1. Autumn is without a doubt one of my biggest inspirations. To say I’m obsessed with Autumn may be an understatement. I love everything about that season- from the colors to college football. Autumn is filled with my favorite range of colors. All the warm colors that come out in nature during that time of year are phenomenal. Some of my best memories as a kid were when my dad would take us to the north Georgia mountains and let us look at all the beautiful leaves after they had changed colors. The weather of Fall also inspires me. I love when it starts getting cooler outside and officially becomes sweatshirt weather. I can’t even count the number of times since I came to college that I have spent afternoons in the Fall just wondering around outside and absorbing the chilly weather. It gives me a clean and comforted feeling. The final two things that top off my love for fall are college football and Halloween. I grew up in a house where college football wasn’t just something you turned on when there was nothing else to watch- it was a full blown event. Since coming to UGA this love for college football has only magnified, and I’m amazed by how inspired I am by just being in the stadium during a game. Strangers become family in that environment, and if that’s not inspiring I don’t know what is. Finally, Halloween, my favorite season of all time, making Autumn the ultimate time of the year. I love how two sided Halloween is- there is the scary side which is just so much fun, but then there is also a side involving caramel apples, hay-rides, and corn mazes. What could be better?
2. Christmas time may not be my favorite holiday, but it is such a close second. I’m extremely inspired by everything about Christmas. For starters, the deep meaning it holds is so wonderful. Christmas is not just your everyday holiday, but a celebration of religion. Since religion is the biggest part of the majority of people’s lives, I feel like any celebration of religion, regardless of which religion, is inspiring. However, growing up in the Bible belt, Christmas is definitely the religious holiday I am most familiar with. The religious aspect is the most inspiring, but the atmosphere that comes with Christmas is right up there with it. All the twinkling lights that cover trees, houses, street lamps, and the songs and films create a magical feeling. I don’t think I speak just for myself by saying that magic floats through everything and everyone all season.
3. This past spring break two of my friends and I took a road trip to Southern California. Even though the 36 hour drive was insanely long and tiring, it was the part of the trip that I feel will stay with me the longest. Before that trip I had never been out of the south-eastern United States. It was awesome to finally see a different side of this beautiful country. The miles upon miles of flat land stretched out on both sides of the road in Texas were a little boring and yet strangely beautiful. Then further on into our trip the landscape in New Mexico and Arizona was so beautiful. It was just so different than anything I had ever seen in person. The oranges and browns that surrounded us mixed with the green of an occasional cactus was just so pretty. Lastly, on our way back to Georgia we stopped at the Grand Canyon. It was the most breathtaking sight I have ever (and probably will ever see). The canyon itself is unbelievable, but the colors are also fantastic. They range from brown to yellow to purple, and even though I was expecting that from pictures I had seen in the past, they didn’t even come close to doing it justice.
4. Any form of celebration inspires me. However, wedding are my most favorite. My senior year of high school I was a bridesmaid in my cousin’s wedding. Her wedding was beautiful, and every since it I have been hooked on weddings. The atmosphere is perfect- flowers everywhere, romantic lighting, good music, and great food! The guests are also looking their best which just adds to the beautiful surroundings. This past year I’ve even gotten into the habit of purchasing wedding magazines. I love seeing all the different color schemes, dresses, and accessories that are used in weddings. It excites me to no end.
5. I love spending time in Savannah, Georgia. When I was about nine I took my first trip to Savannah and fell in love! It’s such a beautiful, old, and charming city. I’m obsessed with the Spanish moss on all the trees, and the old mansions downtown. Every time I see them I can’t help but wonder about all the history the houses have been through and the types of families who had previously lived there. I love anything that can let my imagination run wild, and Savannah does that. Savannah is also where I got my very first taste of freedom. In my early high school years I spent a week there while attending a Savannah College of Art and Design’s summer seminar. That trip filled me with inspiration. I have made countless trips to Savannah over the years and have yet to lose the excitement of being there.
1) While I was watching the episode of project runway, they mentioned Alexander McQueen, I’ve never looked into his work in detail, so I decided to look up a fashion show of his and I was immediately inspired. He was amazing! His designs are eerie, dark and maybe even a little disturbing but that’s what intrigued me about them. This is the one I watched: http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/int/en/corporate/archive2011_awfilm_womens.aspx although the outfits are nothing I would wear, I love the black with the stark white to contrast. The show was a little like watching a creepy movie, but I love creepy movies. I’m drawn to the fact that creepy may be a little uncomfortable but it’s a thrill at the same time. The models wear sliver headpieces which make them almost look like robots. One of his look books has the same black and white theme with some navy and pops of different colors. http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/int/en/corporate/archive2011_paw_womens.aspx There is real power behind his color choices and the contrast he shows. I like that. On my board I would attempt to capture that power but I’m not sure I can accomplish the same feeling his work puts across.
2) As I’ve grown up I’ve noticed that history is ceaselessly interesting to me. Not so much specific dates and events but I love to sight-see and visit places that have historic value. One of my favorite places of all time is Savannah, GA. The entire city is full of history everywhere you look, the cobblestone streets, the different colors of the aged bricks on the buildings, cemeteries with rod iron fences, and the giant old trees with dark green Spanish moss hanging from them. The fact that I am able to walk where other people lived and see what they saw, now, is amazing to me. On my board I would incorporate the greens and brown and attempt to show the distress of age on them.
3)The difference in pop culture decade to decade is fascinating to me. How we change so much from how we speak, to government, to our clothes and music. It’s all intertwined and it all correlates with how people grow and develop. The 1940s and early 1950s are decades I’ve always been interested in; I love music and movies from that time. I’m inspired by the clothes they wore. Because the picture quality back then was not at its best, the colors look like muted and even a little browned, versions of themselves. I like the look of the muted turquoises and burgundy reds, the pale browns and dark blues and greens like this: http://pm.b5z.net/i/u/10030340/i/4674.jpg
And this http://images.wikia.com/vintagepatterns/images/d/de/S4662.jpg
4)Butterflies are extremely yet effortlessly beautiful and graceful to me and I love that about them but I am in no way close to getting one tattooed on my body or anything. I’m not inspired by butterflies in the literal sense like the figure of one, but by more the combination of the colors that occur in their wings that are so rare in nature. They are each their own color pallet. I particularly like the 3rd butterfly on this website that I found while I was trying to get inspired and has proved quite helpful… http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/2007/06/01/colorful-beauty-in-nature-butterflies/. The colors in the butterfly are dark green, lighter greens, turquoise and a golden yellow.
5)The piano is one of my favorite instruments to listen to, and Moonlight Sonata is a piece that always comes to mind when I think about the piano. I’m not inspired by the aesthetics of the actual piano itself as much as the image in my head I get when I hear this particular song. I envision moonlight reflecting off the water, the water being dark and full of deep blues and turquoises, the sky dark as well with glimmering stars and a bright white full moon and the occasional dark grey cloud. Somewhat like this, maybe not as bright and greyer then black. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QG0f_AYWK-8/S96XE2r–mI/AAAAAAAAAao/IZyb_Fh1ePs/s1600/moonlight+bh1.jpg
And maybe mix it with this one as well… http://www.google.com/imgres?q=moonlight+on+ocean&um=1&hl=en&sa=X&tbm=isch&tbnid=LdGvymZJ85YWxM:&imgrefurl=http://www.paintingsilove.com/image/show/27814/moonlight&docid=Kyde7wblP1lNdM&w=452&h=860&ei=PWpoTpitE8Xe0QHAq4DCCw&zoom=1&biw=972&bih=456&iact=rc&dur=141&page=6&tbnh=141&tbnw=74&start=49&ndsp=9&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:49&tx=37&ty=76
1. When I was younger, I discovered a box in my basement of old items and photographs that held memories of my grandparents and my Dad. It was from so long ago—and something about searching through the delicate “artifacts” really entranced me. The pictures were all black and white and the box was filled with old film slides and Kodak film containers. I loved searching the contents and the piles of pictures and looking at the clothes worn by kids and especially the women from the 50s. I think it was then that I began to fall in love with vintage things. I took these photos and hung them in my room, and the vintage decorating started from there. I then bought a bed at goodwill from the 1950s and I fixed up an old dresser to go along with it. I still love vintage material to this day, and I think to draw inspiration from this for my board, I would use black and white photos, a well-placed vintage pattern and handwriting that looks like classic typewriter font.
2. I visited Williamsburg with my family for spring break in 2006 and I can honestly say it was one of the most enchanting places I have been. It was like I took a step back in time for a week. One of my favorite houses was called the George Wythe house which I think is one of my favorite historic houses…ever. It’s simply beautiful inside and out, and holds so much history. There was one room that had this beautiful blue wallpaper, covered with elegant designs; it looked almost girly in a way, but was a replica of the original paper that had been there. The style of that time period was very fine and precise, but had such original, crafty, beauty to it. I could draw inspiration from anywhere in Williamsburg, but the George Wythe house, and especially the wallpaper was so enchanting to me. For a board, I would try to interpret the fine elegance of that time period into the layout and overall composition to create something original but also relative to that time period.
3. I’m really close with my older sister Julianne, and I pretty much admire everything about her. This of course includes her style of clothing, which is completely creative and unique to her personality. I love trying to mimic her style, and I do this the same way she does, by basing it completely off of shoes. I like to be inspired by shoes just like my sister, so if I find a pair that I really love, but that don’t match at all with my wardrobe, I make it work or so help me. My latest fine has been a pair of brown boots. These boots work with any outfit, and I love them because they work as a base which I can build off of. Since I got them during the fall, I would use a lot of gold and greens and oranges to draw inspiration for my board. Or perhaps I would choose a monochromatic theme along some of those colors and then I would make the font very flowy and fall-like to fit along with this theme.
4. I absolutely LOVE photographs. It can be of anything and anyone and I will analyze it until I can analyze it no more. Lately, I’ve found myself spending a lot of time on pinterest.com which is a wonderful place to draw inspiration from if you haven’t visited it already. There are photos of anything and everything and I find myself looking at the artistry of the images more than the actual content of the images. I am probably the most visual person ever; I absolutely love photographs so if I were to make a board based on this idea, I would fill it with many photographs and give it a clean layout, like a yearbook feel.
5. I am a huge fan of patterns and one of my favorite places to look at them is in the scrapbooking section of any craft store. I grew up doing a lot of scrapbooking and I wish I had time to continue it today but my inspiration that I get from all the patterns still has not faded. There are so many different patterns and designs, and they all seem so fresh and new. You can also find these designs on a lot of stationaries; One of my favorite that I have is a vintage looking print of some flowers with an artsy, curly border around it. It’s a little faded looking but it’s so simple and creative. If I used this idea for a board, I would probably use the colors orange and purple since those are the colors of the printed flowers. I would also want to find some way to utilize the curly border.
1. Tim Burton- Every since I was a little kid, Tim Burton and his movies have thoroughly shaped who I am. The Nightmare Before Christmas was my favorite movie as a kid. Generally, I was very easily frightened. We used to watch Are You Afraid of the Dark at my preschool and I wouldn’t sleep for weeks even though the terror exhilarated me [strange preschool, I know]. The Nightmare Before Christmas was the first “scary” movie/show that I watched with no fear. Something about that took hold inside of me and ever since then, I have been undeniably obsessed. The creepiness that comes along with all of Tim Burton’s movies draws me in. I also think I am attracted to the fantastic nature of the world’s he creates. They are always so elaborately ridiculous. In a world where the strange is often looked down upon and the crazy is sent to institutions, I appreciate the escape these fantastical places allow me to have. Something about the dark colors and the unfinished sketchy feel of his work just really excites me. His work is really bold and in your face, and I love that.
2. Gaudi- I am really inspired, I think, by the work of Antoni Gaudi. I have always wanted to travel to Barcelona to see his many works. His work with tile is so inspirational. I just love all of the colors and the movement he creates. His work is also really bold, which I appreciate. When I was younger, I desperately wanted to visit Parc Guell because I was so mesmerized by it. I had no idea then that it was designed by Gaudi, nor did I know that he left his mark all over Barcelona.
3. Cityscapes- I really like the idea of the city, the hustle and bustle of all of the people with places to go and people to see. I love pictures of cities like New York, especially when they are taken at night. The white and yellow lights of the tall buildings combined with the blue-blackness of the sky are simply amazing to me. I stayed in Atlanta for a week to do a summer program at SCAD. I took a class in digital photography and one in graphic design. In my digital photography class, we were required to just go out and take hundreds of pictures. Most of mine ended up being of the city during dusk or at night. Something about that just really inspires me. While I will always enjoy the comforts of suburbia, I kind of aspire to live in the heart of a city and be a part of all that goes on there.
4. Neverland- This will sound so strange, but I have always been inspired by Neverland. Personally, I love Peter Pan, and that might be because I cannot seem to let go of my childhood. Therefore, Neverland would be the perfect place of inspiration, as it is the place where one never grows up. Neverland is the perfect mix of greens and blues with wondrous white/purple clouds. Every once in a while there are those pops of colors, like in the rainbows, that make it so surreal. Neverland seems so bright, so happy, so full of energy, and I love that. The whole idea of Neverland is somewhere I would just love to escape to, and I think that’s why it inspires me so. I have always been big on having somewhere to escape to, and Neverland would be the perfect place to have an adventure.
5. Santorini, Greece- Now, I have never been to Greece, but I would love to go. However, the images of Santorini are perfect to explain my love of water. I’m not really crazy about the deep blue water you might find when you go far out on a boat. I love that crystal clear turquoise blue water that you would find in the Mediterranean. The color is just so peaceful. On our marine science trip last semester, we went to Cape Sand Blas. We ended up getting to spend a day on the beach because we had collected a ton of specimens and didn’t have room for more. The water was so clear and so beautiful, I couldn’t be more relaxed. More than just the typical beachy theme, Santorini has these beautiful white buildings and the coast is a mixture of green and brown. The entire scene is so breathtaking and so spectacular. I watched part of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants to see what all of the fuss was about, and was absolutely blown away by the vistas in Greece when Lena was visiting her family. Really, I am inspired by a global perspective. I have never really been anywhere, so I think I am drawn to the beauty of the international world. I really really really really love an oriental theme or palette, but I think I enjoy the colors of Greece a little more.
6. Music- I know we only need 5 things, but I simply could not leave out music. I just love the way I feel when I’m listening to a song that so speaks to the moment that I am in. I like instrumental music a lot too. I love the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack so much. I didn’t list music as one of my first 5 inspirations because even though it is a major part of my life, I wouldn’t know how to incorporate that into my design board. No matter what I am feeling or going through, music has constantly been there in a way that people sometimes haven’t been. It just sort of picks you up and hugs you, making you forget all of your cares and worries, it creates the soundtrack that is your life. Maybe I’ll figure out a way to incorporate it in a way that doesn’t look ridiculous. Maybe.
1. Songs played with simply an acoustic guitar sound so clean and beautiful to me. I like to listen to instrumental songs played with the acoustic guitar when I am looking for inspiration, to relax, or to study. The song called “Quelqu’un m’a dit” by Carla Bruni especially gives me a creative spark. She is a French singer/songwriter. Although I have no clue what is being said in this song because it is sung in French, the lyrics in this romantic language and the smooth acoustic guitar picking flows together perfectly. I have been playing the guitar for a few years, so I feel like from learning to play I have a better appreciation and understanding of guitar playing. Hearing great songs motivates to want to learn how to play that song and better myself in playing guitar. When I hear this song, I feel content, warm, and relaxed. Even though I do not know the song’s interpretation, just because of the softness of the way she sings in French gives off a sensual and passionate feeling. Using this inspiration in my board, I would incorporate warm colors with flowy strokes inspired by the music’s rhythm and flow. An abstraction comes to mind in order to show a type of mystery of the song’s interpretation.
2. Dirt roads with overlapping trees in the country is another inspiration of mine. I live out in the country in south Georgia. So for every paved road out there, there is three dirt roads. Some dirt roads are winding while some lay straight for miles. Some dirt roads are a deep, thick clay color while some are thin, dusty tan color. Many of the dirt roads have big, old trees going down both sides. I love walking down these dirt roads alone back home where the only sound I hear besides one or two old pick up trucks passing by is the sound of nature, the whistles of birds, and the chirping of crickets. There is just some kind of primeval feeling I get when I walk down dirt roads. I feel like I am taken out of the modern society. I feel free of the worldly stresses. Without this stress my mind is free to wander aimlessly in inspiration. Using this inspiration in my board, my color palette would be greens and tans. The tans would look grainy while the greens would be vertical streaks
3. Sundays inspire me more than any other day of the week. I feel like my Sundays spent at home not at college have the most structure of any other day as well. I get up, eat breakfast with the family, watch CBS’s Sunday Morning show, go to church, eat a Sunday dinner with the family, spend the rest of the day hanging with the family. We’ll watch sport games together, go walking together with our dog, and grille out together simply enjoying the day made for fellowship. This day inspires me because of its purity, structure, and simple nature. Using this inspiration in my board, I would use various tones of whites and yellows with hints of light blue because I feel these colors seem “pure.”
4. Old Houses and buildings in Savannah are simply breathtaking to me. I don’t live too far from Savannah, Georgia, so I visit there pretty often especially since my sister moved there. Every time I go there I have to visit the downtown area, even if it means just driving through. The design of the town into squares is so structured and gives the town a unique element unlike any other. Everything about the town is enchanting—the accents, the squares, the cemeteries, the parks, the buildings, the river, and the good southern food. The atmosphere in general inspires me but specifically the interiors and exteriors of the old 19th century houses and buildings in the downtown area. I love the fact that they still look like they did back when they were constructed for the most part. It blows my mind to think about the history that encompasses each one. 19th century southern design is so lovely to me, including the wrap around porches, the tall white columns, the wooden floors, the intricate molding, and especially the formal patterned wallpaper. Using this inspiration for my board, I would include patterns that resemble wallpaper from this era, using greens and blues.
5. Coffee shops, especially the non-chain ones, inspire me. My favorite one in Athens is Two Story Coffeehouse. The atmosphere is so inviting with the wonderful smell of coffee, the comfy couches, the dim lit rooms with small lamps beside each chair, the very low “study music” playing in the background, and the toasty, warm feeling of the entire place. Going to a place like this makes studying actually bearable because I am so comfortable and aware of my senses in a way. If I could, I would hang out at a coffee shop every night, and if I did, my stress level would for sure be lower. I also love to take friends to just hang out and have coffee. Conversations at a coffee shop for me always seem to be the deepest and best ones. I am simply a person who enjoys chill atmospheres whether I am alone or with friends, and coffee shops do that for me. Using this inspiration for my board, the obvious color scheme would be rich browns in a swirly design.
1. I have always found myself happiest when I am at the beach which has basically inspired everything in my life of design and fashion. Most people don’t like laying in the sand but I love the feel and texture of warm sand and the movement it creates with wind, water, and any touch. The texture of sand and the warm color inspire me for casual lighting in my spaces. I have an amazing lamp that is very simple but the shade is a tissue thin beige that has folds and ridges and it gives off the rough appearance of the sand. It is muted and neutral but offers great lighting for the space. It is a simple piece that really brings my room together.
2. I am a total girly girl when it comes to painting my nails. I love keeping them trimmed and painted at all times. As hectic as my life can get I like keep my nails done as a way of keeping my self together. Its time to take care of me. I have all colors, shades, and textures, and I change with the seasons but my absolute favorite nail polish is bubble bath by OPI. It is a very light sheer pink that is so simple and just a hint girly and it goes with every outfit and can work anytime of year. I think the light pink symbolizes my routine life that I experience every day. I occasionally paint my nails fire engine red or sapphire blue to spice it up but I find comfort in my bubble bath pink.
3. I have always had a love for dolphins! ALWAYS!! I find them so beautiful and majestic and I am simply intrigued by them. My senior year of high school my friends and our families took a cruise to Mexico and while I was there I was blessed with the opportunity to swim with the dolphins. It was a beautiful set up with the dolphin cove actually built directly into the coast line so it was very natural and I took in every second of it. I had never seen water this blue or tropical fishes of these intense yellows, blues, oranges, greens and reds. And this was all before I got to swim with the dolphins. The sleek lines and gray to white fade of coloring was so crisp and beautiful against the blue of the water. The smooth slick skin was nothing like I had ever felt before and it is a texture I still remember to this day. The whole experience changed my life and I would jump at the chance to experience it again but the simple sleek lines of the dolphins body and the basic color scheme is something that has inspired my world.
4. I love buying shoes! I love the feeling of dressing up and finishing off the entire outfit with just the right pair of shoes. I think a nice pair of heels can pull any outfit together. It is of course important to have the basics, black, nudes, browns, that can go with any outfit but then there are the just as important pops of color that spice up a wardrobe. They are the shoes that get to go out every night, but when they do go out THEY MAKE A STATEMENT! I have these beautiful bright blue/indigo colored heels that are great for a pop of color and defiantly stand out but they can not be worn in many situations. I feel like my shoe philosophy can be translated into design. You have to have the basic neutrals with pops of color that make a statement but don’t over power the great balance of the space and what else is going on.
5. my home inspires me. It is the space in which I create and live in. I am a junior this year and have just moved into my first house with roommates. I have my own room and this was the first space in college that I was allowed to completely let my creations and ideas flow straight from my mind to the room. The wall color to the bedding to the window treatments are all of my own choosing or creation. I actually made my head board out of ply wood, a foam mattress topper, and cloth, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Everything in my room scream me and that is where I pull inspiration from because everything in my room was designed by me so I pull inspiration from previous successes.
1. During my junior and senior years of high school, I participated in a two-year, extremely rigorous collection of courses entitled the International Baccalaureate program. I found that the best way to cope with the copious amount of stress IB induced was to paint my nails. I have always loved nail polish and the way it can be manipulated to be shiny, matte, sparkly, crackled, specked, and layered. As I’ve discovered more about the world of fashion, my fascination with nail polish has only grown. I love the way a trend on the runway can be transformed and influenced by a nail polish color. This fascination has turned into somewhat of an obsession, as I am the proud owner of over 30 colors. My current favorite was somewhat of a personal triumph this summer. Last winter I read about the release of a special addition collection by Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen that included a beautiful robins egg blue color named Barracuda. It was scheduled for release in March and I scoured every drugstore and nail polish retailer I passed in vain. It wasn’t until I haphazardly walked down the beauty aisle in my local Target one afternoon in May that I saw it sitting there, alone, away from its original display. I grabbed the nail polish and didn’t let go until the second coat had dried. This color has influenced many of my personal choices, from the color of my room at home to a similarly colored necklace I just bought. This blue would provide a great burst of color to my inspiration board that wouldn’t overpower the original colors found in my images, or take away from my idea of simplicity.
2. Whenever I see my best friend Emily in something new, I ask her where it’s from. I’ve come to realize, however, that the answer is usually “From my mom’s closet.” This leads to me lamenting to my own mom about how it’s unfair that she saved almost no articles of clothing from her own youth. What she did keep, however, is a great collection of scarves and jewelry from her post college years on Capitol Hill. One item in particular, a vintage red bandanna, has become a personal favorite of mine. It is a beautiful, true red and has a border of paisley like flowers and shapes that are forest green, golden yellow, and deep purple. It is the perfect length, and I am always finding new ways to wear it. Although the colors are incredibly distinct, it somehow manages to make any outfit look better. Despite the bold nature of many of the colors, their combination is flawless and would serve as a great palette for my inspiration board. I love to see photographs of the time my mom spent in D.C wearing this scarf, and others like it, because it inspires my own style and appreciation for design.
3. This summer I was introduced to a renaissance woman of an artist, Jeana Sohn, who dabbles in everything from photography to cooking to design work, and has several blogs pertaining to these subjects. When my aunt showed me her newest project, Closet Visit, I immediately fell in love with both the style of Jeana herself, as well as her friends that she was photographing. Closet Visit is a weekly look into the wardrobe of a stylish L.A woman, and her favorite pieces from her closet, along with a Q&A about what inspires her. My favorite thing about closet visit, aside from the clothes themselves, is the way in which the items are photographed. The simplicity of the photos is apart of their beauty; they allow the clothes to speak for themselves. There is minimal editing, if any at all, and it is only the placement and grouping of items that is manipulated. The true personality of both Jeana and her subjects shine through in the photographs and gives the audience a sense of why these items mean so much to the person being interviewed. The simplicity and expression of style and layout, as well as harmonious color palettes that are characteristic to these Closet Visits’ is something that I desire in terms of my own inspiration board.
4. One of my favorite pastimes is going through my mom’s old high school yearbooks. She and I went to the same high school, and that is something that has meant a lot to me. I loved being able to walk down the halls and think that she and her friends probably walked that same way. My high school is a historic landmark and was built in the 1920’s as a K-12 school for Emory professor’s children. The architecture of the main building is spectacular, and it exists in its original form even today. The beauty of the school was captured in an excellent fashion in my mom’s yearbooks, and the true sensibility of the school is illustrated throughout. One of my favorite features is the size of the yearbook itself, about twice as long as modern yearbooks, and composed of large matte pages filled with black and white photographs of everything from pictures around Atlanta, historical events, float building, and my mom in her cheer- leading uniform. A section that includes photographs of staff members with student composed quotes underneath is ingenious, as is the inclusion of student taken photographs of the school and surrounding area. The layout of the book is clean and simple, however, its impact is great. When flipping through the pages, one has a clear sensibility of the time, the culture, and the personality of the school. The layout of the black and white photographs as well a feeling of intimacy that is present when looking through the book are aspects that I hope to include in my inspiration board.
5. My house is full of photographs and artwork, vintage and new, handmade and purchased, but all of equal importance. My parents are both extremely keen on the importance of family and history, and knowing where you came from. My great grandmother, who I am named for, was a landscape artistic and surveyor who was also an incredible artist. Her drawings, sketches, and paintings are framed all over our house, a constant reminder of her influence in our lives. A similarly constant presence in my household are photographs of family members who are no longer with us, but who hold great importance in my family’s heritage. One such figure, my father’s great grandmother, was a native Cherokee Indian. The one photograph we have in our house of her is extremely haunting and beautiful at the same time. I like to joke with my dad that she’s the reason I’m so tan, the irony being that I’m frightening pale. There’s no denying, however, that this heritage has influenced me in many ways. Whenever I look at the picture, I see part of my dad, as well as a part of myself. My strong cheekbones, insatiable desire for turquoise jewelry, and infatuation with both Native American culture and my moccasin booties are all indicators of my Cherokee roots. In all seriousness, I do value my ancestry, and my Cherokee heritage especially, because it does influence my style and inspires me to interpret these qualities in new and different ways. My inspiration board could include naturalistic colors such as tan and gray, as well as pops of turquoise and red. Textures, patterns, and colors, all inspired by Native American culture, could all be incorporated into the layout of the board.
Judith Bright Jewelry- I absolutely love everything made by the jewelry designer Judith Bright. The jewelry is simple yet beautiful which is what I have always been inspired by in design. I especially love her line of gold jewelry with gemstones because for as long as I can remember I have been drawn to things that are neutral yet have pops of bright color in them. I think because I am somewhat of a perfectionist and like things to be orderly, I gravitate towards simplicity and clean lines in design. I get easily stressed when things in my room become cluttered and disorganized and I shy away from things that are too flashy and elaborate.
Texas- The unique culture and style of my home state will always be an inspiration for me in design. I can’t help but love the Texas hill country and lakes because I grew up being surrounded by them. All of the rich textures, colors, and patterns found in these places are beautiful to me. I also love the stucco and stone exteriors of many Austin homes and the natural linens and materials found in the hill country homes in the area. I am a strong believer in having many textures around the home and it is easy to find inspiration for these in the natural environment surrounding Austin.
Texture- Like I said before, I believe in having many different textures in the home. Whether they come from a carved wooden armoire or a soft quilted throw, textures to me exude freshness and liveliness. I love textures because they bring excitement to the senses and can make any room feel warm and cozy. In addition, textures can bring the outdoors in and create a natural feel in any place.
Clean and simple lines- Whether they be in clothes, buildings, or homes, clean and simple lines have always appealed to me. I love outfits that are effortless and that look simple and sophisticated. My style icon is Audrey Hepburn—her clothes are so classy and simple yet fashionable and unique. When decorating my room this year, I noticed that I tended to like crisp, clean neutral colors that gave off an airy, tranquil feeling. I think this is because I have always loved design that is minimal yet beautiful.
Travel- Traveling is one of my all-time favorite things to do. When I was younger, I made a list of all of the places I wanted to see before I was a certain age. Currently, I have not been to half of the places on that list but I nonetheless have been inspired by the places I have been to. Each place I go, whether it is in the United States or outside the country, has its own culture, atmosphere, look, and way of life. I have found design elements that have inspired me in the very urban New York City and the quaint Savannah, Georgia—two very different and distinct cities. I know that inspiration comes out of personal experiences. Travel has given me the most amazing experiences and has thus inspired me greatly.
1. Traveling. My family and I are very fortunate in which we get to travel around the world. The place that probably inspired me the most was our trip to Italy. We went to Lake Como, Umbria, San Marino, Florence and Venice. In Lake Como we visited multiple villas on the lake. The old Italian villas were exquisite, my favorite was villa Carlotta. It had Italian gardens surrounding it with steps, fountains and sculptures. Villa Carlotta sits directly facing the lake with the Grange Mountains as its backdrop. It was breathtaking. In Italy I was really inspired by all the architecture. Between San Marino, Florence and Venice we go to see some of the most amazing architecture in Europe. From the St. Mark’s Cathedral in St. Mark’s Square to the buildings and houses that lined the streets I could not believe the detail and the broad and diverse architectural style. My favorite thing about Italian architecture was all the construction of the domes and arches. I had never paid any attention to this style before. While in Italy, my parents took a lot of photographs of the architecture. It just so happened that we were building a new house later that year so my parents wanted to get new ideas. My house has some Italian architecture with arches in it and it also has some antique Italian furniture. I am inspired by this style and get to be around it every time I am at home.
2. Silver and diamond earrings. For my 18th birthday my dad gave me this really special pair of Leslie Green Silver and diamond earrings. They have a silver designed stud that goes into my war and then they drop into a circle. In the circle there is a smaller circle with 4 diamonds connected in the shape of an x. Out side the little circle are silver designs of swirls with diamonds in between them. These earrings inspire my taste because they are so elegant and classic. I only wear them on special occasions because they would look weird if I wore them otherwise. Another reason why I think these earrings inspire me is because they remind me of chandeliers. I love chandeliers they are so beautiful and elegant and they are an item that can make a room. Chandeliers and these earrings are both beautiful in which they are so intricate and fine and I love the way the light reflects off of both of them. I love the design of these earrings. It is so unique and there is nothing similar out there.
3. Fashion. I LOVE fashion. I always have the new styles and am always wearing the new trends that are out there. I think I get this from my mom because she loves fashion to and had impeccable taste. I love to find new materials to wear and new styles. I like for the materials to be sewed in different ways and to not be boring. One of my favorite pieces of clothing that I have is my Dolce and Gabbana boustie dress. Although it sounds racy it is not. It is very tasteful and is stretchy with net material stretching out from the mid section. I also love when it is New York and Paris fashion week because I get to see all the new styles and trends that will be coming out next season. I love to browse the collections on the Internet and see the extravagant shows that each designer put on. My aunt is fashion designers out in LA so I grew up listening to her tell about her new lines at Thanks giving and Christmas. She would always bring booklets of pictures of her new lines. I understand the clothing design process a little from her. Hopefully one day I will get to incorporate clothes fashions into my interior design ideas.
4. The color of the ocean down in the Florida Keys. Every year my family goes down to Ocean Reef, which is in Key Largo on the Florida Keys. The water down there is the most vibrant turquoise I have every seen. I would love to design a room around this color and incorporate items that make this color stand out. This color inspires me because it is so clean and beautiful. It is a natural color in the environment, which can add life to a room. Every year we go snorkeling and fishing in the water and it almost doesn’t even look like its real. I can see everything when I go underwater, the colors of the coral, the fish and the white sand on the bottom. My favorite thing to do is to stay out on the ocean all day and take in the beautiful color. My mom and I also love to go kayaking back in the canals. We go through the mangroves and under bridges where lobsters hide and even then we can see them under the clear water.
5. Southern comfort. To me there is nothing else like southern comfort and style. I love the Georgia beaches with the sand dunes and grass and the sunsets over the marsh. I love the hunting plantations during the fall with dogs barking and orange vests riding through the woods. I love the Georgia Mountains with the color of the leaves being vivid red, orange and yellow and the crisp air. You cannot beat southern hospitality and the food that it offers. I am inspired by homemade Peach ice cream and ice tea during the summer, fried chicken, sweet potatoes at thanksgiving, and lemonade in the spring. I love the huge magnolia trees and their massive branches in the front yards, cotton fields and pecan trees in South Georgia. I love implementing these aspects into my design ideas.
1. Simplicity- I have always been drawn to simplicity. The clothes I am attracted to are not exactly plain, but I tend to avoid patter and stick to rational colors. Whenever I pick out things I like out of magazines, they are always simple and well put together. I really hate flashy, overwhelming design pieces. I would say that this reflects directly on my personality. I am a very organized person and feel out of balance without a large amount of structure in my life. Although this may come across as a negative piece of my personality, I have found that it has helped me a lot through out my life. To incorporate my love of all things simple into my board, I would use a lot of solid, classic colors and not choose to many overwhelming pictures.
2. For as long as I can remember, I have loved weddings. I went to my first wedding when I was six, I was a flower girl for my aunt. I can still remember how amazed I was by all of the different aspect that went into making the night perfect. Although the celebration of the love between the bride and groom is interesting to me, I am more drawn in by the design and personality that is shown off during a wedding. Everything is accounted for and deeply thought about, from the napkin color to the venue. To incorporate the inspiration I get from weddings into my board, I would make everything match perfectly and put a lot of thought into how I could express my personality through the overall layout of the board.
3. The Beach. I have been spending my summers at the Outer Banks in North Carolina since I was born. We have a ocean side house that is barely standing, with no air conditioning and bunk beds that is absolute perfection. The people in the have pretty much raised me, they have witnessed my sister’s and my summer adventures for almost twenty years. If I were to incorporate the beach into my board I would obviously use a lot of natural colors like tans and blues. I would also try to make it looked as aged and antique as possible, in order to symbolize the house and my history with the town.
4. Texas. It’s very true that people who are from Texas take a lot of pride in their state. Growing up in Austin was one of the biggest blessings I have experienced in my life so far. The people, culture, design, and atmosphere have all inspired me in multiple ways. I am very attracted to Southern style, as well as Western/Spanish influenced architecture. I love country music, and find that it speaks more to me than any other genre. The independence that Texas is known for has probably been the aspect that has inspired me the most through out my life. In order to incorporate these ideas into my board I would use images from home, or ones that remind me of home. I would use bright colors surrounded by browns and tans, and let every image be strong enough to speak for itself.
5. Vogue. I don’t understand how any human could open a Vogue magazine and not feel inspired immediately. I don’t care that 80% of the pages are advertisements; I am so in love with the layout and classiness of the magazine. To me, Vogue represents tradition and the progression of the Fashion Industry in America. It has been a part of my life for a very long time. The best part of the magazine for me, is that if you pay very close attention, the inspiration behind each issue is exactly the same. Each one manages to tell its own story, while still following suit with the rest of the magazines in portraying a sleek and impressive tone. In order to incorporate vogue into my board I would definitely use bold colors but at the same time have a lot of repetition and sharp lines.
Hannah Huggins
1. Patterns. One of my favorite things to do it go to Hobby Lobby and look at all of the fabrics they have. I love looking at the tons of patterns they have. Each one is different, yet many times you can combine different patterns for an awesome look. I prefer bold patterns of tiny ones, but I like patterns with bright colors as well as neutral colors. I also love the way that patterns can be paired with textures that maintain the same feeling.
2. Country. I’m from the center of South Georgia, literally, and my family often makes fun of how “redneck” families are in my hometown. My first two years of college I attended ABAC, an agricultural college in Tifton where country life and “redneck” is abundant. Though I hate to admit it, I am a country girl at heart. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl. I was raised on a farm and I have an appreciation for rustic country with old barns, rusted tractor parts, chipped-paint silos, and cow pastures. I love the way that when I go back home, life slows back down. From traffic being slower, to getting behind tractors on the highway, to the way that people talk; it all slows down. It’s like in the country, everyone takes more time to appreciate everything.
3. Words. I love to write and equally as much I love to read. I love that no matter how jumbled my thoughts may be inside my head that when I sit down to write, I can make sense of it all. I love that thoughts flow from my heart, not just from my brain. I love reading books that are so descriptive that you feel like you are there. The kind of book that when you stop reading you feel like you’ve put a part of life on hold because you’ve become part of the story. I also love quotes and lyrics. When you have mixed emotions or stresses a lot of times lyrics or quotes can say exactly what you feel when you couldn’t find the word. Its inspiring to see that others are going through, or have been through, the same thing as you and know how you feel!
4. Remodels. To me, it is a true gift to be able to renovate an old home (or item), make it modern, while still retaining the beauty and history of the item. It is intriguing to me how someone can take something old and make it new while allowing it to still tell its “old” story. History is important because without history none of us would be who we are or where we are. That makes it important to retain. However, time doesn’t stand still and we must move forward. An ideal renovation can combine both past and future to create something beautiful.
5. Birds. Birds are such beautiful, free creatures to me. If I was an animal I would want to be a bird. To have nothing tying you down and to be able to take flight whenever you choose must be such a wonderful thing. Birds couldn’t possibly have worries or stress. They just sing beautiful songs and look beautiful. In my room I have two metal birds (one turquoise and one yellow), a metal-work owl, and an owl painting. They make me feel joyful and free whenever I look at them.
1. Vintage furniture- I have mentioned that old, beautiful, vintage things inspire me, but more specifically vintage furniture and home decor. There is nothing more beautiful to me then something old that tells a story. I love items with a history. It is easy to find something beautiful in a store, but I feel that finding a beautiful vintage piece is so much more exciting. I enjoy the search, and the pure enjoyment when I find a vintage piece that I absolutely love! My boyfriends Aunt is actually an interior decorator and she deals with primarily vintage decor. I find her collection so inspiring and refreshing. I feel that alot of the design and items she uses has not really been done before quite like she can does it. She is amazing! Here is her website! http://www.suzanneallen.com/
2. Patterns- I am very inspired by patterns. Any kind of patterns, flowers, shapes, stripes etc… I babysit for a lady who owns a textile company called Hable Construction (http://hableconstruction.com/.) Her work with patterns is just brilliant! She uses all different colors and designs making pillows, hand bags, storage containers etc. She will also use her fabric to cover couches and make curtains. Her house is full of different compatible patterns. She is such an awesome lady with such a clear and simple design concept. She had a store in NY and just recently moved to Athens. Her work is inspiring and her determination and knowledge in textiles is impressive.
3. Renovating Homes- I am a sucker for old homes! I love them, I love them, I love them! I live in a house that was built in the 40’s and am in love with the high ceilings, beautiful archways, and thick trim. They just do not make houses like they use to. One thing that really inspires me is renovating old homes. Keeping all the old beautiful things in tact then completely renovating and updating the inside. I have a friend who buys old houses then goes in and totally renovates them then sell them. The whole process of where to start and figuring out how to get to where you going is intriguing to me. If my career as a teacher does not work out I would like to renovate old homes and turn them for a profit!
4. The Farm- I love farm life! The goats, the cows, donkeys, and horses. Although to some that sounds horrible to some I find it relaxing and surreal. My boyfriend owns a farm right outside of Athens. It is a 200 acre farm with an eight acre lake on it. While sitting on the dock looking out at the lake and nature I feel free. It is the one place in the world I can go to get away from everything else. I feel like my world stops when I am out there. I have no worries, no fear, and no sence of time. It’s like my escape out of reality. I go there to feel happy and inspired.
5.Weddings- I have always loved weddings! I once worked for a catering company and became obsessed with weddings every since. From the food, to the family, friends, laughter, drinks, tents, ceremony, flowers, and everything! I love it all!!!! It all inspires me. I find weddings to be a very real moment. It like a big beautiful party and everyone is there for you. I find weddings so amazing and touching. My lifetime dream is to maybe one day open up a wedding venue at the farm, and have a great big old white house that has been renovated with beautiful vintage decor for the bride and groom to stay. This dream obviously incorporates most of things that really inspire me. Maybe one day I will make it happen! I mean who wouldn’t love a farm wedding!? 🙂
1. I have always found great joy being outdoors, hiking and camping, where phones no longer have service and electrical lines can’t be seen. My last excursion at Blood Mountain on the Appalachian Trail was definitely one of those joyous times for me. We went in late October when the sun wasn’t shining and the skies were light grey. The weather was so beautiful to me because it let us appreciate our natural surroundings. The moss on the rocks was a dark green and the misty fog across the trail was an astounding filter to walk through. The water running down the earthy rocks was crystal clear. It was definitely one of my favorite hikes. The colors that I could draw inspiration from on this occasion our earthy browns and greens and all the shades in between.
2. Night blooming cereus has forever been my favorite flower. When I was a child my mother had one these cactus plants growing in a pot in the backyard. By no means does it appear to be a beautiful plant. The foliage of the cactus is dull, just your ordinary long, thick green leaves. But once a year around midnight my mother would wake me up to watch the plant bloom, this plant’s light purple bulbs would produce blossoms the size of my palm. The blossoms’ petals were a creamy white and the center stamen a bright yellow. They are mesmerizing for the short time that the bloom stays open, but after a couple hours of adoration they wilt and are no longer seen for a year. I find the color pallete of the blossom pleasing to the eye. I believe these calm colors are a good reflection of me.
3. Tybee Island Beach in the winter time will always be a special place for me. I’ve lived in Savannnah my whole life, my home a fifteen minute drive from the beach. Growing up I made many a trip to the beach with my family in the summertime, but it wasn’t until I was in high school that I got to truly enjoy the beach. I started working at a beachside restaurant when I was 16 and every morning before work in the fall and winter I’d take a walk with my best friend down the beach. The sky would be grey, the wind would be blowing, and the sand would dance. Those morning walks would put me in peaceful place. The greys, sand color, and pale blues, browns, and greens, and whites of the ocean are the colors that I draw from this inspiration.
4. Sooo… as a joke my friend recommended that I be inspired by one food that is seen in my daily diet- RICE. I laughed at the idea, but upon thinking about it. It is true that the different rice and grains that I eat create a great color pallete. I eat some form of rice almost every day, long grain basmati rice, jasmine rice, saffron rice, and quinoa. The bieges, and whites and tans, and browns, would make a great neutral pallete. It may seem boring but there is always the pop of yellow saffron rice or the reds of quinoa. I love rice and grains so I don’t see why not use the great neautral colors they have as inspiration.
5. My all time favorite season is Fall. The weather is perfect, the trees are beautiful, and the sky seems to even look different then the regular cloudy day. I love seeing the leaves on the trees change color and as I child I’d even collect those leaves I found beautiful. The colors of autumn are so rich and warm and the clothes you wear in fall mimic that. Wearing jackets and scarfs and opaque tights are a definite plus in fall. The crisp oranges, browns, and yellows of fall are such an inspiration to me.
1. Writing concisely has always been something I’ve been able to connect with. I think having the ability to sum something up with very few words is not only a skill, but an art as well. Whether it is for critiquing purposes or just simple explanation. It is amazing how much we can reduce a picture that is worth a 1,000 words down to just one based on our own perception. I think also in the art of deduction it helps to focus ideas down to a core and underlying connectedness. Sometimes I get very excited when I read a review I Q Magazine (British Music Magazine) that will have 5-8 words summing up a record in the subheading. I think words can be very powerful and sometimes I get jealous. Though some may view this as being superficial I would disagree. Malcolm Gladwell’s book Blink explains the adaptive unconscious in which short-term snap-judgments can be spot-on in the long-term (an ability which I also have). But I’m not saying that writing concisely is superficial, what I am saying is that after reading War and Peace for example that it is possible to sum that book up in a sentence.
2. I get a lot of inspiration from animals. Science has shown that they aren’t as “advanced” (whatever that means) as humans, but I think in a lot of ways they are as equal. The way my dog communicates for example is very interesting. He has different tones of “boofs” that he uses to communicate stuff to us. When we first moved down here in 2007, I was terrified by the Palmetto Bugs. Jack would find these bugs and pin them down and “boof” until we cam and got them from him. He’s just such a great protector, he’s on alert most of the day, even right now as I write this he’s hearing something outside. Animals also can communicate very well non-verbally or through non-sounds with their ears, tails, eyes mouth and limbs. I think it’s pretty fascinating that even the most primal of interactions are sometimes the most sustainable throughout time.
3. Music has always been an alternate reality for me. I think it has such a strong sense of escapism to it. I can’t say how many times in my life I walk around with a song in my head, but I’d guess it’s about 75% of the time. I don’t say this with the idea of music defining a person, but sometimes there are just some songs that understand us instead of the other way around. Being able to relate to something as creative as music is pretty extraordinary. I don’t know how to play an instrument, but when I hear a certain arrangement or note it is pretty remarkable at the way in which we respond to it. Music is also very strong in the sense that we can use to cope as well as escape. Sound arrangements can be mood lifting at times as well (I think of the scene in Forrest Gump where he is standing under the tree at Jenny’s grave, the music that starts playing gets me every time). In terms of creativity music is unmatched to me in its power.
4. I think burnout is incredibly high in certain jobs. Teaching is one of those jobs I think you could get burned out from. I always find it inspiring to have an instructor/professor who able to connect with students time and time again and treating it like it is the first time. Though they may have had the same discussions in classrooms countless times before, the process of learning through the Socratic method is just something that I don’t think just anyone can do. I have had a bad professor (or two) in my college career, but I would say I even learned a thing or two (maybe about what NOT to do) from them as well. There is probably an element of this from musicians or theater of doing the same thing over and over again, but I doubt the musician or actor gets to have that sort of one-on-one approach and interaction that the classroom presents, sort of a feedback loop between students and the professor. I do also find it humorous sometimes to look at a classroom full of blank expressions when students don’t understand what is going on, THAT is something I think the would be a bit fearful to confront… and yet they do.
5. Silent Films aren’t very popular in modern society, but I was exposed to a great amount of them two summers ago. Silent films are interesting in the sense that they usually are sound tracked only with music and everything is pretty much visually conveyed. Specifically visually acting in Vaudeville and Victorian acting, which is a bit over the top to say the least. Buster Keaton’s The General was a film that really stood out as being an emotional, action-packed and humorous journey. There are such elaborate stunts in this film that make today’s films look somewhat amateurish. These stunts however are so fluid that it looks natural. Keaton’s ability to convey almost any feeling and emotion without speaking is an incredible ability. I find this inspiring because he also wrote and directed his films with as much energy as he put into his acting. If you haven’t seen The General I would recommend it, it’s a step above stage acting but still a very basic art form that is still relevant and still fresh today.
1. Anthropologie (the store) has always been a key place for my inspiration. From the website to the actual store, every time I visit, I find new and exciting design ideas. In high school, much of my artwork dealt with mixed media. I would find layouts in Anthropologie catalogs and draw them in pastel outline. After having the first layer of pastel I would décor my work with materials like rope, gold leaf, buttons, fabric, etc. What was so inspiring about Anthropologie is their use of everyday materials like old wooden boxes and antique mirrors as props for their layouts. It’s a something old something new design. That is how I like to design areas, by using décor that I already own with a new item. Anthropologie provides that antique look with a fresh twist which is why I love going on their website and visiting the stores for creativity inspiration.
2. Gold my be the key aspect to my design. I am always trying to incorporate the color gold into any of my creations. The color symbolizes not only elegant beauty, but also is a total fashion statement. I love adding jewelry to my attire (ask any of my friends and my jewelry collection is ridiculous). Most of the time, I stick to gold and metallic bangles with shiny gold hoops and or gold leaf earrings. In my bedroom, I have incorporated a gold base lamp and glistening gold bark attached to pearl “leaves” pinned to my wall. Also any word you use to describe gold; polished, shimmering, glistening, glossy, gleaming; is decadent and reflective of how I hope people will describe my design work.
3. Nature is beautiful and awaking. No, I am not a tree-hugger nor do I love camping out every weekend, but I do love the natural beauty of nature. Some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen have been in the Western United States. The clear skies of Big Sky Montana put me in awe, considering I live in North Carolina, the most humid place on the planet. Being surrounded by the crisp air and crystal blue skies, I was in complete bliss and felt this was God’s Heaven on Earth. The image of that sky, will forever remain in my memories as one of the most beautiful days of my life.
4. Living in Eastern North Carolina, I have grown up spending summers on the Outer Banks. If you have never been to the Carolina coast, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. We have a family home on the sound side that looks over a small harbor. More than anything in this world, do I love looking from our dock along the water reflecting the sunlight off onto the boats. In my middle school, super dramatic years, when I felt completely distraught over anything and everything (this was a very common feeling at the time), I would run down the dock and hop on our boat lift, sit of the metal edge, and look out onto the water. I soothed my ridiculous tantrum and helped me forget the anger inside. Not until now, do I realize and appreciate how much that spot means to me.
5. I have basically already finished my inspiration board, and all these ideas are incorporated into my theme. While designing this board I tried to think of a central object that included all my inspiration. It came down to a simple bird, the peacock. I view a peacock as an exotic beauty that belongs to nature, exudes poise, and even is a current fashion icon. The peacock’s feather has glamorous colors; cool green, vibrant blue, soft browns, and GOLD!!! This bird describes all I stand for and exudes the beauty of my inspiration.
First, I’d like to say: yayyyyy Anthony Ryan!
1. The Great Outdoors: Once you see my board, you’ll notice that practically every picture on it has to do something with being outside or nature. Flowers, in particular, are something that inspire me greatly. Ever since I was a little girl, I’d go in my backyard, which was never exactly “pretty,” but I’d always come back in with some flowers for my mommy. While they were usually dandelions, I always was fascinated by them. I love being outside, going outside, looking outside. Anything in our natural world I find, in some way, beautiful. My family has a Lakehouse on Lake Russell just about an hour from Athens, with no television, no internet and the nearest store eleven miles away. I love it there; it’s the place where I am most alive and awake and happy. I know the theme is rather broad, but really anything, whether it be a modest field or a gigantic mountain mesmerizes me.
2. My Homes: I am so influenced by my homes. In my homes, I include New York, Rutherford, New Jersey, Duluth, GA, Athens, GA, and Elberton, GA. It’s quite the quirky mix of “homes” that don’t really blend together. But all these places are, most definitely me. My family and dog are in these places, I get homesick for these places. These are the places where I am inspired.
3. Places I haven’t gone, but need to see/Need for adventure: While, obviously, I am a major home-buddy, I have always had an intense travel bug. As I’ve read, plenty of people in this class have been lucky enough to go Europe, etc., I have not. I have been fortunate enough to go to 38/50 states, Mexico, and Canada, but I am absolutely dying to go somewhere out of this continent! Lonelyplanet.com is a website that I frequent as often as most people frequent facebook. I’ve already made plans on what I’m going to do when I finally get to go to the Czech Republic, the Faroe Islands, Argentina, Morocco, and many other countries. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I look at pictures of faraway places that inspire me now, and will inspire me even more when I get to visit them in the future.
4. Color: I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned it in previous assignments, but I love color. Any color, all colors, my favorite being yellow. Ever since I’ve been a little girl, I’ve been most attracted to the primary scheme of colors (which is where I came up with the name of my board- Primary Inspiration). I don’t really know how to talk about it, or describe it, but color is definitely influenced the way my board turned out. The pictures that I used all have colors that I sort of unified with the creation of the board.
5. Humans: People are just weird and fascinating creatures. In my board, I specifically mentioned how eyes and little kids inspire me. Eyes especially fascinate me, their different colors, shapes, sizes. The human eye is the reason we see color, the reason we see what we see. I realize that as I’m writing this paragraph that I’m taking “Humans” as a unifying theme and changing it to “eye.” Eyes see beauty, and my eyes view my board/inspirations as beautiful. Yet to other eyes, my board may not be as beautiful.
1. John Robshaw Pillow- This last summer I spent a lot of time shopping for my new room. I did it mainly for fun, but also because I knew it would be the last time to do so with my mom’s help because I would be graduating in two years and therefore begin supporting myself and paying for such things. Towards the end of summer one of my favorite stores, Wildflower, introduced me to my new favorite textiles designer, John Rob Shaw. I fell in love with this designer’s line when I was shopping for new bedding and a pillow caught my eye. I was drawn to it because of its colors (nude, white, muted purple, and brown) and tribal, eclectic pattern. I then proceeded to find two complementary shams that also turned out to be from John Robshaw’s line. As I continued to look through all of his amazing and unique fabrics and patterns I fell even more in love and I realized that his line perfectly reflected my taste, not only in the interior design world, but also in life as a whole. For my new room, I ended up choosing the pillow and complementary pillows that initially caught my eye. Together, the three pillows have set the overall theme and mood for my room. I am drawn to John Robshaw’s color palettes of neutrals with accent colors, as well each and every one of his pattern’s because they represent a tribal, Moroccan theme. He has so many wonderful patterns—some Ikat, some floral, some animal, some tribal, and some simply basic—but his patterns with Elephants and other animals are my favorite because they remind me of Africa and give a room a very happy feel. Ultimately, John Robshaw further opened my eyes to the depth of interior design, instilled me with excitement for my major, and emphasized my passion for Africa and the outdoors.
2. Travelling has always been a big part of my life and serves to inspire me in many different ways. I have been fortunate enough to travel to many amazing places with my family and with my friends this last summer as I studied abroad in Austria. Although some trips are definitely more cultural and unique than others, I have still taken something or learned something from every place that I have been. I think the reason that I love travelling so much is because of the diverse cultures that I get to experience on some scale. I love meeting new people and observing the different ways of different parts of the world. Each country has it’s own unique feel and I love finding all the differences and similarities, both vast and subtle. As I have said before, Africa is my favorite continent and I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to go to countries such as Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia. These countries have influenced my passion for learning about different cultures and peoples, and on a smaller scale my interest in interior design. I love the colors I saw in the clothing, buildings, houses, landscapes, and nature in each of those countries. For me personally, the amazing and diverse wild life with in Africa is what most appeals and wakens me. I associate the colors, energy, and wild life of Africa with happiness, depth, warmth, reality, and intensity. Those color schemes mirror my own preferred color scheme of neutrals with pops of colors such as yellow, red, blue, and green. I love that every beach, mountain, range, savannah, or city is somehow different in it’s own way. Travelling has proven to be one of the most influential parts of my life and I believe that it always will be.
3. From the time I was born my family’s ranch in Blanco, Texas has been a significant and inspirational part of my life. Since college it has become even more special to me because it is a place where I spend time with my immediate family, my extended family and my friends every summer, Christmas, and Thanks giving. It is so relaxing and every time I am there I feel as though all problems and concerns of the world are forgotten. Every time I return to my ranch I am reminded of so many amazing memories and each time I leave with even more. I feel so grounded when I am there and it reminds me of the simplicity and rationality in life. It also satisfies my love for the outdoors because I am able to ride horses, go fishing, swim, and drive around to see many different animals, or simply sit outside my house and admire the view. On a different, note our ranch house serves as yet another one of my interior design inspirations. My dad helped the architect to create an intricate design (involving arch ways, beams, & uniquely shaped windows) interiorly and exteriorly, while my Step mom aided our family friend, Victoria, in creating a warm, beautiful, and “ranchy” interior. Parts of the walls and all of the floors—excluding the bathrooms—display beautiful wood that is a couple of hundred years old. Much of the house has a very Spanish/Hacienda feel and look, which I love because Spanish style houses are among my favorite. I also love the African memoirs, and tribal art through out the house. As you can see, my ranch has been very inspiring to many aspects of my life.
4. Although I have always liked the way my mom decorated our house, it wasn’t until I declared furnishings and interiors as my major that I began to appreciate it and respect it on such a deep level. Prior to last year, I had recognized my mom’s decorating style as beautiful and respected our different tastes, but I have begun to notice many things that I didn’t use to in the last year. Each and every room in our house is so well pieced together and feels extremely warm and homey; while at the same time avoids the “cluttered” feeling. My mom prefers antique and “Southern Living” design, while I prefer more Boho, or “Anthropology” designs, however we are beginning to see more eye to eye on the matter. I have found that my subconscious has taken a lot from her design style and I have learned a lot from her when it comes to placement, colors, and pieces in a room. We had a lot of fun creating my new room together and while I chose the fabrics, accessories, and the majority of furniture in my new room, she added her own touches and pieced it together perfectly. She has a great eye for interior design and greatly inspires me in this field. From her I have learned that even the things that you least expect to complement each other or complete a room often do so, and that the slight angling of a chair or lamp can completely change a look. I have also learned that it is important to be open minded when it comes to design and that each different style within design holds it’s own beauty. The latter knowledge is true for life in general as well.
5. The world within Music has also inspired me throughout my life, whether it is a concert, a music festival, or simply a CD in my car. Music has proven to inspire me more so than any other form of entertainment. I love the personal expressions with in music and seeing the energy and passion of each performer on stage. I enjoy the overall feel of a concert and I especially love the smaller, more intimate venues. Each year since I was in 8th grade I have looked forward to the annual, Austin City Limits music festival that is within a short walk from my house. ACL is always one of my favorite weekends of the whole year and each year at the festival I find a new favorite band that I had not heard of prior to attending. I love that every year the line-up includes both smaller, less known artists, as well as huge, more renowned artists. Music never fails to energize or enliven me and I prefer its stimulation in all activities, whether I am driving, exercising, doing homework, cleaning my room, or out with my friends. It inspires me in so many ways and I always look forward to hearing and learning new music.
1. Traveling has been a huge inspiration in my life. My parents are firm believers that traveling makes you grow as a person. I have been very blessed and privileged to travel all over the world. We have traveled to Europe a great number of times and I never get sick of looking at all of the architect and the way that their buildings were designed. I love it because it is not modern unlike our society is now a day; they have ancient, unique and beautiful buildings all over the place. Not only have we traveled to Europe but also we have traveled to exotic beaches. The beach is my all time favorite place to travel to. We have been to places such as Turks and Caicos, and the Bahamas. I love the relaxed feeling when being at the beach when you are just lying out in the sun, cruising on a boat or swimming in the waves in the waves of the ocean. Traveling allows me to appreciate all of the different types of cultures. I studied aboard this summer for 6 weeks in Austria and I have never appreciated America more than I did this summer. It was an amazing experience that I will cherish forever but it made me appreciate what all Europe has to offer but at the same time how blessed I am to live in America. We traveled to some pretty rough countries to get to the beautiful ones. Traveling is defiantly a huge inspiration in my life and I am going to include something having to deal with traveling on my board.
2. As random as this might be, Flowers are a huge inspiration in my life. I have at least two vases of flowers in my room and I always offer to buy flowers to go in our kitchen and our living room in Athens. My mom used to compete in designing bouquets of flowers and she would always come home with the most beautiful arrangements done and I would always ask to put them in my room. At our farm we used to plant a field full of sunflowers, which are one of my favorite types of flowers. There is nothing more stunning than a field full of bright, healthy sunflowers in the summer. I think that flowers brighten up a room and make it more colorful and give it a more “homey” feeling. The scent of a flower doesn’t really play a role in why I love flowers so much; it is more of the way that they look.
3. Jewelry has always been an inspiration in my life as well. In middle school I was known as the girl who wore HUGE earrings. I love all kinds of jewelry, except silver… I really only like gold. I love simple necklaces that have just one item on it, such as a cross or something like that. But, I also love huge chunky jewelry too. One of my friends actually designs her own jewelry and sells them in various different stores around Athens and in her hometown Dallas. I always ask her to make me jewelry. She makes gorgeous earrings and necklaces with fun color stones in them such as the colors turquoise, red, and a cool black colored stone. My mom has several chunky turquoise necklaces that I love to borrow and steal 🙂 . I wear only 2 rings that I never take off, I feel as if I am naked without them. They are both very special to me; one of I got for my 18th birthday and the other I got my boyfriend. I like a variety of earrings as well, I love simple studs but at the same time I like big, fun bright earrings as well. I really enjoy simple bracelets; I like to wear a lot of thin little ones versus one big one. I believe that jewelry than make a simple outfit not a simple one anymore. I love wearing a solid color dress such as a black, white or a solid bright color to all of our formals and dressing it up with jewelry.
4. Music is also a big part of my life. I like just about every genre of music besides heavy metal and classical. I really have been getting into hip-hop and electronic music lately. I have sub woofers in my car, which make the bass a lot louder, and the music sound a lot better. I really enjoy going to concerts because of their atmosphere. It is so laid back and everyone there is having a good time. I have been to a couple music festivals and one of my favorites was the Hangout, which was in Gulf shores, Alabama. That was one my favorite music festivals because they had such a variety of artists play there. They had artists ranging from electronic, rap, and reggae, jam bands, country and rock. My biggest pet peeve is riding in a car without music on. I always have to have music on whether I am in the shower, getting dressed, doing homework, working out or just riding in a car. I am defiantly going to include music on my board.
5. Finally, Animals play a huge role in my life. I have grown up with pets all of my life, dogs being my favorite. We always have at least 2 dogs at a time and when one passes away we are always quick to get another one. I have had at least 10 dogs or so in my life. All of them are very special to me and each one was very difficult to loose. My family currently has 3 dogs; a golden retriever, a lab, and a mix that my mom saved and found. My family owns a farm in Rome, Georgia where we have rabbits, chickens, horses, dogs, and cats. We are considering getting cows, pigs, and sheep, which would be exciting. My friends and I go to local Pets Land on Saturdays and play with all of the puppies that they have outside. I couldn’t imagine growing up without animals being in my life so I am going to incorporate them on my board also.
1. When I was in the seventh grade, I went with my family to France and we visited Monet’s Garden. I have ever since then been inspired and enthralled by the colors that the garden contains. Although they are all bright and may seem like contrasting colors at times, they create a bright and fun environment. These colors are also natural and unique because of each of the varieties of flowers that exist there. The main color for this theme would have to be a bright green, which is found in the stems and leaves of the flowers and are the color of the house, bridges and boat, which are all famous characteristics of the garden. I would also incorporate a light peach color and a light tan color, the colors of the house accents and the paths respectively. Then along with that, I would include a deep yellow, light purple, etc. to reflect the colors of the flowers. I think that I could incorporate a lot of natural and simple images with these colors as a starting point.
2. One of my favorite restaurants has always been Chili’s, and ever since I can remember, I have loved their designs of tiles that decorate the tables. They are contrasting patterns that all have similar colors to tie them together. This represents the wide range of characteristics that inspire me but are all linked together through the common theme of simplicity. The colors would be a combination of white, light gray, light blue, navy blue, yellow and red. Their patterns range from simple to more complex, much in the way that I believe that my personality ranges. This inspires me a lot more than I realize because I enjoy patterns and try to incorporate them into my design processes.
3. In around the second grade, my family and I bought a light blue starfish at a shell shop along the beach to display in a cabinet in our house. It has always stuck out to me because of its unique nature and its subtle beauty that has inspired me. I think that its color goes well with the natural colors of the beach, such as the tans of the sand and boardwalks and deep green-blue color of the ocean. Because I grew up living at the beach, it has always inspired me in some ways from its simplicity to its relaxed attitude. While normally I would describe myself with brighter colors, the soft colors of the beach show my more reserved nature and seem to reflect my personality well. This reflects the way in which I prefer design, with more natural and simple elements and then one color or item that blends in while still being a contrast to the rest of the room.
4. I have always loved peaches. And even though it sounds strange to say, I believe that they have a way of inspiring me. Peaches are my favorite fruit, but on top of that, their color and texture combinations are inspiring to me because of the subtle contrasts they hold. The peachy color of the flesh of the fruit blends into this beautiful coral-pink color, which is then connected to the deep brown pit. Similarly, the outside of the peach is soft and fuzzy, and then becomes squishy and then hard at the pit. Once, I went with a friend’s family to go peach picking and was enthralled by the natural beauty of the experience. Along with that, the joy that it brought me made a lasting impression, which is something that I cherish in my relationships with friends and family who each inspire me. Lastly, they are natural, but still have a sweet taste, which I believe reflects the way that I am in a way.
5. This past weekend, I was helping my friends decorate their new house by making simple ties for their curtains. I did this by using twine, wooden beads, turquoise beads, red beads and gold wire. The combination of the turquoise, red and gold created a classier and fancier look, while the twine and wooden beads created a homey, natural feel. The combination of the two is much like the way that I believe each of my inspirations comes together. The two colors contrast with the plain browns and tans to make the design aspect more exciting.
1. When I was younger, my older sister and I would watch my mom get ready for events of special occasions. She would always put on as many accessories as she could fit on her wrists and neck. I remember playing with all the pretty jewels and trying them on, trying to look as pretty as my did. Ever since I can remember, I have been obsessed with accessories simply because my mom is. I loved how certain items would totally glam up an outfit and how different colors worked with different things. In my dorm room today, I have necklaces, earrings, bangles, rings, and cuffs everywhere. I love the different colors and shapes they come in and I never leave the house without adding some sort of accessory. I am definitely going to incorporate all the different colors of my jewelry into my board. There are a few certain colors I am drawn to when shopping for accessories, but I usually buy them in different shades of those colors, and this will show in my inspiration board.
2. I grew up in a small neighborhood on the lake in Austin, Texas. Directly across the lake lived an old lady who died about twelve years ago. She used to own peacocks, and when she died, they flew across the lake and settled in my neighborhood. I don’t have any memories of my neighborhood before the peacocks were there, so they have been a part of my life for some time; they laid eggs in my backyard, they would wake me up at the crack of dawn with their loud sounds, my dogs chased them, I used to watch them when I was little for hours because I was so intrigued by the amazing colors and elegance of the unique bird. In my room at home, I have a huge gold vase with peacock feathers on my desk. I bought more and have them in my new room here at college because it reminds me of home and parts of my childhood. I want to add the feathers to my board. Either using the colors or making something “new” out of the feathers, I will incorporate peacocks into m board somehow.
3. My parents love to travel, so we go on trips to many different places quite frequently. Experiencing new places and different things has definitely inspired me throughout my life. Traveling is a big part of me and has made me realize and understand certain things that I otherwise would not have. Two of my favorite vacations involved the ocean. I absolutely love the beach, and one of my favorites is Positano, Italy. Its a small beach town off the Amalfi Coast. There are colorful, old buildings hanging off the cliffs looking over a black sand beach. Everything about the town is beautiful and truly inspiring, and when I was there, I just felt good. Another one of my favorite trips was going on a small sail boat for a week, sailing through the British Virgin Island. I had never been on a boat like that for that amount of time, and it was probably the most relaxing week of my life. Being able to just sit and look out at the never ending ocean with my family was one of the most amazing feelings. I am for sure going to include the ocean or beach feel, either by adding a 3D item or using pastel colors, to a part of my board because when I am near the ocean, I am calm, and I want that to get across with my board.
4. This summer, I had an internship with BZ Events back in Austin, Texas. It is a wedding planning agency with two head planners and a few part-time assistants and interns. Before the summer, I thought I wanted to be a wedding planner, and after many realizations, I knew that doing something else would make me happier. Even though I probably will not go into an event planning career, I still absolutely loved the summer I had with BZ and wouldn’t have changed it for anything. The internship inspired me to do and try different things. I worked with one of the planners, Becky, more than the other, and she gave me a lot of freedom to design/decorate the ballrooms. Of course she already had a plan, but if I had ideas she liked or other colors that I thought would go, then we would go with my ideas. I loved making a blank room into something extraordinary, but at the end of the night, I hated tearing it all down. Becky saw this and told me how I might like interior design. All in all, the internship helped me in many ways to figure out what I wanted to do, while also expanding my creativity. I have to have something about BZ on my board, so I will have a few pictures about it.
5. The first Goshtland Observatory concert I went to was in my junior year of high school at Austin City Limits. I didn’t know much about them before seeing them, but I had never really listened to techno music. When they opened, with the crazy light show and colorful costumes, I thought it was a joke. But as the played, the more I fell in love with them. I love the beat and the way his voice sounds. It makes me happy and excited every time I listen to their music. I was lucky enough to meet the lead singer in person, when he was out of costume. He was so normal and simple, but when on stage, he is a completely different person. He made me see that someone can have a fun, crazy side, while still leading a normal and functional lifestyle. So whenever I listen to their music, I am motivated to have have fun and live life and not take everything so seriously. Maybe I will add some bright colors to represent their light show, if it is not obnoxious on my board.
1. I have always been inspired by a pair of earrings that I got for my 16th birthday. These earrings are beautiful gold hoops with a circular turquoise stone hanging from them. No matter what outfit I am wearing, I always feel that it looks one hundred percent better with these earrings. I have realized that these earrings really influence a lot of my personal design. I am very attracted to the simplicity of the gold hoop with the fun pop of color. I notice that in my room at home, everything is black and white with a pop of lime green in the pillows. Similarly, in my room at school, everything is gray and silver with a turquoise pillow on my bed. One of my favorite things to wear is a plain white or black outfit with these earrings. I had never thought about to what extent these pair of earrings has influenced my design.
2. The sunset at my family’s river house is truly breathtaking. Every summer evening we always make it a point to go outside, sit in the Adirondack chairs, and watch the sun set between two islands in the distance. The colors of the sunset vary every night but there is always the richest combination of gold, red, pink, and yellow. These brilliant colors reflect into the river water and make the trees and island look completely black. Out of every sunset I’ve ever seen, this is definitely the most incredible. I realized that the colors of this sunset have influenced a lot of the design in my home. In our living room, we have a black and white carpet and the curtains and pillows have a pop of orange, pink, and red. I think my mom definitely had the sunset in mind when she chose these beautiful colors. I am positive it is because of the sunset that I am so attracted to the combination of reds and oranges.
3. Over this past summer I bought a pillow for my new room at school. It is designed by Trina Turk, and it is a beige/taupe background with a turquoise pattern on the front. I was so in love with this pillow that I researched Trina Turk’s other pillow designs and fell in love with all of them. I love her bold patterns and colors on top of nude and neutral backgrounds. The prints are almost tribal with all of the intricate designs on them, and the bold colors create a modern and fun look. It made me realize my love for neutral colors with a splash of color to liven them up. This pillow has already influenced so much of my design and I know it will continue to in the future.
4. Two Christmas’s ago I received a beautiful necklace from J Crew that has influenced a lot of my personal design. This is called the “Bubble Necklace” and it is a pale pink color. It is on a gold chain and has large pink circular stones (resembling bubbles) connecting to smaller circular pink stones. Overall, it is a huge necklace and a big statement piece. What I love about this necklace is that even though it is so chunky and huge, it still is elegant and classy. This necklace almost reminds me of a huge chandelier because of all of the different sized stones and how they reflect in the light. I love that when I wear this necklace I always get a compliment on it but I know it is not tacky. Similarly, this is also my taste in designing rooms. I love rooms that have huge statement pieces, but are still elegant and classic looking. This has also influenced me because I love a little bit of sparkle in rooms too.
5. I am not a huge fan of animal prints, but I will never forget this one beautiful picture of a zebra I saw once. I was so intrigued by the striking contrast of the black stripes against its white hair and how beautiful its pattern of stripes was. When my family moved when I was a junior in high school I told my mother that I wanted a zebra rug in my room. She was very confused since I did not own anything animal print and had never shown and interest before, but I insisted. I ended up loving the way my room turned out. I had this beautiful zebra rug with white furniture and a pop of green in the pillows on my bed. I still do not own any animal printed clothing or accessories, but I will always know how much I love animal printed rugs and more importantly how much I love the contrast of black and white in rooms together. It creates an elegant, mysterious, yet fun combination, especially when paired with a bright color.
1. For as long as i can remember, i have always been intrigued by vintage items. Whether it is clothes, home decor, or even photography, i have always been drawn to this “theme.” The colors seem to be bright but at the same time faded which gives it a very raw, old feeling. I would incorporate off-yellow, light turquoise, antique greens, reds, etc. With this theme, i think you can afford to use different, off the wall photos and it still ties the board together. One of my favorite stores is Anthropologie and the way they tie in old vintage styles into modern day uses in clothing and home decor always inspires me and motivates me to make my own unique creations.
2. A Moroccan Theme has been a favorite of mine for years. The rich colors of purples, reds, golds, oranges, greens, browns, etc make it pop. For quite a while i have wanted my wedding reception to have a Moroccan theme and i envision a big tent outside with multiple draping fabrics hanging from sides and the ceiling with big lanterns and bright big pillows on the ground (or lower to the floor) to sit on. The lighting is more of a dim ambiance from the lanterns and multiple candles. This theme has a very rich feeling to it and brings in a lot of culture in (in my perspective) and sets a mood of foreign mystery almost. Its hard to take your eyes off of it.
3. I own a pair of red lace up heels and whenever i see them in my closet i am inspired to wear an edgy outfit that day. The shoes can be paired with a very classy outfit or with an outfit with more of a twist to it. However both of them appear put together and simply- not too much going on. I think the red shoes make a bold statement and tying them into the concept board could create a clean, bold look. Pairing it with simple black, white, and hints of grey would keep the board easy to follow but the splash of red would bring in the color and spark that the board needs.
4. Every fall i visit the Appalachian Mountains in north Georgia and take a beautiful drive up through the mountains on a crisp Saturday afternoon. The view of the bright colorful autumn trees is breath taking. I could (and usually do) drive for hours with the windows down just taking in the beauty of the outdoors and the smells an colors of the trees. The autumn colors of bright yellow, red, orange, gold, brown and some dark green give a very homey feeling while keeping the viewer entertained. Very time i take this trip up to the mountains, i feel relaxed and perfectly content, however the colors don’t bore me or put me to sleep- they intrigue me. I think it is fascinating that colors can be so bright and vivid while calming someone so much at the same time. The theme of the board would follow this bright, yet relaxing feeling and bring in the rustic, stable “great outdoors” along with it.
5. When i was younger, i was in Neja, Spain- a little beach town in southern Spain. We were staying there for a couple of days and all of my family decided to go on a tour of some caves while i decided to go to the beach. I walked down the rocks and sat there by myself for a while until i spotted the cutest little beach umbrella. The colors were bright and fit the setting of this little beach town perfectly. I was so entranced by this little item that i ended up sitting on this rock for about two hours just enjoying the beach and the colors of that umbrella and the feelings it evoked from me. I will never forget that image in my head and the feeling of being far away on an exotic beach alone- in perfect relaxation. To incorporate this theme into my board i would use the colors sea green, salmon-coral, royal blue, and light teal. I would make the board simple and very fresh, while trying to give the viewer a feeling of escape while looking at the board- just like the umbrella made me feel.