Tips for Finding Inspiration for Home Decor

Decorating an entire home or even just a single room can be stressful for those who don't know where to start. Fortunately, finding inspiration is easier than you might think, especially once you've got an idea of where to start. Here are a few basic tips and tricks for finding inspiration for decorating a single room or your entire home.

Home Decor Inspiration: Paint Chips

One of the easiest and quickest ways to find inspiration for your home is through manufacturer's paint chips. Stop by your local home improvement store and pick up a few of your favorite hues. Then, take the paint chips with you when you're shopping. You'll find that you'll gravitate toward certain shades and eventually before you know it, you'll have an idea of where you're going and what you want in terms of your decor.

Home Decor Inspiration: Magazines, Books, Online Blogs and More

Whether you realize it or not, inspiration can be found all around you. Consider going into a local book store and finding a few interior design magazines or books that feature designs that appeal to you. There are dozens upon dozens of different magazines and thousands upon thousands of different books that feature millions of different design ideas and decor options. Once you start finding looks that you like, take note―leave a sticky note or start a file of pages that you're drawn to. Once you've found what you're drawn to, you'll know where to start―and where to look―for your home decor.

Home Decor Inspiration: Window Shopping

Another easy way to find inspiration for home decor is simply to go window shopping. Just be sure to take a camera with you and snap shots of furniture, artwork or other decor items that you're drawn to. Then, you can print out the photos and see what goes together and what doesn't.

You can also "window shop" online, print out the photos and mix-and-match until you find decor that works for you and your space.

Home Decor Inspiration: Fabric Swatches

Fabric swatches can be a great way to find inspiration, especially if you find yourself drawn to certain textures, colors and patterns. You can pick up fabric swatches at your local fabric store, through furniture stores or through online vendors. Furthermore, if you find furniture you like but don't necessarily like the fabric―you can have it reupholstered in the fabric of your choice.

Home Decor Inspiration: Check Your Closet

Last, but not least, check out your own closet. Many interior designers often use this trick when working with a client who doesn't quite know what they're looking for. Choose two or three of your favorite pieces of clothing from your closet (or dresser, for that matter). By doing so, you'll see quickly what colors you're drawn to, if you enjoy certain patterns and textures and so forth. You can even take these items with you when shopping to find pieces of home decor that match your style.