Inspiration is Everywhere
I’m so fortunate that I get to be creative in my job every day. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have an outlet to express myself. Actually, I do know what would happen - I’d get on my family’s nerves very quickly because I’d be constantly redecorating my own house. They’re tolerant to a point, but they don’t understand why I can’t just finish a room and then let it stay that way indefinitely. For me, it’s too much fun to add another little touch here and there, or to purge things I no longer feel excited about. I love donating my unwanted items just as much as I love finding new ways to decorate.
I was reading through some articles the other day, looking for inspiration, and I came across a great quote by the designer Dorothy Draper: “I always put in one controversial item. It makes people talk.”
I LOVE THIS. It speaks to me. So then I went on a deep dive to learn about her upbringing, her style, and her legacy. She led a fascinating life. She grew up in upstate New York (10 miles from where I grew up, actually), and even though privileged women of the early 20th century were expected to lead a certain lifestyle, Dorothy didn’t fit the mold. She began decorating her home with wild colors and patterns, and her friends encouraged her to turn it into a business. In 1925, she started what was likely the first interior design business, which continues today.
Dorothy’s style was one-of-a-kind, and she held nothing back. Her style isn’t for everyone (it might not be for a lot of people, actually), but to me it doesn’t matter. What matters is that she was fearless.
Image courtesy of dorothydraper.com
Image courtesy of dorothydraper.com
Now, is this my style? Really, no. But I think it’s incredible, and I can feel her personality coming through. It’s like her first rule of decorating was COURAGE. I agree that your space should absolutely express your personality. And to use her wise words again, “If it looks right, it is right”. Don’t worry about what your friend, mother-in-law, or random future buyer might think of your decision. They don’t live there - YOU do.
So keep looking for inspiration. You can find it everywhere. If you see something you like, take a photo, take a screenshot, write it down, pin it to your mood board. Maybe you won’t incorporate every element, but you’ll end up with a theme you can work from, something that truly reflects who you are.
You know, Ms. Dorothy’s photos are growing on me. I must admit I wouldn’t mind a grand piano room with some armchairs draped in apricot velvet…
