Saturday, May 14, 2011

Where Do I Get My Ideas?


Where Do I Get My Ideas?
There are a lot of sources for inspiration in the world. I like to read Decorating and Design magazines to help get my creative juices flowing. I have been told if I didn’t subscribe to so many I might be rich. But I can’t seem to be happy with out them so I count them a necessary expense. But there are tons of other places to get ideas to improve your surroundings.
Free Ideas:
If you don’t have a lot of money (like me because of my earlier mentioned magazine fetish) then there are many places to look for ideas with out spending a penny.
Libraries:  Your Local library can provide a wealth of knowledge and information at no cost. You can check out books, videos, and those expensive magazines for free. You can also use the library to get on-line if you happen not to own a computer at home to look for ideas on the Internet.
Shops:  You can go to consignment and thrift stores and look for free, but you must have a Steele will to do this because if you are like me you will see something you just have to have. Also regular department stores and hardware stores can be inspirational for me.
Flea Markets: One of my favorite places to go is the flea market. It is loaded with decorating “projects” and ideas. But again hold tight to your pocketbook if you really don’t want to spend money.
Your friends homes: I love to visit my friends homes to see what they have done with their places. This usually motivates me to “fix up" my place.
Television:
There are numerous channels and shows on television that offer many Ideas. The premiere being HGTV. There is also DIY, and Style. There are some decorating shows that come on Discovery and TLC . If you have time to sit for a while this is a great option for inspiration and you will be entertained too.
Internet:
Almost everyone has access to the Internet these days, with desk tops, lap tops, tablets. And cell phones. So the Internet is probably the most used way to find information.
Decorating Blogs: Of course It would be silly of me not to mention blogs since I write one. But they are great resources for inspiration. I read many of them for inspiration in my own projects. Interior Decorating@ About.com is my favorite place to go on the web for ideas and information.

Of course magazines and catalogs are my old stand by. One of my favorite things to do is sit on my front porch with a drink (usually coffee) and peruse my new magazine or catalog and dream the day away.
Until next time be Courageous in your Designs.

































3 comments:

  1. so many ideas... so little time. ( =
    I need some ideas for budget friendly space saving faux mantels. Mantel shelf maybe? Floating shelf boxes? I know you have some ideas for me. I just love all the holiday and seasonal themed mantels, but our fireplace is walled in now, and I need a cheater idea. Anything>?

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  2. btw- I checked out your favorite things... You know I can cut vinyl wall art, right? Just checking. lol.

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  3. Thanks for your comments Emily. I have given your question a lot of thought. I always like things to be as real as possible. For a mantel I think a real one is the best way to go. I have seen them at salvage companies for between $25.00 to over $200.00. I am not sure what your budget is but the average I have seen them is between $30.00 and $50.00. The less the price the worse condition they will be but the more fun you will have fixing them up.

    Also you can find all kinds of wood elements to add to your mantel to make it pretty, such as scroll work, rosettes, appliques, and veneers.

    If you are really handy you can build your own out of scrap lumber and make it the way you want.
    I suggest as real as possible that way it will be a knockout when decorated for Christmas. You have inspired me to delve further into this subject so look for a post soon on this subject. Thank you again. Have fun.

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