People often ask where I find inspiration, and the truth is—it’s everywhere.
My design process is rooted in curiosity and observation, in slowing down enough to notice the details that make something feel timeless or unexpected. Whether I’m exploring a new city, flipping through a decades-old magazine, or pausing a movie to study the set design, I’m constantly collecting ideas that quietly shape how I approach a space. Daily design inspiration also plays a crucial role in my creative journey. I make it a point to scroll through design blogs, engage with fellow creatives on social media, and keep a visual diary of interesting color palettes, textures, and innovative layouts I encounter. Even the simplicity of a well-arranged desk or the way light filters through a window can spark new ideas. By immersing myself in the everyday beauty around me, I keep my design perspective fresh and dynamic.
Travel Inspiration in My Design Process
Travel has always been my greatest source of inspiration. Every place has its own palette, rhythm, and point of view.
A trip to Paris might remind me that even the most ornate architecture feels approachable when layered with age and patina.
A walk along the Connecticut shoreline—where I grew up—grounds me in a softer, salt-washed palette of pale blues, worn woods, and faded pinks. Traveling keeps my perspective fresh; it reminds me that good design is about creating a feeling, not following a formula.
Antique Finds That Inspire Daily Design
Antique shopping is another constant source of ideas. I love the thrill of discovery—digging through markets, estate sales, or tucked-away shops where every piece has a story. It’s rarely about the object itself; it’s about craftsmanship, proportion, and personality. A carved leg on a 19th-century chair might inspire a new furniture silhouette, or a faded textile might become the color cue for an entire room.
I also love the imperfection of antiques—the chips, the worn edges, the evidence of time. Those details add soul to a space and balance out anything that feels too new. I could peruse Chairish and Etsy for hours, looking at the details of old pieces. I especially love looking at vintage textiles! The patterns and color combinations are always so inspiring.
Timeless Inspiration from Design Books & Magazines
When I’m not traveling or treasure-hunting, I’m usually diving into old design books and magazines. There’s something so grounding about seeing what once felt modern and realizing how beautifully it endures. The photography is slower, the styling more relaxed, and the rooms feel lived-in in a way that’s hard to replicate today. I’ll dog-ear pages not just for layouts or color palettes, but for the feeling they evoke—a sense of ease, warmth, and authenticity that transcends trends.
Film & TV Sets: Storytelling Through Space
And then there’s my guilty pleasure: movie and TV sets. I can’t help but pause and rewind to study the way a room has been composed. Nancy Meyers films are a given—the kitchens alone!—but I also find myself inspired by unexpected sources, like the moody layering of “The Crown,” or the nostalgic coastal interiors in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” Set designers are master storytellers; they build entire worlds that reflect a character’s personality, history, and dreams. I try to do the same for my clients.
Turning Inspiration Into a Space That Feels Personal
textures, moments, and memories—this is where every space I design begins.
Inspiration isn’t about copying what you see—it’s about translating what moves you into something new. For me, it’s an ever-growing mix of textures, memories, and moments, all layered together until a space feels personal and alive. My daily design inspiration comes from nature, art, and the stories around me, encouraging me to experiment and keep my creativity fresh.
Want help channeling your inspiration into your own home?
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