At the heart of every creative mind is the ability to find beauty in the unexpected and joy in the overlooked. Whether designing a new space, reimagining a beloved antique, or simply adding a little spark to the everyday, here are some of my favourite ways to stay inspired.
Arts and CraftsÂ
Whether it’s painting, embroidery, or pottery, the tactile nature of creating something from scratch is a wonderful way to spark fresh ideas. Mixing traditional craft techniques with contemporary design — unexpected textures and colour combinations — can turn the ordinary into something truly special. Starting a new project can feel a bit intimidating. If you don’t know where to start, we recommend trying a course. There is always a bit of guidance and a great atmosphere. At Ham Yard Hotel, we are hosting a creative workshop with Scribble & Daub on 22nd March, focusing on the art of using a dip pen and ink to create beautiful illustrations.
Outdoors
So many of our designs take inspiration from nature. Going for a walk in the British countryside, especially on the sunny days we’ve been treated to, is a wonderful way to gather new ideas. Take a sketchbook with you and start drawing what’s around you. The varying shapes of trees, leaves, flowers, and animals often find their way into our designs. Sometimes, just going for a walk without a sketchbook — clearing your head, stepping away from the screen, and allowing yourself time to daydream — is vital. You’ll return brimming with fresh ideas.
Collage and Collecting
Even the most mundane objects, when grouped together in a collection, can become an interesting installation or a source of inspiration — be it pages from magazines, a selection of your favourite colours, glass jars, stamps, or postcards.
For Mimi’s Atelier at WOW!house, we filled an entire wall with cardboard hats mounted on Perspex shelves. Each hat told a story of its own world.
We also collected a selection of costume designs, mounted them on card and hung them from a beautiful piece of wood. You never know when these objects will come in handy — start your collection today, and the weirder, the better!
Books and Magazines
We love to read and see what everyone else is up to. What better way to get inspired than through magazines and books? A few titles we’re looking forward to getting stuck into include: Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colours, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan and Colourful by Iris Apfel.
By embracing the unexpected and celebrating the overlooked, you’ll find that inspiration can come in many different ways. Let us know how and where you find yours @Kitkempdesignthread.