First of all I am always gathering inspiration. Always. I follow designers, read design magazines and books, peruse Pinterest and Instagram daily and am forever excited by the immense creativity I see. I keep tear sheets that inspire me in files, I hang them on my walls, I take pictures of color combinations I find appealing when I’m out and about. I have a large table in my studio I made from doors and it is my everlasting joy to leave clusters of ideas in various spots to percolate. This is a wonderful process for me because I need to live with the “story” as it develops.
Once the story coalesces into a feeling the real beginning of a design takes shape in my mind. It always involves a feeling, motifs that express the feeling, and colors the feeling evokes. A mood/color board like the one I posted becomes the guide for, in this case: pastel colors, a pop of color, and a relaxed vibe with a slightly global feel. But to be perfectly honest, I most often work from the tear sheets taped to a poster board so I can add/subtract sheets as I progress. It’s much more informal, but a board nonetheless.
I think about where the fabric or pillow will be used. Sometimes that influences the color, but really in the end I lean into where my instincts take me. I don’t necessarily build a collection although yes, some designs are meant to work together, but honestly I prefer the happy coincidence of patterns and colors working together. I’m not overly concerned with being trendy when it comes to what I design for Paprika Home. I love what I love and go with the flow when what I love changes. It’s a pretty good gig and it works for me.
Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend!
credits: Cottage veranda chair: mainlybaskets.com | La Jolla basket: Serena and Lily | dishes: mydesignchic.com | door: Pinterest
