When I design rooms in show houses or for the lobby of a condo or hotel, the public always asks questions that make you truly think about the design process. Besides asking about where I find my furnishings or the particulars of a certain fabrics, questions always arise about the inspiration for the room. Inspiration can come from anywhere, but there is a thought and editing process that happens three layers inside my brain. While they are looking for a brief one-word answer, the truth is I cannot describe the inspiration or thought process briefly. So here goes.

Generally, if I have a client asks for a country interior, after looking over their design file of what they like and what that type of interiors speak to them, I do an about face and try to imagine what the complete opposite would look like. This reversal process allows room for new inspiration, rather than just replicating what has already been done. Somewhere in between their preconceived ideas are and my inflection into their design lays ... the inspired interiors.

While one may have a good idea of the type of interiors one likes, finding your own unique inspiration can reveal itself in many ways.

Travelling, of course, is one of the greatest sources of inspiration for designers across the globe. Every city has something to offer: Colors, textures and even smells can transport the mind and leave the visitor a memory of the place, even with the passage of time.

Foraging at your local flea market is always a great thing. First, you may find an unusual piece of furniture or beautiful work of art that can act as the source of inspiration. Secondly, you might find inspiration in just walking around and maybe seeing something you already own in a different color or paired with something unexpected.

A visit to a museum, the repository of so many works of art, is sure to inspire. This might be you place to get insight into surprising color combinations. A takeaway idea might be the placement of art or even a painting technique to be used on a wall. In the very least, a museum visit is great for the rejuvenation of the soul and can help you keep an open mind about design.

Watching movies is also a fantastic way to get inspiration for your home. Realize that Hollywood studios hire the very best designers to achieve the perfect environments and settings for their movies. Therefore, interiors are usually en pointe. My favorite movies with creative interiors are:

—"Down With Love"

—"Something's Gotta Give"

—"It's Complicated"

—"Room with a View"

—"Auntie Mame"

—"Breakfast at Tiffany's"

—"Sex and the City"

While all these are great approaches to inspiration, leave yourself open to making some decisions that seemingly are against the grain. Your interiors will thank you by revealing your own, genuine inspired designs.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash