Finding Inspiration in a Social Media-Run World

We live in an age of information overload. The overwhelm comes from more than just the endless scroll function on most social media platforms; it’s in the way we are told what to be, think, and want in every aspect of our lives. When that glowing device in your hand offers every single answer to any question you could possibly have, is it answering the most important question of all?

What actually inspires me?

The other night, my family and I watched The Social Dilemma, an eye-opening documentary about the science behind our society’s obsession with screens. After learning about the dangers technology poses, we turned it off and went right back to scrolling. Oh, the irony.

Social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and the like – are designed with you in mind. You are more than the consumer; you are the product.

It is every platform’s job to keep you coming back for more. And what will accomplish such a feat? Showing you everything you could ever possibly want and be, of course!

It’s tempting to robotically hit the “Like” and “Follow” buttons. I mean, those functions were designed exactly for that reason, to be almost irresistible. But in doing this, what are we aiming for? Is the Living Room or vacation or body type of everyone else really the ultimate goal?

Don’t get me wrong, following design trends is my job, so I get it. But really we should be taking the trends and exploring our own individualized twists for them. Instead of following the crowd, take inspiration from others and uniquely apply it to your life.

“Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” – John Wesley

I’ve always been a good person to turn to if you’re seeking out solutions. If you’ve read our PHILOSPHY page, then you know that I was a clinical researcher before I took the leap and became an interior designer.

My job was to study human behavior as I love to learn about the many ways in which we process information. Beyond that, I was responsible for answering people’s questions to help them uncover solutions to their obstacles (much like I do now).

And while I loved that work deeply, I knew something just wasn’t right.

Combine that with my love for interior design, and BAM! Instant interior designer. OK, so it wasn’t that easy.

But this is my life, and my entire career is now founded on inspiration – the inspiration I find in the world around me and within myself.

Forgive me in advance for being totally cliché; there is always some truth in anything cheesy…

I draw most of my inspiration from YOU! Whether you’re a client or my friend or distant relative, all of my work is uniquely inspired by who you are and what you want most. My job is to help you sift through all of the noise of this world so you can focus on the most important details.

Of course, I have my own preferences: I love ceramic art because I love pieces crafted by hand with love; I’m inspired by nature and the way it both calms and excites us; and I line my home with books upon books so a source of knowledge is always at hand.

But really, it’s all about you. I’d never dream of designing a space for a client that does not have their best interest in mind. And every space I create is meant to serve the unique life you lead (or hope to lead).

Interior design is in no way simple. But the design just kind of unfolds when you’ve approached every problem in the space that needs solving.

I think back fondly on a past client’s Mud Room project. At first, you may not think this would be a very appealing space to renovate; it may be considered the “afterthought” space of a home. But I couldn’t miss what was staring me blank in the face: the Mud Room is the space through which the family enters and exits every day, representing a transitional place between the outside and inside worlds. A room of that much influence should be just as thoughtfully designed as a functional Kitchen or relaxing Master Suite.

When we finished the project, my client expressed the ease she now feels when starting and ending her day in the newly renovated and well-organized threshold of her home. This custom space now properly fits the needs of her family all while achieving a pleasing aesthetic!

Check out the Mud Room details below!

Maybe your home dynamic involves regular visits by your grandparents, so you need a space that provides intentional comfort. Maybe you have children of your own and want padded areas throughout the house for play. That’s really the best part: Learning what is most important to your life and creating a space that fulfills that.

Together, let’s create a happy ending for the story of your space.

Next week, we discuss finding inspiration in the world around you, including within yourself!