10 Inspiring Design Quotes & How to Apply Them To Your Home
The concept of interior design as we know it has been evolving since the mid 19th Century, yet the desire to create beautiful spaces to inhabit stretches right back through human history. The human instinct to design comfortable, attractive homes is a rich tradition, and one which is evergrowing in parallel with society. Design takes on current trends, echoes modern philosophies and resonates with our 21st Century lifestyles. Yet, however much our thinking and requirements change, there are some pieces of interior design wisdom which will last the ages.
Here are 10 inspiring quotes from great designers, some historic, some modern, that will help you create beautiful spaces around you...
1. “Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten” - Robert Polet, Gucci
The chief executive of Gucci knows more than a thing or two about true style and elegance. For Mr Polet, it is quality which truly resonates, not fluctuating trends. To follow his guidance, take time to consider the fixtures and furniture which will function as centrepieces in your home, then invest in high quality items that will stand the test of
2. “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” - William Morris
The ground-breaking 19th Century textile designer and poet William Morris was a foremost voice in the British Arts and Crafts Movement, inspiring interior designers at the time and to this day. His approach to furnishings is as true today as it was almost 200 years ago. If an item is not beautiful or functional, it deserves no place in your home.
3. “The home should be the treasure chest of living.” - Le Corbusier
These wise words from 20th Century Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier teach us to treasure our homes and our belongings, and to allow our lives, tastes, loves and experiences to shine in the surroundings we build around us. Forget design for design’s sake, instead work to create spaces which speak volumes about your life and your world for truly great interior design.
4. “I always put in one controversial item. It makes people talk.” - Dorothy Draper
I love this little gem from early 20th Century American interior designer Dorothy Draper. Never one to shy away from exuberant interior design, Draper was all about creating fun environments, designed to be enjoyed and to express personal style.
5. “Learn to look not just with your eyes but with your heart. Find the things that connect with you.” - Kelly Hoppen
Contemporary British designer Kelly Hoppen advocates design which has its root firmly in your personal taste. Instead of following fickle trends and fashions, focus on developing beautiful spaces which really mean something to you.
6. “If you love something, it will work. That’s the only real rule.” - Bunny Williams
As style becomes more eclectic, more and more designers are prizing personal taste over temporary trends. American interior designer Bunny Williams is no exception to this rule. Instead of second guessing your taste, embrace it wholeheartedly to create spaces you’re truly passionate about.
7. “A room should never allow the eye to settle in one place. It should smile at you and create fantasy.” - Juan Montoya
Acclaimed Colombian designer Juan Montoya believes in well-balanced spaces, full of delight. To embrace his ideas, forgo creating a strong centrepiece in your spaces and instead put your effort and energy into giving every small element of your home a little touch of something special.
9. “Even when I enter a space that I have to design for a client, I listen to what the space says - the walls, the windows You can’t change what space wants to be.” - Lella Vignelli
Italian design maven Lella Vignelli has some very wise words to share on the subject of letting a space speak for itself. Before you even begin daydreaming about how you are going to design a room, take time to consider its architectural positives and downsides. Use the facts of your space as a foundation for your design ideas – don’t work against them.
10. “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep.” – Scott Adams
This inspiring quote could apply to any creative project, yet it’s absolutely perfect when you’re thinking about interior design. Interior design isn’t for life, it’s temporary, which means you have all the time in the world to experiment, make mistakes and learn from them. Never be afraid to try something different, but always be prepared to look closely at your creation, embrace its best bits and say goodbye to the failures.