From Idea to Reality: How to Start Planning Your Home Remodel or Design
Embarking on a home renovation is an exciting opportunity to transform a space into something truly reflecting your vision and lifestyle. At Residential Designed Solutions in Columbus, Ohio, we believe the first step in creating a beautiful, functional home starts with inspiration. As we begin each project, we immerse ourselves in a wide array of design ideas, curating and refining concepts to craft spaces that are both functional and reflective of the personal style of our clients. And as partners in the home design process, this is where you should begin, too!
Where We Find Home Design Inspiration:
Design Blogs and Websites: We stay aware by consistently exploring online platforms that share the latest in architecture and interior design. Online platforms offer a wealth of ideas, highlighting the latest trends and timeless designs. Exploring these resources can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
Top Design Blogs Creating Inspiration:
Staying updated with influential design blogs can provide ongoing inspiration and keep us abreast of current trends. Here are some notable ones from 2024:
Design Milk – Modern design across architecture, furniture, and interiors.
Dezeen – Global design magazine featuring cutting-edge projects.
Apartment Therapy – Real-life interior transformations and DIY inspirations.
The Spruce – Practical home decor tips with a focus on approachable design.
House Beautiful – Expert insights and room-by-room decorating ideas.
Core77 – Features innovative industrial and product design.
Life of an Architect – Blogs offering insights into the architectural process.
Social Media Platforms: Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz are powerful tools in our design arsenal. These are treasure troves of design inspiration, featuring real-life renovations, mood boards, and creative concepts from around the world. These platforms give us direct insight into what’s trending globally and allow us to visualize diverse design possibilities.
Local Architecture and Homes: While exploring central Ohio neighborhoods like German Village, Worthington, Bexley, and Dublin, we draw inspiration from the rich architectural styles and modern and historic homes that define the area. Observing reveals architectural styles and design elements unique to the area, offering contextual inspiration that resonates with local aesthetics.
Magazines and Books: We regularly sift through design publications, pulling ideas that align with our clients’ desires for elevated, luxurious spaces. Books on architecture and interiors provide timeless design principles that we adapt to modern renovations. Some books/magazine/more to start your journey include:
Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave by Joanna Gaines
Call It Home: The Details That Matter by Amber Lewis
Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone
The Space That Keeps You by Jeremiah Brent
Showrooms and Design Centers: We visit local showrooms to experience materials firsthand. Whether it’s selecting countertops, tiles, or fixtures, seeing and feeling these elements in person ensures that the designs we propose are both practical and stunning. The National Association of The Remodeling Industry is an informative source to find showrooms, vendors, and design centers in your area.
Museums and Art Galleries: We believe that great design draws from all areas of creativity. Museums and galleries influence our approach to color, texture, and form, inspiring bold yet balanced design decisions. Head to the Columbus Museum of Art or the Wexner Center for the Arts for current exhibits to spark your design ideas.
Harnessing Inspiration for Our Clients:
At RDS, inspiration fuels our creative process and empowers you, our clients. By presenting ideas sourced from a wide array of influences, as well as our vast array of knowledge, we open doors to new possibilities you may not have previously considered. This collaborative energy transforms the design process into an experience that is as enjoyable as it is rewarding.
As we continue this series, we’ll dive deeper into how we translate inspiration into tangible designs, offering insights into our creative process and how we bring your dream spaces to life. Inspiration is only the beginning— what follows is a shared journey with you toward creating spaces that are timeless, personal, and full of life.