The Best Designs Are Born from the World Around Us: How to Let Your Surroundings Inspire Your Next Project

As interior designers, we know that true creativity doesn’t just come from the imagination—it comes from observing and embracing the world around us. The everyday elements we encounter, nature, architecture, and the energy of our cities, are rich sources of inspiration. When you stop and take the time to truly see the beauty in your surroundings, you can unlock design ideas that are not only unique but timeless.

At Aya Design In Style, we believe that every space should feel connected to the world beyond its walls. Whether it’s the serene beauty of a natural landscape or the vibrant energy of an urban environment, these elements can influence the textures, colors, and overall feel of your design. Let’s explore how you can harness this inspiration in your next project, using iconic examples like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kelly Wearstler’s Viceroy Hotel.

Look to Nature: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright - Fallingwater

One of the most remarkable examples of nature-inspired design is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, built in 1935. Located in Pennsylvania, this architectural masterpiece doesn’t just sit in harmony with nature, it becomes part of it. Wright’s design philosophy was all about integrating buildings into their natural surroundings, and Fallingwater does this in spectacular fashion. The home is built directly over a waterfall, with large windows and terraces that blend the indoors with the outdoors.

So, how can you apply this inspiration to your next project?

• Materials: Wright’s use of natural stone, wood, and glass not only created a seamless connection with the landscape but also brought the textures of the environment inside. You can create a similar atmosphere by using organic materials like stone floors, wooden beams, and glass to allow light and views to become part of the design.

• Flow and Layout: The layout of Fallingwater is intentionally designed to allow the spaces to flow into one another, much like the natural world. When planning your own spaces, think about how rooms can flow from one to the other, and how you can use elements like open-plan layouts or large glass doors to connect the indoors with the outdoors.

• Incorporate Nature: Bringing nature indoors, whether through plants, natural light, or even a water feature, can create a calming and grounding atmosphere. Use your environment as inspiration to incorporate organic, natural elements that connect the space to the world outside.

Embrace Urban Inspiration: Kelly Wearstler’s Viceroy Hotel

Kelly Wearstler - Vicory Hotel

On the other end of the spectrum, Kelly Wearstler’s design of the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica is a bold example of how to take inspiration from the urban landscape and the vibrancy of city life. Wearstler draws on California’s art deco influences but combines them with modern sensibilities and eclectic touches, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Here’s how you can channel this urban inspiration:

• Color and Texture: Wearstler uses rich, luxurious textures like velvet and polished stone to create a sense of opulence while balancing them with modern geometric patterns and metallic finishes. When designing your space, consider how a mix of textures, such as plush textiles, sleek surfaces, and glossy metals, can add depth and create contrast.

• Eclecticism and Contrast: One of the hallmarks of Wearstler’s style is the blend of old and new, eclectic and modern. Drawing from your urban surroundings, whether it’s the architecture of your city or the art that surrounds you, incorporating unique, statement-making pieces (like vintage furniture or bold artwork) alongside contemporary elements can create a curated, yet dynamic, space.

• Vibrancy and Energy: Cities are full of energy, movement, and color. Think about how you can infuse your design with that same vibrancy. Use bold colors, striking art, and modern furnishings to bring the energetic spirit of the city into your space.

How to Harness Your Surroundings for Your Next Design

Both Fallingwater and the Viceroy Hotel showcase how powerful the environment around us can be in shaping design. Whether it’s the calm of nature or the vibrancy of urban life, these two examples demonstrate how thoughtful observation can lead to extraordinary interiors.

Here are some simple ways to bring this kind of inspiration into your own designs:

1. Observe: Take the time to really look at the spaces around you, whether you’re out for a walk in nature or observing the architecture of your city. Pay attention to the colors, textures, and forms that stand out to you.

2. Adapt: Don’t just replicate what you see; adapt the elements to your project. For example, if you love the organic curves in nature, try incorporating curved furniture or flowing shapes in your space. If you’re drawn to urban textures like exposed brick or metal, consider using those materials in your design.

3. Balance Aesthetics with Function: Remember that design isn’t just about making a space look good, it’s about creating a space that works for the people who live or work in it. Consider how the elements you’re inspired by can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes.

4. Sustainability: Nature-inspired design often calls for sustainable materials, which are not only better for the environment but also add a timeless, organic quality to a space. Look for ways to incorporate sustainable practices into your designs, whether through eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, or natural finishes.

5. Personalize: Use your surroundings as a starting point, but don’t forget to make the space your own. Whether it’s the materials, colors, or layout, ensure that your design reflects the personality and needs of the people who will inhabit the space.

Embrace the World Around You

The best designs are born from the world around us. Whether it’s the calming influence of nature, the energy of the city, or the beauty of architecture, your surroundings are a constant source of inspiration. By observing and embracing these influences, you can create spaces that feel both unique and timeless.

At Aya Design In Style, we are passionate about creating spaces that are inspired by the world outside, blending nature, urban influence, and timeless design principles to create beautiful, functional interiors. Let your next project be inspired by the beauty around you, and transform your space into something truly extraordinary.

🌐 Contact us today at ayadesigninstyle.ca to start your design journey.