Finding (and Using) striking Home Decorating Inspiration Photos

Materials and the sequence of the job sit together on this page.

This post is sponsored by Houzz. As always, all opinions, options, and bad jokes are 100% my own. 

One of the biggest frustrations we hear from our readers is not knowing where to start with a remodeling or redecorating project. Most people asking for help on our Facebook page aren’t as worried about learning the techniques and mastering the tools for the projects as they are about planning the project so that it finishes well and looks great.

Planning and envisioning an “after” while standing in the middle of your “before” can be a daunting task, so it’s important to take some time and establish a good foundation for what you want from the room — how you want the room to feel, how you need the room to function, and what elements (both functional and aesthetic) you like. And finding what you like in decorating is a lot like find a go-to style of eggs — it takes some time and eating a lot of different egg preparations to find out that you only like eggs Benedict. When decorating a home, that process of finding who you are and what you like involves less eating and more browsing — for inspiration! 

Photo by Jamie Keskin Design – More entryway photos

I’ve been into homes and decorating since I first decorated and re-decorated my childhood dollhouse. I don’t recall exactly, but I’m pretty sure it was decorated in the style of my go-to TV show. Since then, as my style has grown up and evolved, and as I studied interior design in college, I’ve realize more and more the importance of having good design inspiration for any project — something beyond whatever is on the latest sitcom (no matter how fashionable). One of our very go-to Bekob tricks for getting inspired is going to our local Parade of Homes.

Photo by Convex Development – Search exterior home design options

Lucky girl that I am, Justin likes touring homes, too, so during the weeks of the home show we go on lots to look at the homes in our area and soak in the inspiration, from the classically beautifully styled with space-saving built-ins (swoon!) to the newer trending features like really interesting tile. We’re always on the lookout for interesting wall treatments and painting options, and I have a soft spot for vivid laundry rooms and organized mudrooms. The Bekob that parade homes together, stay together… or something like that! 

Photo by Rabaut Design Associates, Inc. – Look for laundry room design inspiration

We share lots of the inspiration we find there in posts like this and in our Get This Look series because there is just so much that you can learn from looking at professionally designed spaces. Really important features that make the room look *just right* — like scale and spacing and balance. Some people have a natural knack for those things, but the rest of us have to work and practice at it, and immersing yourself in really well-designed rooms is the start of training your design eye to notice those things and be able to implement them in your own home. 

Photo by Rasmussen Construction – More home office options

Professional designers and architects also often have budgets that allow them to do something non-conventional but memorable in a space, especially in smaller spaces that can be so inspiring for those of us without soaring ceilings and spacious butler’s pantries. I love finding ways to make spaces function better, and it’s hard to get more space-smart options than looking at higher end small homes — and of course, tiny houses are a go-to of mine, too. 

Photo by Starline Cabinets – Look for kitchen pictures

Not everyone has a great local Parade of Homes like we do, or the free time to visit all the homes, so that’s where today’s post comes in. Today we’re partnering with Houzz to show you how their massive database of home photos can be the same kind of fount of inspiration as attending a home show — and you can “tour” from the comfort of your couch, while in your pajamas, while binge-watching your go-to home improvement show (and now you all know how I’ll be spending my weekend, to take my mind off the mess of our in-progress bathroom renovations). 

Photo by Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD – BAC Design Group – More kitchen options

Houzz has the world’s largest home design photo and options database with more that 15 million photos! That’s pretty houses for days and days, and that means that no matter what your style or modest-cost, you can find inspiration and options on Houzz, either on their website or by using their app on your phone or tablet. And one of the best parts of their database is that their photos are all sorted and tagged based on rooms, styles, colors, features, and even by size and modest-cost (plus so many other features, like wall color and floor color) — use the categories provided, type your own keyword if you’re looking for a specific color, or just start scrolling and browsing the photos. 

For example, if you’re looking for options for a small living room but you’re not totally sure what your style is yet, set your parameters and start drooling. 

When you see a photo that you really like, just click the “Save” button to save it to your Houzz ideabook. For most photos, you can see other photos from the same room or home, as well as similar photos. You can also see the professional behind the project should you be looking for a pro to help. (In the app, tap “Learn More” or swipe up to see more photos and info.)

As you save photos to your ideabook, you can review them and refine what it is you like about each space as you define (or re-define) your style. Is it the accent colors you like? The furniture style? The wall color or flooring? You can add notes to each photo you save to your Houzz ideabook to note what you like about each space. Houzz’s Visual Match tool also makes it straightforward to shop the look of your go-to rooms. If you see a product that you love with a white product tag, click the tag (or tap the tag, in the app) to see the same or similar products in the Houzz Shop.

As you browse and save your favorites, you can watch for patterns and learn what you like and what you don’t — maybe you’re a genuine rustic farmhouse kinda gal, with neutrals and weathered wood and antique “junk” as your design-love language:

Photo by Angela Otten – Inspire Kitchen Design Studio – Look for kitchen design inspiration

or, maybe, even though you like your friends’ homes that are decorated in the style of everyone’s go-to home improvement star… maybe you’re more of a colorful mid-century modern momma:

Photo by Blake Civiello Architecture – More dining room options

Don’t feel locked in to one particular style — remember, it’s your home, and it’s most important that you’re happy there and that it functions for you and your family, while reflecting your likes and passions. You can select multiple styles on Houzz while you’re browsing, too, so don’t shy away from mixing styles to create your own eclectic mash-up style of what you love most.

Photo by Rachel Reider Interiors – Look for family room design inspiration

Once you’ve assembled a small portfolio of your go-to looks, then you’ll be ready to follow our go-to process for turning inspiration photos into real-world design in your own home and making your own mood board to guide your decorating. You can do this on Houzz using the Sketch tool, which also lets you add text and stickers to photos. And in a few months or years when you’re ready for a room refresher or for a full makeover, hit up your Houzz ideabooks again to find a new paint color… or to decide that yes, you really DO want to take out that wall (guilty!) to open up the kitchen. 

Photo by Higham Furniture – Look for kitchen design inspiration

So now I want to know — what kind of inspiration are you looking for? Are you working on your kitchen? Master bedroom? I love hearing and seeing what inspires you, so leave me a comment below!

Photo by red: modern lines. vintage finds – More bedroom photos