I have been working like crazy on a couple of Pasadena interior design projects. Finally, last week, my husband and I got away for a few days, to celebrate our tenth anniversary. We went to Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Two cities I had never been to before, and we had a great time. Mostly, we relaxed, since we have both been working really hard lately. We did see some fun sites, though. The highlight for my husband was the LBJ Library, because he is a history buff. For me, this little weaving store, Hill Country Weavers, that we stopped into in Austin was the icing on the cake for the entire trip. I was like a kid in a candy shop from the minute we walked in the door. If there is anything that I love more than fabric, it’s yarn. The colors and textures were so gorgeous and inspirational. It made me want to weave again, which I haven’t done in a very long time. This photo that I’ve featured here is now the new wallpaper on my cell phone.

These other pics are more of what they had there that I was just blown away by. Everywhere you turned there were just shelves and shelves of beautiful yarns dyed in varieties of colors that were so rich and luxurious. There was every type of yarn from wool to silk to cotton, with boucles and variegated yarns and on and on… I was in seventh heaven.

But being practical, I just took a lot of pictures and didn’t buy any, because I already have stored bags and bags of yarn, in my studio, because I haven’t had time to weave in years. That said, it was so inspirational to see! So, my question to you all is: What inspires you? I am inspired by so many things: from these colorful yarns; to beautiful fabrics; to great art and architecture, and, of course; nature is a constant inspiration.

Google Images is an amazing tool for design inspiration. Besides being able to find the original source of an image by dragging that image into the search box on Google Images, by using the feature called “visually similar images,” you can find other images that are in the same color scheme or subject matter as your original image. It’s so cool!! Virtual eye candy. If you haven’t tried out this tool, give it a whirl. I use it when I am creating inspirational mood boards for my clients and want to find an image of a space or a piece of furniture or window treatment, etc.

As a Pasadena interior designer, I also have tons of local favorite spots that I like to visit for inspiration. We have some great antique shops in the area. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is one of the best in the country. I love spending a day at Huntington Gardens or Descanso Gardens. It feeds my soul and I always leave feeling much more creative. There are also some great shops that sell unique items in South Pasadena and Pasadena.

I love De-cor on San Gabriel Blvd in Pasadena. They sell Indian furniture and accessories and they have a really lovely selection of merchandise.

I also like the South Pasadena Mercantile Co on Fair Oaks Blvd, in South Pasadena. They always have interesting furniture, accessories and art. There are so many more. I can’t name them all.

Please share what inspires you with us here at Decor Revolution, so we can tap into some of your favorite motivational hot spots.