7 Underrated Home Design Inspiration Websites You’ll Love
You don’t need an interior design degree to transform your home, but you definitely need some home design inspiration to get started. Just one image can spark the design vision for an entire space!
If you’re prepping for a home renovation or simply looking for some design ideas for your next room makeover, I rounded up seven of my favorite home design inspiration websites so you can explore different interior design styles, get lost in stunning inspo picks, and learn from the best in the (interior design) business!
When I bought my first condo at 23, I had zero design vision for the space. I remember standing in the middle of the empty living room, wondering how to fill it. The floor was barren, the walls were blank, and my mind was cluttered.
I didn’t even know my interior design style, let alone how to source furniture and decor.
Long story short, I was a design mess!
I knew the only way to break out of my design paralysis was to get out of my head. So, I went straight to the experts, flipping through home magazines, pinning interior design inspo on Pinterest, and combing through design portfolios curated by the best of the best.
I began to notice patterns in my design preferences, and from there, I created a vision board for my condo.
If you’re stuck in the never-ending cycle of decorating and re-decorating your home with no clear vision of how you want your space to look and feel, I got you.
I rounded up my 7 go-to home design inspiration resources, which helped me identify my interior design style, guide my furniture and decor purchases, and incorporate my favorite sentimental pieces into my space.
*Swoon-Worthy* Home Design Inspiration Websites
Whether you love modern design, classic interiors, or a combination of both, these home design ideas are the perfect starting point for your design journey.
RELATED POST: Interior Design Basics: How to Create Your Dream Home *Without a Design Degree*
Once you start noticing a pattern of what you like, write it down or save the pictures in a folder that you can reference. These will serve as the building blocks for your mood board later on. Remember, you don’t have to copy anyone in particular, but you can get ideas on how you want your space to look and feel.
1. Nate Berkus
Nate Berkus is one of the best interior designers out there (in my humble opinion). He blends the old and the new, and infuses personal touches in his designs that set his spaces apart from the rest. His design principle is best captured in his latest book, “The Things That Matter“, where he explains that “your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.”
Whenever we’re in a design rut, we always go back to this messaging. Nate’s carefully curated designs serve as a reminder that home design takes time. So don’t rush it.
Look around your house and identify the things that have the most sentimental value. It might be your grandmother’s walnut dining table or a glass vase you bought while traveling abroad. Whatever it is, hold space for it. Nate’s design portfolio is an invaluable resource for learning the art of mixing design styles.
2. Amber Interior Design
If you’re unfamiliar with Amber Lewis, you won’t be after this. Amber Interior Design is one of our favorite sources for home design inspiration, and it just takes one look at her portfolio to understand why. Her studio is California-based and California-inspired. She has a classic style infused with vintage and eclectic pieces, unique textiles, and natural organic details grounded in quality and durability.
Amber Interiors is my go-to for kitchen inspiration. They’re understated, elegant, and organic. I love the way she incorporates natural stones and wood in her kitchen designs while maintaining a rich, neutral color palette.
If you love elevated, approachable design, Amber Lewis is the designer for you!
3. Sarah Sherman Samuels
Sarah Sherman Samuels is the undisputed queen of mixing interior design styles. Her portfolio features modern, vibrant, and carefully edited spaces. If you like experimenting with patterns and color, you need to check out Sarah’s work for the best home design inspiration ideas.
When I think of scalloped edges, I think of Sarah Sherman Samuel. She incorporates this playful detail in her wall art, furniture, and even architectural finishes. She is so good at balancing curved edges and straight lines, patterns and solids, and vibrant colors and neutrals.
You can shop her furniture and decor through her online Atelier (high price point) or her collection at Lulu & Georgia (lower price point). I shopped her Lulu & Georgia line and fell in love with her Tiger Jacquard Round Pillow (in Ivory) and Velvet Disc Pillows (in Juniper). They’re the perfect finishing touch in my organic, minimal condo.
4. Studio McGee
Shea McGee is synonymous with transitional design. She effortlessly combines classical design with contemporary trends and brings elegance to everyday living. If you love cozy, inviting, and elevated spaces, Shae McGee is your girl.
RELATED POST: Transitional Design Style 101: How to Create a Balanced Home
Shae does neutral rooms to perfection, giving them character through textiles, patterns, and organic elements like rattan baskets and rugs. She’s not afraid to experiment with color, exhibiting her range in her moody powder rooms and bold, graphic wallpaper. Her brand has something for everyone.
If you love the Studio McGee look but not the McGee & Co price, Shae McGee has a budget-friendly furniture and decor collection at Target called Threshold with Studio McGee. It’s not the same quality as the real thing, but the look is pretty darn close. From throw pillows to accent chairs, you can shop the Studio McGee look-for-less online or in stores.
5. Lulu and Georgia
I love love love Lulu and Georgia and I have a feeling you will too. Lulu and Georgia is an LA-based home decor store that offers eclectic, modern, and unique vintage pieces all under one roof.
They collaborate with the best in the business, like Sarah Sherman Samuel and Jake Arnold, keeping their brand fresh and original. Plus, they always offer a fun twist on the latest interior design trends.
Whenever I need a burst of home design inspiration, I go to the Inspiration page on the Lulu and Georgia website. There, you’ll find seasonal design ideas and a range of interior design style inspiration pictures for modern and vintage design lovers alike.
6. West Elm
If you’re anything like me, you like to see your home design inspiration online and in person. Nothing beats the feeling of melting into a comfortable sectional, feeling the natural wood grain on a dining table, or running your fingers through the tassels of a throw pillow. I like to touch everything, if you can’t already tell! The in-person experience is a must.
West Elm has become one of our favorite home design inspiration websites and showrooms because you can see and experience the quality of their designs. If you love mid-century modern or crave a clean, minimalist home, West Elm is the home decor store for you. Check out their “Room Inspiration” page for the best home design ideas!
7. CB2
We’ve covered vintage, classic, mid-century modern, and transitional design. But don’t think I forgot about contemporary. When I think about modern homes, my mind instantly goes to CB2. Like West Elm, CB2 offers in-store and online home design inspiration so you can experience the quality first-hand.
They have a page on their website dedicated to home inspiration. I’ve literally spent hours browsing their different design focuses, from color theory to natural stone. It’s that good. If you love pushing the boundaries of design or want to infuse some modern touches in your space, CB2 is the store for you.
Sourcing Home Design Inspiration Like a Pro
Designing a home from scratch can feel overwhelming, and frankly, out of reach. Instead of comparing your home to the picture-perfect rooms you see on Instagram and Pinterest, use them as inspiration.
Home design inspiration ideas are all around us. Social platforms, websites, books, magazines, showrooms…you name it. I hope this list gave you a starting point in your home design journey. If you think we missed any good design resources, comment your favorites down below so we can all learn together.
Don’t forget to tag @gdhomedesigns in your room makeover or renovation content so we can swoon with you!
Until next time, happy designing!
This post is all about home design inspiration.
