Alps Design Inspiration

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Alps in France and Switzerland. Traveling always recharges my creative juices, allows me to step outside of my “normal” design exposure and be challenged by the architecture of other cultures I see and experience. Today I want to share with you what I learned and saw on my recent trip.

• Use Color! Europeans are especially unafraid to use color-and vibrant color-in their homes. One of the places we stayed had bright orange walls, chalets sported colorful shutters and the beautiful window boxes were unrivaled!

• Step outside the box with your shutters. I have never seen so many different styles of shutters! Exquisite carved designs, different wood patterns, cutout details and often painted in a beautiful color. I have so many photos of beautiful shutters I saw. Americans-you need to step up your shutter game!

• Invest in good craftsmanship and excellent materials. Paying for quality work and materials up front will last for many years to come. The very old buildings built with stone and quality artisans are still standing in excellent condition hundreds of years later.

• Anything can be a work of art. A farmers market, window boxes, ceiling treatments, copper gutters, stone walkways, pots hanging on a wall, cheese boards, handrails and chimney tops. It just takes some thought and intentionality.

Have you learned anything from the travels you have taken? I’d love to hear! Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com