As we anticipate change around us, start with something that you can affect first-hand, such as your space. A fresh start with a fresh interior is what many of us need to propel us into a new year with fresh new promises. There is nothing like having an abode that inspires you to do and be better. But before you can achieve an awe-inspiring place, you need to get inspired.

Ideas and inspiration can come from myriad places. Anything from a coffee cup to your favorite restaurant can conjure ideas for your home.

Even a greeting card can be the inspiration for an entire room. I had a client who requested that her master suite be designed from a greeting card her sister had given her, so the greeting card became the inspiration piece. We used the colors on the card and the light and airy feeling of the card’s look along with her love of mid-century design. The end result was a space she and her husband loved spending time and unwinding in.

The following are good places to look for a promising start.

Derive ideas from elements from your favorite spots around the world. Do the rich colors of Indian saris appeal to you? Or does the intricacy of ornate Chinese architecture call your attention? Take the elements that most appeal to you and apply them to your home.

Use the rich fabrics inspired by saris for window treatments or bedding. If you seek only splashes of vibrant colors, use the bold fabrics for throw pillows. An intricately carved room divider reminiscent of Chinese architecture makes for a stunning headboard or wall art.

Local home tours given by organizations such as Steel Magnolias or Long Beach Heritage are an amazing way to peek into the creative minds of others. Model homes provide an opportunity to peek into the inventive minds of the designers who often stage model homes. Draw inspiration from the creative minds of others. Perhaps you will see something you like, to which you can add your own twist.

Books, magazines, TV and the internet; these are endless forms of inspiration. A trip to your local bookstore can yield hours of page flipping, through travel and design books and magazines. Or in the comfort of your own home you can surf through your favorite decorating shows or browse through infinite pages of decorating websites.

Rip out or print your favorite images and create a binder. As you go, only keep your absolute favorite images. Use these images and recreate them in your own home. This binder can also be useful if you decide to hire an interior decorator. When sharing your ideas, it is ideal to convey your vision through images. This way nothing is lost in translation.

Take from all areas of inspiration to create a perfectly tailored space that is one of a kind.

Be the change you believe in. Beautiful spaces…this is one of the things I truly believe in. I felt the need to lead by example, and so I am currently in the process of redecorating my space. I too, am ready for a New Year with a new, invigorating and inspirational space. Are you?