The word chic, meaning sophistication and style, is becoming rather intriguing to me. Recently I have been working on a project for a high-end retail store for plus size women. The concept was a chic, contemporary design that enables plus size women to feel more beautiful in their skin. Chic design comes from France and has become somewhat of a brand for the country. The style incorporates floral patterns, detail in ornamentation, and Victorian designed furniture.

Animals are definitely an inspiration! Animals are used as inspirations everywhere; they are used in fashion design, interior design, graphic design, and much more. Not only are they visually depicted in design, they also have symbolic meanings to them. Animal prints in furniture, clothing, and just about anything, symbolizes wealth and status. Animal prints can be seen as exotic and is often expensive to purchase. Animals are inspiring to me because it is visually pleasing and can make an atmosphere. It can make a space feel more sensual and exotic.

Nature is extremely inspiring in almost everything aspect! We use nature in just about everything we do. All of the organic shapes, the mixed textures, wildlife, plants, etc has influenced design in some way or another. Nature is like an analogy for relaxation, renewal, and reflectance in a way that allows you to step into a place of retreat and calm oneself. The sounds of nature are soothing and graceful; therefore it has the ability to calm a chaotic atmosphere. Water, earth, wind, and fire can all be produced in nature which has on effect on the entire world. The world was constructed with all of the elements of nature.

An average person would turn their head at the idea of this abandoned warehouse becoming something more than what it is, but a creative being would see this as an opportunity to create a masterpiece. I happen to love buildings like this because it has so much potential. All of the exposed construction, texture, and worn appearance give the space a sense of history. It makes you wonder what its original purpose was. This rugged, torn, abandoned warehouse has the ability to be transformed into something spectacular like a studio, a home, or anything. It makes me want to challenge myself at my ability to design and how I would be able to completely transform something like this which has so little value to something that would blow everyone’s mind!