The Secret Is In The Decorating Swipe File
You see them on TV, online, and in the pages of House Beautiful and Architectural Digest. You love their style and are always amazed at how they seem to pull off the most amazing transformations. You wonder, how do these Interior Designers find inspiration? They make it look effortless, right? In the span of a half hour, or between 2 to 3 pages, a magnificent thing happens… A space goes from ho-hum to holy cow! Well, the way it happens is all in the planning and a good plan often starts with a swipe file.
What Is A Decorating Swipe File, And What Goes In It?
The way many designers find inspiration is by compiling pictures, samples, materials and finishes into a decorating swipe file. This is simply a collection of materials that can ignite a creative spark. Maybe you fall in love with a wallpaper pattern or a beautiful tile layout. Perhaps you find the perfect warm white wall color. Those are the things you put in your swipe file.
How To Use A Decorating Swipe File?
After I talk to my clients and I understand the scope of their project, I will go to my swipe file and pull out things that fit the “look” they’re after. I’ll usually start with a few pictures of area rugs I “swiped.” Then I’ll pull some accent fabrics from the colors in the rug. I may even find the wall color and flooring from the evolving palate. Of course not everything from my swipe file will work, but having a library of sorts to draw inspiration from is quite helpful.
How Designers Find Inspiration Digitally:
There’s lot’s of different ways to compile a decorating swipe file. Many designers find inspiration online from Pinterest. We can save our favorite finds on boards, categorized down to the finest detail. When out on the hunt, I click the Pinterest app on my phone and presto! I have my inspiration right in hand, literally. This is a great way to make sure the treasures I find will actually work with the design direction my client is aiming for.
Prefer A More Analog Approach To Decorating Inspiration?
If digital isn’t your thing, maybe you prefer a more analog approach to managing inspiration? You can just as easily put together a physical decorating swipe file. I often keep a folder of my fabric and paint swatches, inspiration pictures, copies of floor plans and measurements in a bag. I also have samples of wood, stone and anything else I might need, in the bag too. When I’m in the “gathering” phase of my project, the bag lives in my car, just in case... It has saved the day for me on many occasions, especially when I’m out and I find the perfect something, I always know if it will work thanks to my swipe file bag!
A Good, Organized Swipe File Keeps Your Inspiration On Track
It may seem too simple, but that’s how many interior designers create such amazing transformations! They’re organized and they know the direction the project is heading. Having all the inspiration you find compiled in a format that you are comfortable with is the secret to decorating success. When you have a well stocked swipe file, you can easily stay organized and on track just like the pros do. And when you find that perfect something on your travels, you know it will work because you have your swipe file with you!
If you want a jump start on compiling your own swipe file, I have a check list to get you started. Just enter your name and email and I’ll send you an instant download compiled of 25 items to help you start your own swipe file today. I’ll keep in touch each month with tons of great decorating advice, simple D.I.Y. home decorating projects and lot’s of other super helpful stuff that I only share with my subscribers. Stay inspired and get swiping!
Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.
