In our recent From the Tap podcast, renowned interior design architect Julee Ireland shared her insights on how stepping outside the conventional office environment to attend events like trade shows is crucial for designers. From attending these global shows to exploring her own city, Ireland emphasizes that inspiration is everywhere, and a designer’s job is to stay curious and pay attention to the details that shape our world.
Inspiration Is All Around Us
Ireland believes that inspiration isn’t always found far away; it’s often right outside our doors. She encourages designers to be curious about their surroundings, noting that patterns in city buildings, the textures of materials and the flow of an environment all contribute to a designer’s growth.
“As designers, details are what matter,” she said, underscoring the importance of observing and learning from one’s immediate environment. This practice helps designers understand what shapes our spaces, ultimately making them better at their craft.
The Power of Trade Shows
For Ireland, trade shows are a critical part of her professional life. She calls the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) her “favorite show” of her entire career, highlighting its role as a global platform where the latest innovations are unveiled. KBIS, she says, is where designers get their first look at new products and technologies. Beyond the products, the show is a hub for networking, learning from other professionals and discovering “little gems” – the innovative products from smaller companies that can truly transform a project.
She also spoke highly of Coverings, a show she recently attended as an influencer. She described it as a “mini-Europe and Asia to the U.S.,” where designers can see the latest global trends in tile and stone. She also included High Point Market on her list of essential events for designers, architects and builders, stressing that these shows are key to staying on top of industry trends and bringing new knowledge to projects.
The Story Behind the Products
Ireland sees visiting quarries, showrooms and manufacturing facilities as an essential part of her job. By understanding the entire process, from a dangerous job of cutting a stone from a mountain to the final product, designers can better appreciate the value and story of a material.
This knowledge is not just for the designer’s benefit; it’s a powerful tool for client education. Ireland says when a designer understands a material’s history and properties – like the porous nature of marble – they can guide clients to make choices that align with their lifestyle and ensure the longevity of the design.
Embracing Trends with a Personal Touch
When it comes to trends, Ireland positions herself as a “trendsetter rather than a trend follower” but acknowledges the importance of staying informed. She notes that European trends often arrive in the U.S. about 18 months later, and understanding them allows designers to thoughtfully infuse new ideas into their work. However, she emphasizes that trends should be a starting point, not a rule. The goal is to create a space that reflects the client’s personality and makes them happy. Listen to the full podcast to learn about the design trends coming out of Europe, which include less clutter and more curved lines.
Making Time for Inspiration
Ireland’s shares her advice for other busy designers when planning their personal and professional travel. She maps out her schedule a year in advance and makes it a point to explore museums, take walking tours and immerse herself in the local culture to gather inspiration. She encourages designers who feel they can’t afford such trips to start small and simply plan for them.
Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets to learn about Ireland’s favorite places for design inspiration and why she is particularly drawn to Europe.
