Day 156: Bringing Global Inspiration Home - Part 1

Lessons from a Sea of Blooms

Last month, I had the chance to experience something truly magical: Amsterdam in full bloom.

Everywhere I turned, gardens and fields were bursting with color. It wasn't just the volume of flowers that amazed me — it was how the colors worked together. Bold purples alongside sunny yellows, delicate pinks next to fiery oranges — combinations that should have clashed instead created vibrant harmony. Nature has a way of mixing bold contrasts with absolute effortlessness.

As an interior designer in picturesque Manchester, Vermont, I often look to nature for fresh ideas. My time in Amsterdam reminded me of an important design principle: beautiful spaces embrace contrast.

 The deep blues of grape hyacinths, the electric reds of tulips, and the bright golds of daffodils — all layered together — showed me once again that daring to mix strong colors creates energy and excitement.

This spring, I’m bringing that sense of bold, natural color into my own interior design projects. From vibrant accent pieces to adventurous pops of color, the spirit of Amsterdam is finding its way into my work.

Past projects that remind me of what I saw in Amsterdam. Striped chair from Duralee; Red chaise from Stewart Furniture Co.; Bicycle pillow from Chandler Four Corners; Floral pillow from Design Legacy. Vanity paint is Paper Lantern by Benjamin Moore.

If you're seeking spring decorating ideas inspired by nature, or ready to explore colorful interior design trends, start by looking at your own travel memories. Where have you been that sparked joy, wonder, or creativity? What colors, textures, and experiences stayed with you? Often, the most personal and inspiring designs come from the places that moved us the most.

In Part 2, we explore the timeless beauty of craftsmanship as inspired by sights around Amsterdam. Check it out using the navigation arrows below.

And, be sure to visit my Pinterest Board: Inspiration from Amsterdam for more ideas!