Whether you’re in a brand new apartment or looking to spruce up your present one, most of us are on constant lookout for design inspiration. But where to find it? Read on for some places to find the decorating ideas you’ve been waiting for.

Do you have an emerging style?
Look around your apartment. Do you see a look that’s trying to get out? Perhaps you have several pieces that share the same era, color or style. What about the color, fabric or design of your bed linens, window treatments and wall hangings? You might discover that you have subconsciously been collecting items that create a style of their own, but it’s one that has been buried by the mish-mash of other looks you’ve decorated with. Remove these unaffiliated pieces and accessories and replace with others that match your existing theme.

What are your hobbies?
Or let’s say you’ve got nothing but a hopeless hodgepodge for your look. Then it’s time to get down to some serious apartment decorating repair work. How do you find a look that reflects the real you, one that you enjoy looking at and living in? Let’s start with some soul-searching. What do you love? Look to your hobbies and the interests closest to your heart to develop some decorating ideas.

Are you a golf fanatic? Perhaps you’d enjoy the trappings of the Florida scene with a palm tree motif, plenty of greens and browns, rattan or dark wood furniture and vintage golf accessories. Do you love to travel? Posters from faraway places or of planes, trains and automobiles are a great way to underscore your theme. Antiques often deliver an old-world flavor. Do you like to garden, cook or build kites? Look for patterns, paintings, posters and colors that represent your passion and let your imagination run wild.

Inspired by art
Do you have a favorite painting or photograph, or a much-loved period of art? That information could make a great starting point for your apartment décor. From the Renaissance masters to modernism, a powerful framed piece can set the stage for an entire room. Go quirky or classical, depending on your favorite wall hanging.

Look to nature
Perhaps you have a favorite climate or geographic locale. Are you a beach lover, or do the mountains call your name? Do you long for the Mediterranean life? Whether you want to create a beach cottage, an Italian villa or an alpine cabin for your apartment look, there are many nature-inspired apartment decorating ideas to fuel your design journey.

The world of design
Modern media is obsessed with design. From magazines to entire television channels devoted to interior design, there are literally countless resources at your disposal. Are you drawn to the modern look or do you prefer country rustic? Whatever your persuasion, you can find a Web site, show or publication that will feed your interest. Why not try the public library for books on apartment decorating, or browse the newsstand at your local grocery store and pick up several magazines to take home with you. The most exciting aspect of apartment decorating is combining styles to create your very own.

Design inspiration can come from virtually anyplace. If you’re short on decorating ideas, you need only look around you. Be open and inventive, and you’ll soon be living in the style that suits you best.