Contents

Preface xiii

PART I: FINDING INSPIRATION 1

Chapter 1: Types of Inspiration 3

Abstract Inspiration 4

Color 4

Shape 6

Textures 7

Patterns 8

Negative Space 9

Where to Find Abstract Inspiration 10

Direct Inspiration 10

Headers, Footers, and Sidebars 11

General Layout 14

Color Scheme 17

Patterns and Textures 17

Typography 19

Other Graphical Elements 21

Don't Copy 22

Chapter 2: What Makes a Good Design? 23

Visual Balance 24

Color 26

Traditional Color Schemes 26

Proportion 30

Priority 31

Rhythm 32

Unity 34

Purpose 35

How to Look at Designs 35

PART II: INSPIRING IMAGES 37

Chapter 3: Website Designs 39

Drawing Inspiration from Website Styles 40

Minimal and Clean 40

Grunge and Retro 51

Bright and Colorful 57

Organic and Handmade 63

Drawing Inspiration by Website Type 74

Blogs and Magazine Sites 74

E-commerce Sites 80

Company and Corporate Sites 90

Portfolios 101

Event and Community Sites 112

Personal and Professional 118

Drawing Inspiration by Industry 128

Hospitality 128

Arts and Entertainment 138

Apps and Software 148

Technology 159

Fashion 166

Literature and Books 176

Conclusion 187

Chapter 4: Other Designs 189

Graphic Design 190

Print Design 190

Product Packaging 202

Architecture and Interior Design 208

Exterior Architecture 208

Interior Architecture 216

Interior Design 224

Furnishings and Accessories 233

Product Design 242

Toys 242

Everyday Items 248

Technology 254

Textiles 260

Conclusion 268

THE SMASHING IDEA BOOK

Chapter 5: Photography 269

Black and White 270

Effects 280

HDR 280

Lomography 291

Other Effects 300

Classic Photography 308

People 308

Landscapes 317

Macro 328

Conclusion 340

PART III: USING INSPIRATION 341

Chapter 6: Creating Something New from Direct Inspiration 343

Dissecting a Design 344

Adapting Individual Elements 350

Conclusion 356

Chapter 7: Creating Something New from Abstract Inspiration 357

Dissecting an Image 358

Adapting Elements 364

Conclusion 367

Bonus Chapter: Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life 369

Index 393

CONTENTS