Now that flowers are in bloom and temperatures are getting warmer, summer travels plans quickly come to mind. Not only do vacations provide well-deserved relaxation time, they also offer the opportunity to explore new cultures, histories and traditions. A reliable way to gain design inspiration is through travel and discovery, which we can attest to at Emser Tile. Whether through preservations of the past or contemporary exhibits, there are many cities around the world whose unique perspective on architecture, art and culture provide a fresh creative lens.
Today, we’re sharing five destinations that are sure to ignite your creativity this summer.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain
From its museums to its architecture, Barcelona is a vibrant city filled with design inspiration. Home of globally renowned architect Antonio Gaudí, the city boasts two of the artist’s most famous works, Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. This Spanish metropolis is also the home of The Museu Picasso, which houses one of the most extensive collection of artwork by the boundary-breaking 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Bright colors, bold patterns and unique installations are just a few design takeaways that are worth traveling to Barcelona.
If the eclectic colors, shapes and patterns of Barcelona have you inspired, take a peek at our equally eclectic Design series.
2. Miami, Florida
Wynwood Diner in the Miami, Florida Design District
When many people think of Miami, their minds automatically jump to South Beach. Located on the opposite side of Miami Bay from South Beach is Miami’s Design District, a creative neighborhood known for its sleek modern architecture, upscale interior design stores and colorful art galleries. Within the Design District, Wynwood Walls, an outdoor destination, features large-scale graffiti and murals from artists of many styles. In addition to a beach getaway, Miami is a wonderful source for contemporary design inspiration.
If the modern art throughout Wynwood resonates with you, check out our award-winning bold series, Rhapsody.
3. Los Angeles, California
From high-rises to beaches to celebrity homes, Los Angeles has it all. LA is also home to a large arts community. Each summer, the LA Design Festival showcases forms of design from architecture and interiors to graphic, industrial, fashion, set, costume and experiential design. This year’s festival will run from June 20-23, offering creative inspiration in addition to what you see on the big screen.
Our newest wood-look tile series, Hollywood, takes its inspiration from the city's famed old-world glamour.
4. New York, New York
Hudson Yards in New York
Art and design are no strangers to the Big Apple, a heart of design inspiration for decades. Visitors can experience something new this summer, New York’s Hudson Yards, a real estate development that recently opened in downtown Manhattan. Hudson Yards’ center for artistic invention, The Shed, brings together established and emerging artists presenting work across multiple disciplines. Further uptown, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) will be exhibiting the sculptural works of Constantin Brancusi and Peter Fischli this summer. From the MoMA to the burgeoning developments like Hudson Yards, there are no shortage of opportunities to gain design inspiration in New York.
Our award-winning Borigni series brings the Big City inside with the contemporary look of concrete in tile form.
5. Berlin, Germany
East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany is one of the most varied cities when it comes to its art and design scene. Museums like Alte Nationalgalerie and Gemäldegalerie hold classic masterpieces dating back to the 13th century. On the other hand, the modern art scene is taking shape in forms like East Side Gallery, a 1.3 km long remnant of the Berlin Wall which displays the works of over 100 international artists through a series of murals. Whether you’re looking to gain inspiration from generations past or take a contemporary approach, Berlin offers a variety of attractions to choose from.
For a modern take on a classically inspired collection, peruse our new Divine series of mosaic tiles.
Which city will spark your design inspiration this summer?
Explore more posts like this:
- 12 Events Sparking Design Inspiration Each Month of 2019
- 4 Must-Attend Fall Architecture & Design Events
- 4 Design-Minded Events for Your Summer Itinerary
Feature image: Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain