With a wealth of design experience behind her and a desire to share, Shareen Joel recently set up a two-pronged resource for home, interior and design inspiration – the Share Design Inspiration Blog.

Tell us a little about your design background.
"My role as an industrial designer for the Ford Motor Company in Australia, and later Europe and the USA, took me to international fashion shows and furniture fairs to forecast and translate form, material and colour trends for the automotive industry. I have collaborated with automotive suppliers on trend palettes for Toyota, Mitsubishi, GM and Ford, and worked with leather artisans for Aston Martin. I’ve since broadened my skill base with graphic design, interior architecture and building qualifications. I am now director of multidisciplinary design studio Shareen Joel Design."

What led to the creation of your website in 2011, which is now intrinsically linked to your blog?
"As a designer I was often asked, ‘What’s the best shade of white?’ or ‘Where do I find…?’, and so it got me thinking about how I could share my years of experience and knowledge and make good design available to everyone. This led to the launch of the website – a curated resource for home and interiors, covering everything from tiles to taps, colour palettes, finishes and fixtures. It’s my way of sharing beautiful and functional products, spaces and styles, and my hope is that it makes the selection process easier. What makes this site special is that I also share how you can find the resources featured.”

What inspired you to launch the blog last year?
“The Share Design Inspiration Blog was created to complement the website as I also wanted to share my design inspiration. Think of the blog as a ‘stylish shortcut’. I share my design inspiration via the blog and then offer a portal to the website. Together, they help everyone ‘get the look’.”

What inspired the myriad categories on the blog, from fashion to furniture and food?
“I believe that all aspects of design feed into each other to create a complete picture. The categories were thereby created to reflect all parts that have inspired me as a designer.”

What are your top three categories on the blog?
“Art, fashion and transport. Art is an integral part of design inspiration and enjoyment; I’ve always loved fashion – my mum was a fashion designer for most of my teenage years; and my background is in automotive design and so transportation will forever be really important and dear to my heart.”

Your three fave posts?
“Kate Moss at Home; Chanel’s ‘Lego’ clutch; and all of our “'Tips & Trends’ posts.”

Where do you find inspiration for your blog?
“Everywhere! A lot of it comes from things that have inspired me throughout my career – old tear sheets, references from the 1980s, memories from the past, or simply things that I remember.”

What do you think is key to a successful blog?
“Authenticity! Share Design Inspiration Blog comes from my heart and I share what I truly believe in. I’m not influenced by what others are doing.”

As a working mum, how do you find the time to blog?
“Largely, we create it as a team in the office, but occasionally I blog from the comfort of my bed. I don’t fit everything in! Fortunately, I have a super-supportive husband, my two gorgeous kids are now a little older, and my team is fantastic.”

What do you love most about blogging?
“The opportunity to share my design inspiration and then, of course, to offer a portal to a curated resource – the complete picture.”

What are you passionate about?
“Design integrity, honesty of materials, heritage and manufacturing processes. And I believe that good design should be part of everyone’s life.”

What are your top three websites/blogs?
“Broadsheet– I am an absolute foodie and love to know what’s going on. Designboom – I can explore industrial design, which is my original passion. Net-a-Porter – I love fashion, and every now and then I sneak in a purchase or two!”