Dressing Up a Chest of Drawers: Part 1

Chest of drawers 1_silverOften times we use the top of our bedroom furniture as a catch-all for various items. Instead of the usual look, I decided to dress it up a bit! In my first of several posts on the topic, I’ll show you multiple ways to accentuate the top of your chest of drawers. Today, I’m showcasing a silver theme. I have my frog prince statue, a lamp with a silver base, and two silver canisters topped with faux flowers for a pop of color. This simple theme gives a touch of shine to an otherwise plain space. Although I used silver, you could use any color or combination of metals. Additionally, the pops of gold and turquoise give some much needed color to what could be a cold look. All the items used were things I already owned, making this look both gorgeous and free. If you have objects in similar tones, group them together to create a cohesive look. Not only will you add a touch of interest to your bedroom furniture, but you’ll also get the chance to display great pieces you already own.

Adding Accessories to Your Living Room

While our living room was pretty much put together, it felt like something was missing. Our coffee table seemed a little too bare. The solution? Add an accessory! My Mom came up with the perfect idea: a bowl filled with various objects. She found the items (a bowl, objects of various sizes and textures, and a place mat) on sale and brought them to me to put together. As seen below, it looks absolutely gorgeous on the coffee table! The second picture shows a close up shot of what the bowl holds.

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The colors and textures in the bowl complement the rest of the decor throughout the space. In addition, the carved eggs are something we picked up years ago while on vacation. Overall, this addition costs less than $20! If you want to give your space a new look, all you need is a little imagination and some old treasures to transform your space into something chic and glamorous!

A Lighted Path to City Lights

Lit city pathThe upside of having to work late? Being able to get great shots of city lights! It’s amazing how an area can be transformed once illuminated by bright lights. I love the glow of the antique lights along the street and the twinkling lights of the city in the distance. A similar photo would look great enlarged and hung on a dining room wall. Next time you might be out late, be sure to take your camera along. You could end up getting a shot that transforms your view of everyday surroundings!

The Mountain Above the Trees

Mt. RainierAfter walking some distance from the entrance of my local wildlife refuge I turned around and was greeted by a wonderful sight: Mount Rainier! I wasn’t expecting to see such a great view, so of course I had to take a photo. This photo-op brings up something very few people think about as they’re out photographing various locales: turn around! So often we’re concentrating on what’s in front of us that we don’t realize there might be something even greater behind us. So remember, when you’re out snapping great pictures be sure to pay attention to all your surroundings, not just what’s in front of you. If you do this, you’ll not only get great shots, but may even get a beautiful photo you weren’t even expecting.

Reaching Out Towards the Sun

Tree reaching towards sunAs I walked along a path I noticed a tree that seemed to be reaching out from the ground towards the sun. As pictured on the right, the tree was fairly large, covered in moss, and part of it illuminated by the sun. Not only do the earth tones go with anything, but it’s just a cool picture! As I’ve said before, nature can be both a focal point in any space and a great inspiration. No matter what you can capture with your camera, you’re sure to find a way to bring the outdoors into any space!

Valentine’s Day Eagles

Eagle coupleHappy Valentines Day! And what better way to celebrate than with a pair of beautiful bald eagles. Did you know that eagles mate for life? How sweet, and what a perfect inspiration for today! Hope all of you enjoy a wonderful day full of sweets, sweethearts, and inspiration!

Local Art Installation: The Stairwell

Public art_stairwellWhen most people think of a parking garage they envision nothing but dull concrete. While that’s usually true, there can also be a few surprises for those walking towards their offices. For me, it’s a chance to look at art every day! At the top of the staircase there’s an art installation featuring blue glass in various hues imbedded in concrete. There are other stairwells that feature similar installations in red, yellow, and green. Though a simple design, it nonetheless creates a bit of whimsy for those who frequent the area. Public art can also inspire you to create a similar look at home. You could affix various types of glass mirrors to a wall to create a pattern or add colorful film to a window for a touch of color. Public art can provide great inspiration, so keep your eye open for great designs and colorful patterns!

The Sunburst Torch

Sunburst torchOne of the cool things about where I work are the Roman-like torches that are featured in one of the buildings. They are large, gold in color, and feature several columns supporting a cauldron. As I walked up to the upper level of the building, I looked down from the walkway and was amazed at the pattern on the cauldron. It was a beautiful sunburst pattern that complemented the space and created a pop of color among the grey marble stone. A similar photo would be a great addition to a space that was predominately made up of neutral colors. The dark background and yellow of the sunburst creates a beautiful contrast that will create a focal point in any space. Don’t have any torches to photograph? Go to your local craft store and create a similar look with paper, paint, or a combination of mediums. With a bit of searching and crafting, you can have a beautiful sunburst to brighten your space!

Twin Barns

Twin BarnsI was checking out my local wildlife refuge when I noticed a structure off in the distance. As I got closer I realized it was a pair of historic, old barns. So cool! I love old buildings, and these had been lovingly preserved (looking through the windows it was obvious they were now used for storage). The distressed white paint on the building creates a shabby chic look. Does your space have a shabby chic or county look? Photos of old barns are the perfect accessory! They add interest to any space and are a great conversation piece. Not only will your guests marvel at your ability to tie a look together, but you’ll also have an awesome memory from a day spent finding old buildings!

The Landscape at Low Tide

Landscape at low tideI checked out my local wildlife refuge one afternoon and was surprised at what I saw. We arrived at low tide and could see part of the landscape that was usually underwater. It was amazing to see the stark, yet serene, land that was exposed to the sun. You can image all the aquatic wildlife and water fowl that would enjoy this area at high tide. A picture similar to this one would be a great focal point in a den or bedroom. The serene landscape and pop of blue from the sky go with any decor and add a touch of serenity to your space. Want a similar picture for your own space? Check the tide tables for your local waterway, beach, or wildlife refuge. With a camera and a little planning, you can have a picture of a hidden underwater universe.