As I walked down the pier my ears detected a loud barking sound somewhere off in the distance. I instantly recognized it as sea lions! I followed the crowds and walked out onto a pier that was situated over the bay. When I looked down, I saw a large group of sea lions lounging on several docks that were floating on the water’s surface. This area is a major tourist spot, and even at the busiest times one can usually find a spot to watch and take a few photos. This brings up a great tip: check out tourist spots! Often times people tend to avoid touristy areas, but you can actually find great photo ops in those locations. Additionally, the nearby shops sold sea lion stuffed animals which would pair perfectly next to a similar framed photo! With a picture and a small purchase, you can turn a shelf or nightstand into an animal oasis that showcases both your photography and sense of whimsy!
Monthly Archives: September 2015
Whale Rock at the Beach
In some of my previous posts, I’ve discussed capturing unique images that can be interpreted in multiple ways. I spotted a rock (right) among the waves and instantly thought it looked like a small whale! I love the look of the sandy beach, the rock surrounded by water, and the waves in the background. This is not only a unique photo, but the earth tones in the shot will compliment any space. Do you have beach photos featuring unique rock or sand formations? If so, now’s the time to display them! Not only are they a reminder of warmer weather, but also a great way to show off the uniqueness of nature!
Jellyfish on the Beach
On the second day of my vacation I decided to visit one of the many state parks along the coast. As I walked along the shore, I noticed a number of things that looked out of place among the usual shells, rocks, and other debris. Moving closer to take a look I found out they were all jellyfish. Not just any jellyfish, they were purple jellyfish! These type aren’t native to the state I was in (I was told they’re usually found in California), so to see these was a real treat. Seeing unusual things is one great aspects of a vacation, and can help you develop all types of decoration ideas. Besides framing and displaying a similar photo, you could buy fabric that features jellyfish and use it to create pillow cases, make a blanket, or reupholster a piece of furniture. As I’ve said before, nature can be a great inspiration for decorating. Whether on land or at sea, you’re sure to find something to inspire you!
The Beach at Dusk
Above is a picture I took on the first day of my vacation. I saw this beautiful, sandy beach and just had to take a picture! I think it’s important to take photos on the first day of your vacation. Why? Because it’s great to start creating memories from day one of your adventure! There are so many things these first photos can be used for. They can be used as the cover for a scrapbook, used in a photo collage, or framed to create a grouping of photos that can be displayed on a shelf or wall. Whether you’re planning to take a vacation or already have a large collection of photos, you can use those early shots as an inspiration for a myriad of decorating ideas!
Lighting All Four Corners
Pictured above is a light fixture from the conference room mentioned in a previous post. I love how it extends out in all four directions! Not only is this chandelier unique, but its design is a great way to illuminate all corners of a room. In addition, the light was installed in a way where the lines of the fixture are aligned with the lines of the ceiling-a great design choice!
The silver finish of the fixture gives it a chic, stream-lined look that doesn’t overwhelm the space. The scallop design around the base of each light (above), gives just the right amount of detail. This light proves that a simple design and great lighting are all you need to bring chic elegance into your space!
Small Spaces, Big Possibilities
For years I’d come up the driveway and notice a small, but empty, space near the front door. It seemed there wasn’t much hope for this space between the front stairs and the edge of the garden. The space was a little more than 4 feet wide, and what ever we used couldn’t come out and block the stairs too much. One day, my Mom saw an iron bench for sale at the grocery store (yes, a grocery store!). We went back, took measurements, and realized it would be the perfect fit! A space that was formally seen as unusable now provides both a point of interest and seating in the front yard. Remember, even the smallest spaces, inside and out, have big possibilities. All you need is a bit of imagination and patience to turn any area into a unique sanctuary!