Travel much? Notice that no matter where you go in the world that seagulls basically look the same? I think that’s kind of amazing. On the right, you’ll see a seagull that’s made its home near my part of the world. Seagulls always make me think of the ocean (a favorite spot for vacations). I love to watch them glide on the wind or diving into the water trying to catch a meal. I’ve seen many pictures of seagulls, so why not take my own? It’s a great touch to any decorating scheme. Your space doesn’t have to have a nautical theme for a seagull picture to work. As long as there’s something to tie it all together like similar colors, textures, or mood, almost anything can be tied together to make your space unique.
Category Archives: decorating
Tunnel Under the Pier
Have you ever flipped through a magazine, seen a picture, and thought “I’d like to take a picture like that?” I think everyone has at some point. But how often does it actually happen? I saw a picture of the underside of a pier in a magazine I bought. I thought it was a really cool picture: the underside of a pier that created a tunnel into the ocean. About a week later I was walking along the waterfront and what do I see? I shot that looks almost exactly like the one in my magazine! Jackpot! So I moved closer to the water until I was able to get the shot in this post. Magazines and other publications can be great inspirations for your photos and decorating. Whether the magazine deals with travel, architecture, photography, anime, or gardening, it’s the inspiration you get from it that matters.
From Sea to Port
While out on a stroll one day I saw this huge ship navigating the waterway. I was surprised to see it since I rarely see ships navigating these waters (I’ve only seen them docked near shore, not actually sailing in). I was even more surprised when I blared its loud horn to warn other boaters in the area to steer clear. It was loud, but really cool! It’s amazing to see this huge ship moving so effortlessly through the water. This photo is a great addition to any nautical theme or a gift to anyone who loves ships (who doesn’t?). No matter if the ships is big or small, a photo can open up a world far beyond our shores.
Ducks at the River
One day I saw these two ducks preening by the riverbank. At first I couldn’t get a good shot, but I was eventually able to get the picture featured in this post. The ducks are framed on either side by trees and below by grass. You can even see the ripples of the water. This is not only a great picture, but the colors are a great inspiration for Spring decorating ideas. I love the earthy tones of the flora and the colors of both ducks’ feathers. Looking for new colors to decorate your space? All you need to do is look at nature for inspiration!
Reptile in the City
No matter where you live there’s always wildlife thriving around you. Case in point, the lizard pictured above! This lizard has been living on/under my front porch for years. The first time I saw it it was very small; now it just keeps growing! I happened to be working in the yard one day and was able to snap a picture while it was sunning itself. If I knew someone who loved reptiles, it would be a great idea to take the picture, frame it, and give it as a gift. Nothing says friendship like sharing a great photo. Remember it’s not only cool to decorate your own space, but to help others decorate theirs, too!
Old Sea Buoys
Recently I was walking along my local waterfront and what did I see? An old rusted buoy! It was obvious the buoy had been beached for a long time, but I still thought it would make a great photo. It would be the perfect addition to any beach/water theme. Later I saw another rusted buoy (second picture), and decided to take another picture. Taking several pictures around a common theme, like buoys, and displaying the photos in your space is a great idea. The photos would be great on a shelf, art nook, or table. Have something you like to photography? If so, take photos at different locations, group them together, and enjoy!
Marina Views
Aside from the ocean, I think marinas make a great photo-op. This photo was taken on a sunny day in an area that featured a lookout tower (which afforded me this great view). This is the type of photo I’d frame and keep on my desk to remind me of a fun getaway (literally if I had a boat!). Have a favorite body of water? If so, go to your favorite coastal spot, marina, lake, or waterway and create your own day-dream in a photo.
Mix and Match, New and Old
With a new year comes the urge to update one’s space. The current update? The bathroom! I have these towels displayed in two locations in the bathroom, but this is the only area that had a large, empty wall space above it. Many photos and paintings had been tried, but nothing seemed to match the specific shade of green in the towels. So, I come home one day and wham!, the perfect picture is hanging on the wall! My mom found a picture she bought several years ago and decided to hang it on the wall. The green leaves in the picture were a perfect match to the towels. This proves that you can mix old and new items and have them match. Contemplating adding new decor? Try buying only a few new items and then repurposing when you already have. You’ll be surprised how mixing and matching new and old can create a wonderful and unique look!
Frame a Window
As I said in a previous post, I work in a cubicle with no window. Besides creating my own window, another solution is to frame the picture of a window. I took this photo of an ornate window on a clear, sunny day. Not only will I have a new piece of art in my cubicle, but I’ll also have the illusion of a real window. Whether the window you use looks out onto the sea, a mountain, the sky, or somewhere else, you, too can create an awesome view!.
Light Up Your Garden
Gardens in themselves are wonderful places: flowers, shrubs, trees, etc. Why not add lighting to the mix? An example is this outdoor lamp I found while out on a stroll. Obviously, most of us can’t afford a lamp this big or ornate in our gardens. The solution? Find a mirrored globe and elevate it on a decorative column. You can also use a lamp-like sculpture or other object (the ‘lamp’ doesn’t need to actually work-it’s the overall visual that counts). Though it’s not quite spring, it’s the perfect time to start planning out your garden!
Inspiration In A Photo 