Sailing on a Lunchtime Adventure

The Adventuress_mast and sailOne sunny day I got word from a coworker that a tall sailing ship was docked at our local marina. The best part? They were offering free tours to the public. I decided it was time for an adventure! I grabbed a buddy and a quick five-minute drive took us to a ship called the Adventuress. It was awesome to be able to board the ship, talk to the crew, take lots of photos, and enjoy the view. The picture on the right shows the towering mast and its lowered sail. Similar photos can be taken by visiting your local marina. Not only will you be able to get out and enjoy the sunshine, but will also have a new addition to decorate your space!

The Forest in the Tree

Forest on treeOne sunny day I was walking underneath a large, old tree and noticed something interesting on one of the branches. As seen on the right, it looks like a mini forest! The combination of the bright green fern with sun streaming through its leaves, the mountainous landscape of the branch, and white flowers in the background make this an awesome shot. You can shoot a similar picture by checking out your local old growth trees. They may be hard to find depending on where you live, but if you explore a state park or area that features historic buildings, you’ll have a better chance of finding what you want. Now is the perfect time to snap pictures you can use to update your space. Whether hung on a wall or simply used for inspiration, you can snap a beautiful picture to usher in Spring!

Sunset Over the City

Sunset over city_pink skyThere’s nothing like looking out the window and seeing a beautiful sunset! As seen above, I was able to get a gorgeous shot of the sky as the sun was setting. I love how it was lit up in various shades of pink, the clouds looking like waves. The columned building, along with maple and pine trees gives added depth to this shot. The best part? If you look towards the bottom of the picture, you’ll notice the twinkling of city lights! This is a great time of year to take photos of beautiful sunsets. You can prominently display one on a wall, or create a collection of photos to decorate several areas in your space. No matter what you choose, you can bring a beautiful Spring sky into your home!

The Snowcapped Mountain Backdrop

Snowcapped mountains in distanceLooking in the distance on a warm spring day, I was struck by how much snow was still on the mountains. I like the contrast of the snowcapped peaks on a warm, sunny day-so I decided to snap this photo! The cool shades of blue, pops of white, and earth tones make this picture the perfect trifecta! This is the perfect time of year to snap a similar photo of your very own. Once you snap your picture, all that’s left is to figure out where to display it. Depending on the size you choose, you could put it on a shelf, display it in a living room, or use it to add a bit of color to a hallway. No matter how you decide to display it, you can create a custom piece of art that will look great in any of your spaces!

Rainbow through the Storm

Rainbow in stormy skiesLast week I was walking in the morning and saw this beautiful rainbow in between downpours. I love how the rainbow stands out against the dark, foreboding skies! It was the perfect image that gave me a positive boost throughout the day. This picture should be a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there’s a rainbow somewhere waiting to burst through. I hope this post has inspired you, and will help you remember that there’s a silver (rainbow) lining to every storm!

Classic Blue and White: Inspiration from Nature

Classic blue and white: cloudsAs I’ve stated in previous posts, you can find lots of inspiration from nature and what’s around you. An example is the classic blue and white color palette. The inspiration? The sky! This color combination provides just the right amount of brightness, while also being able to blend into one’s current decor. In addition, there are so many different shades of blue, that you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit for your space. You can go all out and have an entire room in blue and white, or you can add just a few accessories. Take a picture of the sky and hang it prominently on a wall, create a cluster of blue and white vases, add throw pillows, or add a new rug to a room. No matter how much blue and white you decide to use, you’re sure to create a bright and airy feel in your space!

Picture a Pattern: Part 6

Floral top_fabricWelcome to my final post on patterns! I’ll be finishing off this series of posts by featuring another piece of clothing. This one is a formal top with a black and white floral pattern. This would be the perfect addition to a monochromatic space that could use a pop of pattern. Framing a similar print creates a visual interest and draws the eye upwards, allowing your visitors to take in the entirety of your beautiful space. In addition, this also saves money since you’re using patterns you already have in your closet. It’s great when your decor can do double duty, and even better when you can throw clothing into the mix! I hope you’ve enjoyed my series on framing patterns, and have found lots of inspiration for your own space!

Picture a Pattern: Part 5

Blue swirl_tissue boxIn previous posts I’ve featured patterns from boxes, clothing, and pieces of furniture. Another great object to find patterns? Tissue boxes! It’s probably the last thing you’d think of (I know I did!), but these little squares can provide great patterns and inspiration. On the right is a whimsical blue and white pattern that would look great framed and put in any space. The various shades of blue give this pattern a greater flexibility in matching with colors already in your decorating theme. In addition, the shades of white give it an extra pop that makes the pattern stand out. Tissue boxes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and many brands offer seasonal color palates that will give you a myriad of options throughout the year. Remember, by thinking outside the box, you can find surprising new ways to be inspired!

Picture a Pattern: Part 4

Polka dots_black and grayFor the fourth post in this series, I’ll once again be focusing on a pattern from one of my dresses. This one is a simple polka dot a pattern in black and gray. This pattern can easily go with any decor, and would be the perfect addition to frame and put on your wall. Looking for a way to tie a pattern into the rest of your room? Buy a similar fabric and create covers for your pillows. Doing this is an easy and inexpensive way to create a cohesive look for any room. With a little imagination, even the simplest of patterns can create a new look for an old space!

Picture a Pattern: Part 3

Paisley patterned dressIn my third post I’ll be highlighting another source of inspiration for your home decor: clothing! The picture above is a photo of one of my favorite dresses. It features various types of patterns in yellow, black, white, grey, and brown. These colors go great with a neutral color palette! The pops of yellow are the perfect addition to a bedroom, den, or hallway wall. The colors blend perfectly together and contain hues that everyone has in their home. Inspiration can come from many sources, so keep your eyes open for great ideas that can be as close as your own closet!