The other day I was reminded that even on a cloudy day, nature can still provide a bit of sunshine. As I exited the building where I work, I saw these beautiful daffodils flanking the entrance. Since I had my camera on me, I decided to snap a photo. It was a great reminder of nicer weather, and the flower itself is quite a cheery color. No matter how bad the weather there’s always some part of nature that will remind us of sunshine. Just like in life, we should always try to find the sunny side when our world is full of clouds.
Category Archives: design
The Library Lanterns
While in the main foyer leading to the law library, I looked up and noticed several large, metal lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Making my way up to the second floor, I was able to get a great shot of one. I love all the different types of designs featured on the lantern! From Greek key, to scrolls, to foliage, this lantern manages to combine many different patterns into a seamless look. This lamp is an excellent example of how mixing patterns can work in any space. The key is to keep the patterns in the same color family, while also keeping the number of different patterns to a minimum. By doing this you can have that mixed-pattern look without it overwhelming your space. So what are you waiting for? Whether you use accent pillows, a throw, curtains, or bedding, you can master the mixed-pattern look in no time!
The Ornate Wooden Library Doors
In my previous post, I showed you a picture of wood covered windows in my local law library. To the right, is a picture of the doors below each window. As you can see, the doors are made of the same intricately carved pattern that adorns the wood embellished glass above it. It adds even more elegance to an otherwise simple library. Just like in my previous post, you can also bring this look into your space. There are DIY kits that you can buy to add embellishments and raised patterns to your furniture and doors. You can use these to create a similar look for your own doors. Remember, no matter how grand a design may seem, there’s always a way to scale it down and make it work for any space.
Wood Embellished Glass
In the law library featured in my previous posts, there are large glass panes separating one side of the library from the main hall. I love the look of these intricately carved, elegant windows! While most of us don’t own the type of home where this look is feasible, there’s still a way to bring the look into your home. After you’ve found a building with a similar architectural look, take a photo and enlarge it to mural size. Apply the photo to a wall and viola-instant elegance! Remember, even the most ornate and expensive-looking features can be applied to any space. With a little imagination, you can give a cottage the grandeur of a castle.
Ornate Bronze Wall Sconces
I was strolling through my local law library when I looked up and saw these beautiful, intricate wall sconces. The sconces were a unique piece of lighting that stood out in the otherwise plain library. When a space features a unique piece of artistry or architecture, a little bit goes a long way. Need to dress up your plain space? Try a unique lamp, oddly shaped mirror, or an ornate piece of furniture. One piece can make a bold statement, so be sure to choose something that not only stands out beautifully, but is also uniquely you!
Bunches of Creamy Cherry Blossoms
Even though the weather has currently taken a turn for the worst, I’ll always have beautiful, inspiring photos to look at! On the right you’ll see a picture of the creamy cherry blossom tree I used in a previous post. It’s great to be able to look back and enjoy nature’s beauty on rainy days. These types of photos are a great way to not only bring a bit of nature into your space, but also a way to remind you of brighter days ahead!
Two-Toned Stair Railing
Although most people enjoy a mixed-metal look, very few would consider it for their staircase. Well, someone did, and it looks great! As with most design elements, it’s all in the execution. Shown below, the main railing is a dark color, topped with a brass-colored handrail.
The design of the staircase is kept simple, which allows the contrast of colors to meld seamlessly.
It pairs perfectly with the library books, and adds to, rather than distract from, the surroundings. Remember, mixing metals is a great way to add an elegant pop to any space. The key is keeping it simple so it blends into a seamless, elegant space.
The Creamy Cherry Blossoms
When most people, including myself, think of cherry blossoms, they likely imagine the pink ones in my previous post. However, cherry blossoms come in a multitude of shades, including white. The blossoms pictured on the right is a picture of cherry blossoms from trees that grow outside my office building. It’s great to be able to see these beautiful blossoms and watch their petals fall like snow in the wind. As the photo demonstrates, these flowers even have a pop of pink inside some of them! Remember, pops of color work great with neutrals. If it works for nature, it’ll look great in your own space!
Cherry Blossoms and Blue Sky
Around the same time I took the picture my previous post, I decided to take a photo of the upper portion of the Cherry tree with the sky in the background. I love the pop of the pink blossoms against the blue sky! A similar photo would be great to add a pop of color to any space. You could use it as a focal point on a wall, or put the picture on a shelf or table. It would go with rooms that featured hues in pink or blue, and would be the perfect addition to welcome spring into your space. Sometimes the simplest photos can be the best addition to your space!
Blooms in Winter
Every year there is a group of large bushes that tend to bloom in winter, even when it’s snowing. They have a variety of colors, but this time I decided to snap a photo of a bush that features pink and white flowers. I love flowers that are made up of more than one color! This gives me the perfect inspiration for a decorating theme. Using pops of pink and white against a neutral base is the perfect addition to your space. You could use accessories such as throw pillows, vases, a similar picture framed on a table, or a rug. Additionally, you could accent the pops of white and pink with other pastel colors that are perfect for welcoming spring. Even in winter, nature can provide pops of color and the perfect inspiration to brighten up your space!
Inspiration In A Photo 