The Sunning Sea Lion

Sea lion at the aquariumAs I made my way through the aquarium, I noticed a sea lion exhibit off to my right. When I went to get a better view, I saw a large sea lion (right) sunning itself. Unlike the sea lions in my previous post, this one was able to have a spot all to himself. This gives me the inspiration to create a cluster of similar sea lion pictures! You could take several pictures and create a collage, put them in a scrapbook, or frame the photos and use them to create a focal point on a wall. So what are you waiting for? With a few photos of your favorite animal, you can create a cluster of themed decor that will liven up your space!

The Puffin Pair

Puffin pair_aquariumWhile having fun at the aquarium, I ran across this cute pair of puffins! Since my friend’s birthday is coming up, this pair gave me the perfect inspiration for possible presents. You can use a photo of animal friends to create a card, use it as the cover for a scrapbook, or simply frame the picture and give it as a gift. There are many types of animals for you to photograph, along with a variety of settings-from zoos and aquariums, to your very own backyard. With a bit of patience, you’ll be able to capture the perfect pairing of animal friends!

Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 3

Grunt Sculpin_aquariumIn my third post on underwater photography, I’ll be focusing on a fish called a Grunt Sculpin. It was fascinating walking up to the glass and seeing how this fish moved! It didn’t use its fins in the traditional way, rather it used them to crawl along the rocks lining the bottom of the exhibit. I’ve never seen this fish before, so I wanted to share it with my readers and followers. The myriad of colors would go with any decor, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to where and how to display a similar photo. Additionally, capturing and displaying unusual underwater specimens is a great conversation starter at any party! Whether for your enjoyment or that of your guests, you can give your space an exotic feel with the simple addition of a unique photo.

Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 2

Japanese King Crab_aquariumAs seen on the right, this post features a Japanese Spider Crab. When I walked up to the glass I couldn’t believe how big they were-and these were just juveniles! This picture is special because it gives the illusion of underwater night photography. There are usually a handful of exhibits in every aquarium that are in night mode, so you can easily take a similar photo. Photos like this are a great alternative to traditional Halloween decor! Hang your photo on the wall for a party to bring an elegant, but spooky vibe, to your space. With a bit of imagination, you can find creative and unique ways to display your underwater photos!

A Sunset at the Ocean

Sunset at the oceanWhat a view-nothing like a sunset at the beach! Though they take a bit of planning, sunset photos are a must-have for anyone that wants to bring the outdoors into their space. Sunsets provide a myriad of colors that are sure to go with whatever decorating scheme you’re using. The surrounding area-ocean, forest, river, or city-can provide an additional backdrop to your photo. No matter what colors you want to decorate with, a sunset will provide all the inspiration you need.

Whale Rock at the Beach

Whale rock at beach_oceanIn 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

Jellyfish on beachOn 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

Beach at dusk_oceanAbove 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

Four corners chandelierPictured 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!

Four corners chandelier_close-up

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

Iron bench_front of houseFor 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!