Cliffs at the Water’s Edge

Cliffs overlooking the seaI wanted to share this gorgeous shot of the ocean from high above the cliffs. The expansive ocean and endless blue sky give this photo a grandiose feel. Using photos that show something on such a large scale can make even the smallest of spaces seem bigger. You can find similar pictures at big box stores, or create your own by photographing a body of water or other natural landscape from an elevated position. By using large-sized prints, you can create the perfect scale in any room. No matter what type of photograph you use, you’re sure to create the perfect look to compliment your space!

Footsteps in the Sand

Footsteps on sandy beachAs the weather here goes between sunny, to rainy, to back again, I decided to share a photo from my previous vacation. The sandy stretch of beach, full of footprints, is just the place you want to spend the weekend! This photo is the perfect combination of sand, sea, and sky. That’s the nice thing about vacation photos-they can remind you of happy times when you were able to relax without a care in the world. If you have vacation photos, frame several of them and cluster them on a table or shelf. Not only will they add a new element to your space, but it’s also a great way to remind you of fun times. Have a great weekend, everybody!

The Mighty Oak of Spring

Mighty oak treeOn one of my lunchtime walks I came across this large, old oak tree and saw the perfect inspiration for my next post. The brown trunk is a natural neutral, and the green leaves add a pop of color that draws the viewers eyes upwards. Simple, everyday photos are often the best kind to use in decorating. Why? They’ll go with nearly everything! No matter if your color scheme is black and white, pastels, monochromatic, metallics, or brights, nature-based photos will always blend in. Can’t find an old-growth tree like the one pictured to the right? Using a photo of a favorite or nearby tree will allow you to achieve this look. Now’s the perfect time to go outside and snap a few photos that will allow you to quickly, and easily, update your space!

Spring has Sprung: Part 3

Pink flower close-up_bushThis final post in my series features a close-up of the same type of flower in my previous two posts. The combination of light and shadow, along with a close-up of the flower’s internal workings, makes this a great photo for any space. You can take a similar picture by getting your lens as close to the middle of your favorite flower as possible. Once you’ve taken that perfect shot, I’d suggest enlarging the photo and using it as a focal point on a living or dining room wall. The flower, no matter the shade, will bring a bit of color into any room. In addition, a large photo is one of the easiest and most economical way to add new life to a stale room. I hope you’ve enjoyed this three-series post featuring bright, beautiful flowers, and that I’ve inspired you to brighten up your decor.

Spring has Sprung: Part 2

Yellow flowers_bushOn my second post in this series, I’ll be concentrating on a group of yellow flowers. While the flowers themselves are the same variety as the ones in my previous post, their color variation provides a striking difference. While both colors can be considered warm, the yellow variety are slightly different in appearance. There’s less of a ombre effect, and some segments of the petals have a dotted pattern. Besides the contrast of light and shadow in this picture, the leafy green background makes the flowers pop. This is a great example of how you can find multiple shades in the same color family to use in your decor. Not sure what shades to use? Try using a combination of similar photos grouped together on a wall, or use them throughout several rooms. Stay tuned for more posts in this series, coming soon!

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!

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 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!