The photo on the right is an abstract piece of art at my local university. It’s affixed to a pair of gates leading to the campus’ church. While I’m not sure what this piece is supposed to represent (I believe it was an interpretation of a bird), it’s still nice to see the whimsy in such pieces of art. While most of us can’t afford a custom piece of art, you can certainly use a photo of one in your own space. Feeling creative? Try making your own abstract art at home! You can use any medium: clay, paper, paint, wood, or glass. No matter how you go about it, you can easily bring abstract art into your space!
Category Archives: interior
The Creepy Pond by the Road
Happy Halloween! I thought I’d celebrate by sharing this photograph I took of a creepy-looking pond. The pond is mostly choked with foliage and algae, and one end flows into a narrow, dark tunnel. While this photo is not what you would typically think of for Halloween, I think of it as a piece of decor that could be used in a more formal, grownup way. Decorating this time of year doesn’t always have to be orange, black, or involve pumpkins. Using photos of scenery close to home is a unique way to create a Halloween feel in your own home. No matter what type of picture you choose, you can create a spooky atmosphere that’s sure to please!
Using the Hues of a Seascape
I’ve often suggested using the various elements of nature when deciding what colors to use in your decorating scheme. A seascape, like the one pictured right, is a great example! Seascapes typically feature a variety of colors, including multiple shades of blue, white, brown, and green. This gives you a myriad of colors to choose from, and combine, to create a cohesive look. Most of us have vacation photos, so why not use them to inspire us? With pictures you already have and a bit of imagination, you can create a beautiful space that brings the colors of nature into your home!
The Sunning Sea Lion
As 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!
Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 4
Welcome to my final post on underwater photography! As seen above, this post focuses on a Sea Nettle jellyfish. Jellyfish are beautiful and elegant, but also deadly, creatures. Most jellyfish exhibits have a simple background without other sea life in the tank. As a result, it’s easier to get a clear shot since they’re the primary focus of the frame. The vibrant blue background of this shot pairs perfectly with the jellyfish. It allows the brownish-green of its umbrella and the white of the tentacles to create the perfect underwater shot! Jellyfish come in many colors and sizes, guaranteeing you’ll find one that’s the perfect fit for your decor. I hope you’ve enjoyed my posts on underwater photography, and that they’ve inspired you to find new ways to decorate your space!
Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 1
Capturing sea life in its natural environment is an amazing feat that most photographers don’t get the chance to accomplish. Going diving, procuring a waterproof camera, and finding the perfect location can be both expensive and time-consuming. But if you’ve ever dreamed of underwater photography, there’s a simple solution-go to an aquarium! The shipwreck I captured above was actually part of a special exhibit. This exhibit allowed me to create the look of underwater photography without leaving the comfort of dry land. A similar photo would look great as a focal point on a wall! The soothing blue of the water and pops of color from the sea life and ship’s wheel make this a unique photo that will grab any guests’ attention. Stay tuned for more underwater photos that will serve to inspire and bring out the best your space has to offer!
A Sunset at the Ocean
What 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.
Sea Lions on the Dock
As I walked down the pier my ears detected a loud barking sound somewhere off in the distance. I instantly recognized it as sea lions! I followed the crowds and walked out onto a pier that was situated over the bay. When I looked down, I saw a large group of sea lions lounging on several docks that were floating on the water’s surface. This area is a major tourist spot, and even at the busiest times one can usually find a spot to watch and take a few photos. This brings up a great tip: check out tourist spots! Often times people tend to avoid touristy areas, but you can actually find great photo ops in those locations. Additionally, the nearby shops sold sea lion stuffed animals which would pair perfectly next to a similar framed photo! With a picture and a small purchase, you can turn a shelf or nightstand into an animal oasis that showcases both your photography and sense of whimsy!
Jellyfish on the Beach
On 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
Above 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!
Inspiration In A Photo 