The Perfectly Imperfect Staircase

As I was walking during a recent vacation, I came across this staircase that’s no longer in use. I liked how, aside from the few broken rungs, this old staircase is still in tact. The staircase, surrounded by overgrown bushes, can also be a great metaphor: no matter what happens, keep going forward. Because of this, a similar photo would look great as a focal point in a bedroom or living room. In additional, since the colors are all earth tones, they would go with any decor. Remember, when you’re having a bad day or things just don’t seem to be going your way, keep going! Just like the staircase, you may have to stumble over a few obstacles to get there, but with hard work and persistence, you’ll eventually reach your goal.

Decorating with Fashionable Foxglove

With summer in full swing, there are so many different things to draw inspiration from. From florals, to bright hues, ocean beaches, majestic mountains, and lazy rivers, the decorating ideas can be endless. One inspiration often overlooked? The humble garden. Gardens can be full of colorful and unique blooms that will add the perfect pop of color to your space. One flower that ticks all these boxes is Foxglove. The elegant, bell-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors, such as the purple and white Pam’s Choice Foxglove on the right. A similar photo would look great enlarged and hung on a wall as a focal point in a living or dining room. No matter what type of flower you choose, you can easily bring nature’s inspiration into your home.

The Classic Black and White Color Scheme

When updating your decor, there are so many different styles to consider. However, sometimes it’s best to look back at classic themes-specifically the classic black and white. These two colors not only go with everything, but there are a myriad of shades for each to help you customize a look. Add a bit of glamour by adding in black accessories like a vase, lamp, or clock. Brighten up a space with crisp white pillows, flower-filled vase, or rug. Can’t decide between the two? Combine them by displaying a classic monochromatic photograph similar to the one on the right. In addition, you can amp up the wow factor by featuring an image with classic architectural elements such as columns, domed structures, and large stone blocks.

Elegance without the Electrical Work

Most would agree that nothing brings elegance to a room like a crystal chandelier. However, most would also agree that the expense of purchasing and installing such a grand piece of lighting is out of most people’s reach. So, how can you bring this piece of elegance into your space? Use a picture! Hanging a large photo of your favorite (or a famous) chandelier in a dining, living, or bedroom is a great way to upgrade the style of your space. And the best part? There are so many styles to choose from that you can easily find one that fits your decor. Whether you prefer metal, whimsical, industrial, antique, modern, or a contemporary style, you can easily bring the elegance of a chandelier into your home.

Bringing Architectural Elements Indoors

Often times we find ourselves living in a place that doesn’t match our architectural style. While costly renovations are one solution, it’s not one that most of us can afford. The solution? Add a photo! No matter if you prefer Victorian, Mediterranean, Gothic, Midcentury, Neo-Classical, or Tutor style, a picture is a perfect way to bring that look inside. You can take a photo of a building that features designs you like, have it enlarged, and use it as a focal point in your main living area. The picture can be of just the building or, as pictured on the right, a scene that includes the building and it’s surroundings. I’d recommend the former, since by zooming out you can capture additional elements that add style to your space (note the modern architecture of the building and classic brick of the walkway). No matter what style is your favorite, you’ll be sure to impress by bringing unique architecture into your space.

Easing into Spring

It’s the time of year when the sun begins to shine and the flowers begin to bloom! This also provides ample opportunity to photograph nature’s bounty. One such example is the photo above featuring a branch of cherry blossoms. It’s the perfect example of easing into spring. Why? It shows the flowers from bud to full bloom. In addition, the white flowers and brown bark act as a neutral, while the green buds act as a pop of color. A similar picture would look great enlarged and hung in a living or dining room. It’s the perfect update for Spring, while still blending in to your decor. No matter your decorating style, you can always find a way to bring nature’s beauty into your space.

Hide and go Peep

Happy Easter! While most people decorate their space with eggs, bunnies, and other well-known items this time of year, there are other options to brighten your space. One such example is the picture on the right. I’ve taken a plush Peep and have placed it among several types of silk flowers, creating a fun and unique Easter scene. You can create a similar scene using any combination of stuffed animals, foliage, and a background. Place it front and center on a table, desk, or shelf. Short on space? Create multiple scenes, photograph them, and hang them gallery-style on a wall. With a bit of imagination, you can create unique Easter decor that’s all you.

The Snow-Covered Flower

Shortly after the Rhododendrons I pass on my daily walks began to bloom, we had an unexpected spate of cold weather. While we had to deal with cold winds, icy roads, and snow, it also created a myriad of photo opportunities. One such example is the photo above of a snow-covered flower. The pink flower and green leaves are not only the perfect contrast to the white snow, but also show the beauty of nature’s seasons colliding in a single shot. A similar photo on a table, in conjunction with a clear photo frame and pastel-colored accessories, is the perfect update to any space. No matter what time of year, you can create a bright and inviting space that will bring nature’s colors indoors.

The Tower Along the Waterway

About a month ago I took the day off and had a Girls Day with one of my co-workers. We ended up going to the Museum of Glass, which is situated along the waterfront. After checking out the exhibits, which gave me a ton of design ideas, we took a walk along the Thea Foss Waterway. As we walked, I started seeing number towers along the pathway. Noticing how they lined up with other interesting elements, I decided to take a photo! I love how you can see foliage in both the foreground and background, the masts of the ships in the background, the towers of the bridge, the Tacoma Dome, and the sky full of billowy clouds. The other elements make a great backdrop to the large number 16 tower that is the center of this photo. This is a perfect example of how you can take beautiful outdoor shots even when the weather starts to turn (you can capture a similar look by traveling to your nearest waterway or ship yard). With Fall now upon us, this is the perfect time to update your space for the new season!

The River’s Boat

At the halfway point of my walk through a local park, I came across a curious sight: an airboat! The old-fashioned boat with its rustic wooden exterior perfectly matched the mood of this historic park. Located at the base of one of the waterfalls, it appears the boat is anchored there for decorative purposes rather than a practical one. A similar idea can be used when decorating your own space. Items such as plates, large utensils, and even old lampshades can be used as decorations by hanging them on walls, or putting them on shelves or tabletops. Remember, no matter how out-of-date an item might seem, it’s easy to give it a second life as a new piece of decor for your space.