Welcome to my first post of 2016! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and are ready for a new year. We recently got our first snow, which gave me a great inspiration for today’s post. As seen on the right, I was able to snap a picture of our snow-covered Butterfly Bush. The snow on the end of the branches makes it appear that the bush is sprouting white flowers. Photos featuring winter scenery are a great way to bring a cool color palette into your home. Add accessories in silver or gray, and you’ve instantly updated your space! Stay tuned to for more great posts and videos in 2016!
Category Archives: photo
Merry Christmas and Thanks for a Great 2015
Merry Christmas! A big thank you to all of my followers and readers who have enjoyed my blog in 2015. I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips, and have had fun decorating, updating, and transforming your space. Look forward to more inspiration and ideas in the coming year!
The Mighty Columbia
On the same trip mentioned in my previous post, I had some down time and was able to take a stroll along a riverfront park. While there, I noticed the entrance to a dock that led down to the river. From this dock, I was able to get a great view of the Columbia River, along with the surrounding landscape. I love the rolling hills, green trees, and swirling water captured in this photograph! Additionally, the morning light provides the perfect amount of illumination for the shot. A similar photo would be the perfect addition to a bedroom. The serene landscape and soft colors are the perfect addition to your space. If you have the chance, try to get a shot of a body of water in the morning light. You’ll have a great photo that can be used to bring the beauty of nature into your home!
The Other Side of the Mountains
It’s amazing how much a landscape can change when you cross geologic features. Whether it’s an ocean, river, or mountain range, you will inevitably see a change in geography. This became quite noticeable on one of my recent travels (business related) where I took this great landscape photo (right). I love the sparseness of the landscape and the various shades of orange and green that are the epitome of Fall foliage. These types of photos are great for showcasing the wide variety of landscapes in your area. Whether you travel near or far, you’ll be sure to find a great landscape that is worthy of display in your space.
The Artistic Water Garden
The concrete structure pictured above is not simply an art installation, it’s actually a Water Garden! This structure is made up of multi-tiered fountains that were designed to create a unique urban oasis that included trees, a brick walkway, and lush lawns. How nice to walk out of your office building and be greeted by a lush lawn and the sound of flowing water! Sadly, the fountain was shut off due to leaks and a cracked foundation, and the repairs have been on indefinite hold. Despite this, it’s still a place that can be enjoyed daily by the surrounding office buildings. Remember, even places that have lost their luster are still a great inspiration. Whether it’s an old building or unused fountain, these places offer both a respite from the daily grind and a great photo op!
Flowers Blooming in Fall
This time of year we typically see our lovely gardens go dormant. However, there are some flowers that seem to continue to bloom throughout the Fall. I found a group of small multi-colored roses (right) on one of my walks. It was so nice to see this pop of color on a rainy day! There were pink, yellow, orange, red, and white roses mixed together in this one spot. Using flowers in your garden that bloom into Fall is a great way to keep your outdoor spaces looking bright and colorful. Not sure what to buy? Check out your local garden shop or big box store for ideas. With a bit of planning and an eye for design, you can create a colorful Fall garden for all to enjoy!
Abstract Art at Home
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!
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!
Inspiration In A Photo 