Although the plant pictured to the right looks like a Rhododendron, it’s actually an Evergreen Magnolia. There are several of these plants bordering a nearby building, and I’ve always liked the large, colorful flowers that bloom every year. These are the perfect type of blooms to put in a vase to adorn a bedroom, living room, or as a centerpiece on a dining table. This time of year provides lots of inspiration for decorating your space! Whether you’re using flowers to decorate your space, or drawing inspiration from the colors of nature, it’s the perfect time to create a space that’s all about Spring!
Chocolate Cake and Flowers
I was sitting at my desk one day with two random items nearby: a chocolate pound cake and a small lilac flower. I thought about how these two items could possibly go together, so I decided to combine them! I laid out the cake, topped it with the flower, and took a photo. I love the look of food mixed with flora! A similar photo could be used to decorate a kitchen, dining room, or breakfast nook. You can take any combination of your favorite food and flora to create a photo that’s both delicious and colorful! Sometimes the best art we own is the kind we make ourselves. No matter what combination you choose, you’ll have an inspiring decor that’s uniquely you!
Carved in Stone
As I walked through the lobby of my building, I notice a discreetly carved floral motif on the marble walls. I love how this type of decoration adds to, rather than takes away from, the beautiful marble. Three brass strips above and below the carving add interest. This is a great example of using detailed motifs that blend in with a room’s decor. Use different patterns, motifs, or accessories to create interest in your space, but keep it in the same color family to have a cohesive look. No matter what type of material you use, you can create an amazing look that won’t over power your space.
Combine and Conquer
Earlier this week I received two lovely bouquets from people I work with (it was Administrative Assistants Day). They were two different varieties of flowers, but I thought they would look awesome together. I combined a bouquet of pink roses and several bunches of lilacs into a vase and viola: instant glamour! I love how the lilacs provide additional visual interest between the vase and the roses by filling the space between them. These flowers provide a great pop of color to my desk, brightening up an otherwise plain space. There’s nothing like being able to lean over and take a whiff of fresh flowers! Adding flowers to your desk or office is a great way to add color and interest to your space. No matter what type of flowers you choose, you can have a space that brings spring inside for you to enjoy!
The Blazing Cloud
It’s amazing the things you see at sunset. The clouds and sky become an array of colors. The photo on the right is an example of a cloud that’s illuminated by the setting sun. This is one of a group of clouds that was blazing across the evening sky. I love how the bottom of the cloud looks like it’s filled with fire, while the top is dark, preparing for nightfall. This contrast highlights how different colors can go so well together. If you want to create a similar contrast in your own space, there are several different combinations you can try: gold and grey, navy and bright green, grey and pink, or the classic black and white. Using contrasting colors allows you to have the best of both worlds: a pop of color and a neutral to balance it out. No matter what color combination you choose, you’ll have a perfectly paired space that’s all you!
Pink Kwanzans
While I enjoy cherry blossoms, they only bloom for about two weeks and then they’re gone. Kwanzan cherry trees, however, keep blooming long after other cherry blossoms have fallen. Pictured above is a shot of the blooming cherry trees where I work. It’s wonderful to still be able to see pretty pink blossoms swaying in the wind! Additionally, it demonstrates the great combination of pink and green. You could use a similar photo as a focal point on a wall, or decorate your space with pink and green accessories. No matter what you choose, always remember that nature can provided the greatest inspiration for any space!
Note: I previously misclassified these trees as Magnolias; they are in fact Kwanzan cherry trees. The title of this post has been changed from Pink Magnolias to Pink Kwanzans.
Sunny Flowers on a Cloudy Day
The other day I was reminded that even on a cloudy day, nature can still provide a bit of sunshine. As I exited the building where I work, I saw these beautiful daffodils flanking the entrance. Since I had my camera on me, I decided to snap a photo. It was a great reminder of nicer weather, and the flower itself is quite a cheery color. No matter how bad the weather there’s always some part of nature that will remind us of sunshine. Just like in life, we should always try to find the sunny side when our world is full of clouds.
The Library Lanterns
While in the main foyer leading to the law library, I looked up and noticed several large, metal lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Making my way up to the second floor, I was able to get a great shot of one. I love all the different types of designs featured on the lantern! From Greek key, to scrolls, to foliage, this lantern manages to combine many different patterns into a seamless look. This lamp is an excellent example of how mixing patterns can work in any space. The key is to keep the patterns in the same color family, while also keeping the number of different patterns to a minimum. By doing this you can have that mixed-pattern look without it overwhelming your space. So what are you waiting for? Whether you use accent pillows, a throw, curtains, or bedding, you can master the mixed-pattern look in no time!
The Ornate Wooden Library Doors
In my previous post, I showed you a picture of wood covered windows in my local law library. To the right, is a picture of the doors below each window. As you can see, the doors are made of the same intricately carved pattern that adorns the wood embellished glass above it. It adds even more elegance to an otherwise simple library. Just like in my previous post, you can also bring this look into your space. There are DIY kits that you can buy to add embellishments and raised patterns to your furniture and doors. You can use these to create a similar look for your own doors. Remember, no matter how grand a design may seem, there’s always a way to scale it down and make it work for any space.
Wood Embellished Glass
In the law library featured in my previous posts, there are large glass panes separating one side of the library from the main hall. I love the look of these intricately carved, elegant windows! While most of us don’t own the type of home where this look is feasible, there’s still a way to bring the look into your home. After you’ve found a building with a similar architectural look, take a photo and enlarge it to mural size. Apply the photo to a wall and viola-instant elegance! Remember, even the most ornate and expensive-looking features can be applied to any space. With a little imagination, you can give a cottage the grandeur of a castle.
Inspiration In A Photo 