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.
Tag Archives: accessories
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.
Blooms in Winter
Every year there is a group of large bushes that tend to bloom in winter, even when it’s snowing. They have a variety of colors, but this time I decided to snap a photo of a bush that features pink and white flowers. I love flowers that are made up of more than one color! This gives me the perfect inspiration for a decorating theme. Using pops of pink and white against a neutral base is the perfect addition to your space. You could use accessories such as throw pillows, vases, a similar picture framed on a table, or a rug. Additionally, you could accent the pops of white and pink with other pastel colors that are perfect for welcoming spring. Even in winter, nature can provide pops of color and the perfect inspiration to brighten up your space!
Dressing Up a Chest of Drawers: Part 3
In part 3 of my Chest of Drawers posts, I’ll be using a more whimsical take on decorating. Whether you’re a kid or kid at heart, there’s nothing wrong with adding some cute stuffed animals to your bedroom furniture! You could add a variety of different stuffed animals, or have a specific theme. The two themes I used below are Hello Kitty and teddy bears. I have an abundance of both, so they were the perfect muses for my third post.
There’s nothing wrong with displaying a collection of stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, or figurines on your chest of drawers. Remember, a bit of whimsy is a great way to not only create pops of color, but also add a bit of fun to any space!
Dressing Up a Chest of Drawers: Part 2
For my second post I’ll be going for a muted, elegant look. Today’s theme will revolved around a cream color scheme. As seen on the right, I used a lamp with a clear base and cream-colored shade, along with cream-colored boxes and one floral print box for a pop of color. As with my previous post, all of the items displayed are ones I already owned. The clear base of the lamp blends in with any decor, and allows the elegant, cream-colored theme to shine. In order to give the space a bit of color, I added a floral patterned box to the pile to create some visual interest. Once again, you can create amazing things when you use what you already own. No matter what type of boxes you use, you can create a chic, elegant look that will dress up any space!
The Incoming Tide
As I was walking along the beach I saw the water coming in and flowing over the rocks. I thought it would be an awesome shot if I could capture the tide. It took a few times, but I got it! I love how you can see the clear water with the sun glittering off it, and all the different rocks underneath the surf. Despite their different colors, the rocks go together seamlessly. This is the beauty of earth tones. Plus, you’ll also notice rocks that provide pops of color (red, orange, etc.) that are mixed in. This photo would be a great basis for decorating your space. Try using earth tones as a base for larger pieces then add pops of color using accessories. Additionally, you could buy a clear bowl or vase, fill part of it with rocks (easily found at your local craft or big box store), add shells, water, floating candles, and viola! You’ll instantly have a look that’s both beachy and elegant. Remember, inspiration can be found right outside your door, so be sure to keep an eye open to the world around you!
Through the Woods
As I made my way past the creepy trees pictured in my previous post, I kept walking down the long dirt trail. After a few minutes meandering down the path and looking at the dense forest around me, I noticed a small valley to my right. As I kept walking, I was surprised to find that the dirt path became a staircase. It looks like the park’s designers literally cut a path through the woods to create this path down a steep embankment. There’s even a section (not pictured) where the stairs go through a large, fallen tree trunk. I thought the stairs were both cool and unexpected in such a dense environment, and decided to snap a photo! They blend in well with the environment, and this can be an inspiration for your own space. Adding accents and accessories in the same color family is a great way to bring a space together. Colors come in many shades, so no matter what color you choose, you’ll have a large variety to draw inspiration from and decorate your space!
Under the Overpass
One day my friend and I decided to take a different path that bordered my local lake. After a long walk we eventually came to a large dock that went out onto the lake. We walked onto the dock and were able to see views we couldn’t see from previous vantage points. One of the most surprising things was that the dock was right next to the interstate. You can’t see the dock from the freeway, so it’s no wonder we never knew it was there! I decided to take a picture under the overpass, which features the river that feeds into the lake flowing underneath it. A photo like this brings to mind so many different design ideas! You can take inspiration from the soft colors of nature, or use the concrete of the overpass to go for a modern, clean look. Either of these looks could be accomplished by new furnishings, accessories, or just a fresh coat of paint. Remember, when you look at something for inspiration there are usually multiple elements you can draw from; so keep your eyes open and start decorating!
The River Under the Bridge
This photo is similar to one I took for a previous post, but is a wider shot that shows two bridges with the river flowing underneath. I love how the bridges and trees frame the river, and the brightness of the sun on the water. A picture like this can inspire so many projects! A similar photo could be framed and displayed on a shelf or wall. You could take the colors in the picture-green, grey, brown, blue-and use them as your decorating theme. Add these colors to your space by using throw pillows, vases, faux foliage, or other accessories to bring the outdoors in. It’s amazing how one photo can inspire a myriad of projects to update and decorate your space. You can use your favorite photo to not only to display a great shot, but also to inspire a decorating theme that’s uniquely you!
The Carnation
To the right is another flower that was part of the bouquet mentioned in my previous post. I love the pink and cream color of this carnation! This flower inspires me to create a pink and white color scheme. Adding these colors can be done several ways depending on how intense you want the look to be. You can add pink and cream accent walls to a room for a bold punch of color, or simply add accessories. A lamp, throw, or ottoman in a pink and cream pattern will give you that pop of color without overwhelming the space. And remember, since it’s back to school time you can find great deals on accessories at your local big box stores. Now’s the perfect time to get great accessories at great prices!
Inspiration In A Photo 