Sometimes when I want to update a space, I have a hard time deciding what my main color should be. My solution? Use two complementary colors! Besides using basic accessories to pull off this look, you can also take inspiration from nature. An example are the two Hydrangeas pictured above. The one on the left is purple, while the other is a very faded blue. Despite the fact one of the plant’s color has faded, it still creates a nice contrast. A similar photo can instantly bring a bit of nature to your space, creating a natural pop of color. Not a fan of Hydrangeas? You can use Roses, Daisies, Chrysanthemums, Tulips, or any flower you want. No matter what you color scheme you decide on, you can easily incorporate the colors of nature into your home.
Tag Archives: blue
A Contrast of Light and Shadow
Hello, and welcome to my first post of 2019 (and thank you for waiting for it)! Today’s post will center on the contrast of light and shadow. An example of this is the classic black and white color scheme. However, there are plenty of other combinations one can use to modernize the look. A perfect example is the picture above. Taken at sunset, it perfectly encapsulates the theme of light and shadow. The shadow of the tree pops perfectly against the glowing sky. A similarly bold picture would be the perfect focal point in a dining room or living room. The dark color draws the eye to the image, while the lighter colors bring a pop of color to the space. No matter if it’s sunrise, sunset, or somewhere in the middle, you can take a photo that will bring a classic color concept 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.
Updating A Nightstand
Several years ago I bought two nightstands to flank each side of my bed. While I still liked the overall look of them, I felt something needed to be updated: the knobs. I wanted something that was a bit more unique than the plain silver pulls that came with the nightstands.
I went to several of my local craft stores and finally found what I wanted. They featured an abstract blue and white pattern that reminded me of the ocean, a brass-colored edge, and was more than double the size of my previous knobs. Originally not sure if these would go with my decor, as soon as I installed them I knew they were perfect for my space! The white in the knobs matched both my nightstands and the other furniture in my room, while the shades of blue and the brass edge matched various accessories throughout my bedroom. Perfecto!
It’s amazing how something as simple as changing out a few knobs can make such a difference. If you’re short on funds but want to update a piece of furniture, doing something similar in your own space is not only a way to save money while updating the look of a piece of furniture, but also a fun way to get creative. Whether you choose something plain and simple or completely over the top, you can easily update the look of your furniture with a simple replacement of knobs.
The River’s Island
Looking down the river I spotted a small island within the rolling waves. The grass, tall trees, and fallen logs make it look like an island escape in the city. Want to create your own island escape? Adding a similar photo to a wall would be a great base for an updated summer look. Mix it with tropical prints, wicker accents, and nautical items to create your own personal getaway. Short on funds? Repurposing items you already own is a great way to stretch your budget and bring out your creative streak. With a great photo and stylish accessories, you can easily update your space for the summer season.
The Secret Cove
A few minutes up the river from where I took the picture in my previous post, I came upon a small cove tucked away behind what looked like a solid row of hedges. However, on closer inspection, I found this beach-like area located off the main river. Even though this is part of the river, a photo like this creates a coastal vibe. The sun glistening off the water, small beach, and a peak of blue sky between the branches, reminds me of an estuary near the ocean. However, a river photo is a great way to get a beach vibe when going to the ocean isn’t an option. So, if you want to update your space with a coastal vibe this summer, rivers are the perfect solution!
The Bridge Over the Falls
Walking further down from the location where I took the picture in my previous post, I saw a wooden bridge off in the distance. The bridge, almost appearing to be suspended between two trees, is positioned over the largest waterfall in the park. A similar photo would look great in a living or dining room. The unique look, along with the play of light and shadow, would be a great addition to your spring decor. You can easily take a similar photo by going to your local park or finding an area with a railroad bridge. No matter what type of bridge you decide to photograph, you can easily bring this architectural element into your space.
Various Phases of Cherry Blossom Buds
Although most of the flowers from the cherry tree in my previous post have fallen, there are other trees that are just starting to bloom. Once such example is the Yoshino Cherry blossoms pictured above. I was able to capture a branch that slowed the cycle from bud to flower in full bloom. The white blossoms, pink buds, green leaves, and blue sky background could be the perfect color palette to update your space for spring. The nature-inspired colors blend well together, and also allow for a pop of color via an accessory or large photo used as a focal point on your wall. The best part? You can easily customize this by going out and photographing your favorite flowering tree, then using that as a base for your decor. Remember, the only thing between you and a new spring look is the scope of your imagination!
Decorating with Street Signs: Part 3
While the typical traffic signs are the usual choice for decorating, you can add a interesting twist by incorporating traffic signs. A limited-time parking sign would look great in a kitchen, bathroom, or garage. It’s a great choice for a room that has a lot of foot traffic. In addition, the blue background with white letters provides the perfect pop of color to any wall. There are a myriad of parking signs, so no matter your color scheme, you’ll find a sign that fits perfectly with your space!
Cliffs at the Water’s Edge
I wanted to share this gorgeous shot of the ocean from high above the cliffs. The expansive ocean and endless blue sky give this photo a grandiose feel. Using photos that show something on such a large scale can make even the smallest of spaces seem bigger. You can find similar pictures at big box stores, or create your own by photographing a body of water or other natural landscape from an elevated position. By using large-sized prints, you can create the perfect scale in any room. No matter what type of photograph you use, you’re sure to create the perfect look to compliment your space!
Inspiration In A Photo 