Sometimes the most ordinary things can give us inspiration. While a bridge, road, and river alone aren’t necessarily special, together they can create a unique picture. An example is the photo above that captures just such a scene. The picture includes a curving road beside a river that is capped by a symmetrical metal bridge. The early morning sky, sun filtering in through the trees off-camera, and the green grass and bushes dotting the shoreline create a serene picture that would go with any decor. Enlarging a similar picture and placing it in a den or family room is an easy way to update your decorating theme. Can’t find a place nearby with all three elements? Even having two of the three features (i.e. a bridge and a road, or bridge and a river) would still create a great focal point in a room. No matter which combination you choose, photos are an easy way to bring an architectural look into your home.
Tag Archives: concrete
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.
The Rolling River
A few weeks ago, my family took a trip to a local park. It was a bright, warm day, and we took a walk along one of our local rivers. As we started our walk, I took the picture on the right, which shows the rolling river flowing and the white water rapids. I love the flowing water, and the contrast of the trees and the concrete. It’s the perfect combination of nature and man-made elements brought together. A similar photo would be the perfect addition to any space. You can also create a similar look at home by adding a live plant or tree to a room. Whether you choose to make additions to your space by adding a plant or adding a picture, you can easily bring the combination of nature and man-made elements into your space.
Decorating with Street Signs: Part 5
Need a sign for a hallway or stairwell? A pedestrian crossing sign is the perfect addition! It provides a pop of color, and will bring a bit of fun to a normally small, undecorated space. The photo on the right not only has the classic walk sign and arrow, but also grass and flowers, which adds an extra depth to the photo. You can easily find similar signs at any major intersection or street. No matter if you use one sign or many, you can create a whimsical feel for even the smallest of spaces!
Decorating with Street Signs: Part 4
Like the sign in my previous post, this is a sign you can have a lot of fun with. There are so many different places you can display a similar sign in your space. It would look great in a garage or carport, bedroom, bathroom, or even a laundry room. Group it together with other impound-related or no parking signs to bring a unique look any room. Stay tuned for more ways to bring the unique look of street signs into your home!
Art on Concrete
When most people take a walk, they tend to look around and survey their surroundings. But how often do you look down? I happened to look down on a recent walk, and was surprise by a work of art. The art (pictured right) was on the concrete near a bus stop. The design features a turtle, along with a wave pattern. I like that this art is discreet, and is only seen by those who happen upon it. Do you have any similar art in your community? If not, try taking a closer look next time you’re out. You’ll be surprised at what’s around you if you take the time to pay attention.
Bell-Shaped Flowers to Ring in Spring
There’s a parking lot near where I work that is partially bordered by these purple, bell-shaped flowers. I love the pop of purple flowers and green grass against the dull concrete. This gives me a great inspiration for updating a space! Often times we realize our space has slowly turned into a dull color palette over time. While it might seem daunting to give it an update, you can do a lot with a little! Just adding a few pops of color to a space can make all the difference. You can start small with accessories like a vase, candles, or throw pillows. Everyone has to start somewhere, so no matter where you start you can update your space with minimal effort!
Local Art Installation: The Stairwell
When most people think of a parking garage they envision nothing but dull concrete. While that’s usually true, there can also be a few surprises for those walking towards their offices. For me, it’s a chance to look at art every day! At the top of the staircase there’s an art installation featuring blue glass in various hues imbedded in concrete. There are other stairwells that feature similar installations in red, yellow, and green. Though a simple design, it nonetheless creates a bit of whimsy for those who frequent the area. Public art can also inspire you to create a similar look at home. You could affix various types of glass mirrors to a wall to create a pattern or add colorful film to a window for a touch of color. Public art can provide great inspiration, so keep your eye open for great designs and colorful patterns!
The Concrete Cannon at the Beach
On my second trip to one of my local beaches I was pleasantly surprised to see that the tide was out. This allowed me to explore more of the beach than I had on a previous trip. After walking a few minutes and enjoying the sunshine something caught my eye. As I approached this oddly shaped piece of concrete I walked around it to see what it was. While I still don’t know what it was, I realized that from a certain angle it looks like a cannon-so I snapped a picture! I think it’s cool when an object looks completely different from what it actually is. If you like this type of look, you can easily get the same sort of photo. First, pick an object that you think looks interesting. Next, try taking pictures of it from various angles and distances until you get a photo you like. You may have to take several shots and use multiple types of items, but you’ll eventually get a similarly unique shot. Once this is accomplished you’ll not only have an interesting photo to display, but also a great conversation piece for all your guests to enjoy!
Old Buildings: Concrete
The building pictured is in the same vicinity as the brick one pictured in my last post. This particular area has multiple abandoned buildings attached together. Due to this, it’s an awesome place to take photographs. These buildings are located in a small historic district with other preserved buildings (though some of the buildings are closed for safety reasons). Many cities and towns have areas with historic buildings, so check your local area. Whether you snag a picture of a brick, stucco, art deco, or mid-century building, all that matters is that you enjoy the look. So what are you waiting for?
Inspiration In A Photo 