It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Capitol Christmas tree_2015For my first Christmas related post, I’ll be showcasing the Christmas tree at my state capitol. I love how every year they put a big tree in the rotunda and decorate it! This year the tree is decorated with various Disney princesses, snowflakes, candy canes, and various stuffed animals. Public displays are the perfect place to get ideas for decorating. When you have time, check out the displays at your local malls, downtowns, or offices. You’re sure to find inspiration to add an extra touch to your own holiday decor!

Using the Hues of a Seascape

Sky, sea, and sand_oceanI’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!

Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 2

Japanese King Crab_aquariumAs seen on the right, this post features a Japanese Spider Crab. When I walked up to the glass I couldn’t believe how big they were-and these were just juveniles! This picture is special because it gives the illusion of underwater night photography. There are usually a handful of exhibits in every aquarium that are in night mode, so you can easily take a similar photo. Photos like this are a great alternative to traditional Halloween decor! Hang your photo on the wall for a party to bring an elegant, but spooky vibe, to your space. With a bit of imagination, you can find creative and unique ways to display your underwater photos!

Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 1

Underwater shipwreck_wheelCapturing sea life in its natural environment is an amazing feat that most photographers don’t get the chance to accomplish. Going diving, procuring a waterproof camera, and finding the perfect location can be both expensive and time-consuming. But if you’ve ever dreamed of underwater photography, there’s a simple solution-go to an aquarium! The shipwreck I captured above was actually part of a special exhibit. This exhibit allowed me to create the look of underwater photography without leaving the comfort of dry land. A similar photo would look great as a focal point on a wall! The soothing blue of the water and pops of color from the sea life and ship’s wheel make this a unique photo that will grab any guests’ attention. Stay tuned for more underwater photos that will serve to inspire and bring out the best your space has to offer!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Chocolate cake with cookies and cream icing_Birthday cakeI recently celebrated my Birthday, and wanted to share a photo of my cake and tell you about the idea it inspired! This year I decided to go with a non-traditional Birthday cake: chocolate with cookies and cream icing and Oreos. We all have favorite foods, and have probably also taken pictures of them at some point. Why not use those photos to decorate your kitchen? Displaying a collection of 4×6 photos on a kitchen wall is a great way to add color and interest to the space. It’s a unique decorating idea that’s not only fun, but can also be used to reflect the season or special holiday of your choice.

Decorating with Door Knobs: Part 1

Law library door handlesWhile it’s not uncommon for people to update various elements of their space, a room’s door is usually ignored. Although most think the only way to make a substantial update to a door is to paint it, there’s a quicker, less messy option: install new door hardware! Adding updated hardware can modernize even the oldest door, and can also give the door any look you want (vintage, retro, Victorian, antique, etc.). In the next several posts I’ll be showing examples of hardware that you can use in your own space. First up are the door handles leading into my local law library. As seen above, this is a double-door entry that features door handles instead of knobs. Given the size of the doors and their location in an old, historic building, this hardware is the perfect pairing with its surroundings.

Law library door handle_close-up

The close-up photo (above) shows the intricate patterns around the perimeter of the hardware, as well as various detailing at the top and bottom. Want the same look in your own space? Similar hardware can be found at online retailers, as well as big box hardware stores. Whether you choose a style with knobs or handles, you can easily update your space and add new life to an old door!

Decorating with Clocks: Part 3

Clock in marble_rotundaIn my third post in this series, I’ll be revisiting a location from a previous post. Specifically, the picture above showcases a clock that was easily lost in an otherwise large space. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be set into the stone itself. This clock is bronze in color and features roman numerals on its face. A close-up of the face (below) shows detailed metal work that reveals a leaf design.

Clock in marble_rotunda close-up

While we often only pay attention to a clock’s face, the surround can often be a beautiful addition. No matter how plain or ordinary a clock may appear, its elegance can often be elevated by the addition of a unique surround. This clock and its location prove that sometimes, it’s the decor that doesn’t stand out, that can make the biggest impact. No matter the proportions, you can create a cohesive look that will bring a touch of elegance into your space!

Decorating with Clocks: Part 2

Plain clock_officeWelcome to my second post on decorating with clocks! This time, I’ll be focusing on a more classic design. Particularly, this is the kind of clock most often seen in offices and public buildings. While it could be described as plain and slightly uninspiring, it still has a function in decorating. This type of clock is great if you’re looking for a clock that will blend into your space and not distract from other decor you already use as a focal point. Every type of clock, even plain ones, can look great in the right space. At the end of the day, a clock’s function is to tell time. As long as the clock does its job, then there’s always a way to successfully integrate it into your decorating scheme. Check back soon for more ideas on decorating with clocks!

Decorating with Clocks: Part 1

Bronze clock_hallwayWhen people think of ways to add something new to their space, they rarely think of clocks. But in this digital age, what better way to stand out than with a genuine old-fashioned clock? There are a myriad of sizes and colors that you can purchase to create a useful and decorative update. With so many options, I’ve decided to focus this post on the clock pictured on the right. It’s a bronze-colored wall clock featuring roman numerals. Its sleek design and classic numbers is a great way to add a bit of interest to your space. While this clock was used in a hallway, you can use this classic design in a main living area or bedroom. Additionally, you can easily personalize a similar clock by painting the roman numerals a different color, or multiple colors, to make them pop. Stay tuned for more ideas on bringing classic pieces into your space!

Pink Kwanzans

Pink magnolia treeWhile 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.