Tag Archives: decorating

Sep 26

Under the Overpass

Under the overpassOne 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!

Sep 10

The Mini Waterfalls

Mini waterfallsOff in the distance I noticed a small group of waterfalls. Though there was a larger waterfall nearby (which will be featured in an upcoming post), I liked these mini waterfalls just a much. They look just as magnificent and make a great photo. In addition to photographing the main attraction at a park, try going for shots featuring smaller, more intimate locales. The benefit? You can take lots of unique photos without the crowds. Plus, as with most photos taken in nature, the earth tones will go with any decor. A great idea is to frame several of these types of pictures and hang them on your wall. It will give your space a fresh look, and let you show off your creativity!

Sep 3

Shower Curtain Art

Shower curtain_butterfliesMany would argue that one of the hardest places to decorate is a bathroom. Most are small, windowless, and seem to offer little in the way of decorating. However, a great piece of inspiration can be your very own shower curtain! My shower curtain (right) is a great example. It features butterflies in multiple colors along with various types of foliage. To begin your design project, start by taking pictures of each individual element in the curtain, such as each butterfly and sections of the foliage. Once you’re done, frame each photo and hang them on the wall(s). You can display all the photos at once, or swap them out every few months to give the bathroom a fresh look. This same project would also work for those of you with geometric patterned shower curtains. Remember, it’s often what’s around you that can provide the best inspiration for your space!

Jun 11

Architectural Elements: Metal

Metal museum coneA big part of decorating is architectural accents. This can be the type of residence you live in, details within specific rooms, or even pictures of specific buildings. Accompanying this post is an architectural landmark at one of my local museums. I visited this museum about two weeks ago and decided to snap this picture. There are some people, including myself, who love architecture. I love snapping photos of interesting buildings and their features. If you or someone you know enjoys architecture, it would be a great idea to go out and photograph interesting buildings. You could frame them and create a point of interest on a wall consisting of five or six photos. You could also choose a favorite and blow it up as a stand alone piece. So remember, no matter how bland you space is, it can be elevated by use of architectural elements.

Dec 18

Anything Can Be Used For Christmas Decorations

LighthouseDo you have an extra space that needs additional decoration? Peruse your own home before heading to the store. For example, the red and white lighthouse pictured (which was displayed in another area) would be an excellent addition to one’s Christmas decorations. Add it to a tabletop or shelf, then try surrounding it with garland, small snowflakes, or small bulbs. Now you have an instant new look without having to spend any money! Look around your house and see what you can create with what you already have-you might surprise even yourself with your creativity.

Dec 16

Candle Holders: Not Just for Candles

Angel Candle HolderDespite what many people think, candle holders can be used for more than displaying candles. I bought some beautiful angel candle holders but realized the candles I had wouldn’t work. Time for a creative solution! I looked at my Christmas decorations and decided to see how a bulb would look in the candle holder. I tried various colors/styles and finally settled on the blue bulb. Using something in a unique way is not only a conversation piece, but is also fun. Try it out at home to see if you like it. You can also be creative with pillar candle holders. Try stacking several bulbs or creating a pyramid of chocolates or other candy. Your only limitation is your imagination.