The Tower Along the Waterway

About a month ago I took the day off and had a Girls Day with one of my co-workers. We ended up going to the Museum of Glass, which is situated along the waterfront. After checking out the exhibits, which gave me a ton of design ideas, we took a walk along the Thea Foss Waterway. As we walked, I started seeing number towers along the pathway. Noticing how they lined up with other interesting elements, I decided to take a photo! I love how you can see foliage in both the foreground and background, the masts of the ships in the background, the towers of the bridge, the Tacoma Dome, and the sky full of billowy clouds. The other elements make a great backdrop to the large number 16 tower that is the center of this photo. This is a perfect example of how you can take beautiful outdoor shots even when the weather starts to turn (you can capture a similar look by traveling to your nearest waterway or ship yard). With Fall now upon us, this is the perfect time to update your space for the new season!

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.

The Cherry Trees of Spring

As the weather starts to get warmer and the days get longer, it can only mean one thing: time for cherry blossoms! There are a lot of cherry trees where I work, so every year I get to enjoy the beautiful flowers. The picture above shows one of the trees with the sun illuminating it from behind. This shot juxtaposes the perfect amount of light and shadow on the tree, giving the photo the perfect amount of contrast. A cherry, or any other type of flowering tree, is the perfect subject to photograph for use in your spring decor. Whether your picture occupies a tabletop or an entire wall, you can easily bring in the beauty of spring with a simple picture.

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!

Thanksgiving Decor: The Front Door

Front door_Thanksgiving 2015Every year I like to add some sort of decoration around the front door. Because of its proximity to the wall in my previous post, I decided the best choice would be a design that also used leaves. Instead of using the same type of leaves, I opted for larger ones in a slightly different hue and created a border around the door. It’s a simple design, but also adds a touch of color to an area that would otherwise be plain. Some people feel that you have to create a fancy design to have a cohesive look throughout your home. However, often a simple design is all you need to make a bold statement and create a unique space.

Thanksgiving Decor: The Living Room Wall

Thanksigiving_Living room wall 2015Welcome to my series on Thanksgiving decor! I’ll begin by showcasing how I decorated my living room wall. I wanted to do something different from the design I used last year, and decided to create a design that was reminiscent of leaves swirling in the wind-and I nailed it! As seen above, the pattern meanders up and across the wall to create a delicate and elegant design. I also created a heart-shaped pattern directly underneath the mirror, which adds a bit of whimsy to the space. I hope this first post provides some inspiration for your Fall decor, and that you stayed tuned for more fun decorating ideas!

Flowers Blooming in Fall

Fall flowers_rosesThis time of year we typically see our lovely gardens go dormant. However, there are some flowers that seem to continue to bloom throughout the Fall. I found a group of small multi-colored roses (right) on one of my walks. It was so nice to see this pop of color on a rainy day! There were pink, yellow, orange, red, and white roses mixed together in this one spot. Using flowers in your garden that bloom into Fall is a great way to keep your outdoor spaces looking bright and colorful. Not sure what to buy? Check out your local garden shop or big box store for ideas. With a bit of planning and an eye for design, you can create a colorful Fall garden for all to enjoy!

The Pyramid-Shaped Lamp

Pyramid-shaped lamp_lightMany would agree that most outdoor lamps can be described as plain. However, not far from where I took a picture in one of my previous posts, I spotted this very cool looking lamp! The top portion looks like a pyramid with alternating clear and opaque stripes. I love the sleek design of this outdoor lamp, and how it creates a pop of interest in an otherwise ordinary space. As the photo to the right proves, it doesn’t take much to add interest to any space. With bold choices and striking designs, you can create a design-worthy oasis that’s sure to please.

Lighting All Four Corners

Four corners chandelierPictured above is a light fixture from the conference room mentioned in a previous post. I love how it extends out in all four directions! Not only is this chandelier unique, but its design is a great way to illuminate all corners of a room. In addition, the light was installed in a way where the lines of the fixture are aligned with the lines of the ceiling-a great design choice!

Four corners chandelier_close-up

The silver finish of the fixture gives it a chic, stream-lined look that doesn’t overwhelm the space. The scallop design around the base of each light (above), gives just the right amount of detail. This light proves that a simple design and great lighting are all you need to bring chic elegance into your space!

The Vault Door

Vault doorsOne day I passed something unusual as I was walking down a hallway: a vault door! I discovered that over the years, this building had been used for multiple purposes. At one time, parts of it were used to store historical documents. Based on this, it would make sense that they would need a vault to protect and secure them. Instead of having the contractor remove the door when they remodeled the building, they left it in place-a great example of preserving historical elements. If you have an old door, windows, or other architectural details, trying keeping them intact to showcase the space’s history. Not only will you be preserving history, but will also have a great story to tell your guests!