Happy (belated) Thanksgiving! Below is a photo of my less-is-more approach to this year’s Thanksgiving table. It features a large crystal bowl filled with silk flowers and various types of stems, a crystal vase, a hand-blown glass pumpkin, a white and gold church, miniature pumpkins and gourds, and maple leaves. In addition, all of the items were things I already owned, proving that you don’t need to constantly buy new things to have stylish decor. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend, and will stay tuned for more great decorating ideas from Inspiration In A Photo!
Tag Archives: glass
Abstract Art at Home
The photo on the right is an abstract piece of art at my local university. It’s affixed to a pair of gates leading to the campus’ church. While I’m not sure what this piece is supposed to represent (I believe it was an interpretation of a bird), it’s still nice to see the whimsy in such pieces of art. While most of us can’t afford a custom piece of art, you can certainly use a photo of one in your own space. Feeling creative? Try making your own abstract art at home! You can use any medium: clay, paper, paint, wood, or glass. No matter how you go about it, you can easily bring abstract art into your space!
Illuminating a Stairwell with Sconces
When it comes to stairwells, lighting is usually a second thought. If there is lighting, it usually consists of a basic design that’s more necessity than stylish. However, I occasionally come across stylish pieces where one would normally expect something drab. The stairwell pictured above is a perfect example! A sconce is so unexpected in a stairwell, and this one is perfectly positioned to capture your attention as you’re going up or down the stairs.
In the close-up of the sconce (above) you can see the pink, marble-like glass and a lattice design at the top. These unique and unexpected touches are the perfect addition to the marble stairs. Despite what you might be thinking, you can easily add a similar look to your own space. While installing a sconce can be quite daunting, many big box stores offer sconces that you can simply hang on a wall and plug in. No matter your level of skill, you can easily get this look, and add a unique touch to your space!
Lightly Etched Glass
When you walk under lights you tend to notice only the shape and overall design. However, when I saw this light, it appeared to feature etched glass. The etching was so faint I could barely see it, but on closer inspection I was able to see a design and pattern on the glass. As seen below, the light features various patterns and designs that complement the fixture’s shape and its scalloped, copper-colored base.
Using glass that is lightly etched is a great way to add style without taking away from the other features in the room. If installing a new light fixture in your ceiling is a bit daunting, try using lamps in various sizes and shapes to get a similar look. No matter what type of fixture you use, you’ll have a light that not only brightens your space, but also provides a unique accent to any room.
The Reception Room Chandeliers
As I walked around my state capitol building, I came across the grand State Reception Room. This room is rarely used, even in an official capacity, and access to the public is generally prohibited. However, because an entire wall of the room is floor to ceiling windows, I was able to take some great pictures! Specifically, I was able to capture the room’s Tiffany chandeliers. The room features two of these large chandeliers, and their size and elegance is befitting a room of this grandeur.
The chandeliers feature Czechoslovakian glass beads (above), along with intricately crafted metal accents. While most of us don’t have the type of home that features a large reception room, you can always bring a similar feel into any size space. Chandeliers come in a variety of sizes and finishes, guaranteeing you’ll find the perfect fit. From large crystal chandeliers, to smaller ones in bedrooms, or even chandelier lamps found in big box stores, everyone can find the perfect chandelier that will turn any space into something grand.
The Ornate Wooden Library Doors
In my previous post, I showed you a picture of wood covered windows in my local law library. To the right, is a picture of the doors below each window. As you can see, the doors are made of the same intricately carved pattern that adorns the wood embellished glass above it. It adds even more elegance to an otherwise simple library. Just like in my previous post, you can also bring this look into your space. There are DIY kits that you can buy to add embellishments and raised patterns to your furniture and doors. You can use these to create a similar look for your own doors. Remember, no matter how grand a design may seem, there’s always a way to scale it down and make it work for any space.
Wood Embellished Glass
In the law library featured in my previous posts, there are large glass panes separating one side of the library from the main hall. I love the look of these intricately carved, elegant windows! While most of us don’t own the type of home where this look is feasible, there’s still a way to bring the look into your home. After you’ve found a building with a similar architectural look, take a photo and enlarge it to mural size. Apply the photo to a wall and viola-instant elegance! Remember, even the most ornate and expensive-looking features can be applied to any space. With a little imagination, you can give a cottage the grandeur of a castle.
Dressing Up a Chest of Drawers: Part 2
For my second post I’ll be going for a muted, elegant look. Today’s theme will revolved around a cream color scheme. As seen on the right, I used a lamp with a clear base and cream-colored shade, along with cream-colored boxes and one floral print box for a pop of color. As with my previous post, all of the items displayed are ones I already owned. The clear base of the lamp blends in with any decor, and allows the elegant, cream-colored theme to shine. In order to give the space a bit of color, I added a floral patterned box to the pile to create some visual interest. Once again, you can create amazing things when you use what you already own. No matter what type of boxes you use, you can create a chic, elegant look that will dress up any space!
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!
Cascading Light Through Colored Glass
Despite what many people think, vases can be used for a multitude of purposes. It can be used to hold flowers, be filled with sand and shells to create a beach scene, or filled with live plants to create a mini-garden. There is however an additional use: catching light. Glass and crystal can catch and reflect light in amazing ways! The gold-colored vase pictured at the right was illuminated from above with an LED flashlight in a dark room. The bright light beautifully reflects the patterns in the glass onto the surface. I’d hang a similar photo in a living or dining room. The hues and patterns of the light create a warm, comfy atmosphere. You can easily create a similar photo for use in your own space. Try photographing a vase in similar conditions to what I described above, or snap a photo of a vase illuminated by the sun or a candle. There are so many uses for everyday objects, and with a little imagination you can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary!
Inspiration In A Photo 