A Christmas Tablescape

Christmas tablescape 2016Happy Christmas Eve! Above is my tablescape for this year’s dining room table. It features a variety of items in different textures. Out of everything on the table, only three items were bought this year; everything else we already owned. I prefer to use things we already own as much as possible not only because it’s more economical, but also the items have more meaning. In addition, the crystal bowl behind the town scene is filled with brightly colored bulbs and bows, which brings together both traditional and modern holiday colors. Wishing you all a festive and fun Christmas Eve!

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving

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!Thanksgiving table 2016

Dressing Up Your Office Door

Office door decor_Christmas 2015Around this time of year we’re so busy we often forget to decorate a place we spend the majority of our day: the office! This year, I decided to inject a bit of holiday spirit by adding red bows to my door frame. I also added two large, gold snowflakes to my door and a red bow on the handle. If you don’t have an office with a door, you can dress up your cubicle with holiday decor or small ornaments. If you work in an open office, try adding a small Christmas tree or tape snowflakes around the edge of your desk. Remember, it only takes a little bit of holiday spirit to bring a smile to someone’s face!

The Big and Bold Ornament

Bold gold flower ornament_2015When you look at displays of Christmas trees, you often see ones that feature either large ornaments or small ones. I say, “why not mix the two?” That’s exactly what I decided to do this year! I used two large gold flowers (one pictured right) along with several red Reindeer and added them to my tree. Mixing large and small ornaments is a great way to bring extra texture and depth to your tree. No matter what type of large ornament you choose, you can create a mix-and-match look that will make your tree both chic and gorgeous!

The Gilded Ceiling

Gilded lobby ceilingThis is a picture of the ceiling in the lobby of a nearby building. I love the gilded, art deco design! There are a myriad of colors and patterns on this ceiling, but the combination works beautifully. There is silver, gold, and bronze used throughout the patterns. Most people would think that all these colors and patterns wouldn’t work. However, this ceiling proves that it can. Not ready to try the same look on your ceiling? Start small by mixing throw pillows, accessories, or art that has different colors and patterns. No matter how bold you decide to go, you’ll have a unique look that’s all you!

Decorating with Clocks: Part 4

Wall clock_living roomWelcome to my fourth, and final, post on decorating with clocks! For today’s post, I’ll be concentrating on a clock you may have seen in the background of several other posts. Specifically, I’ll be showcasing the wall clock in my living room. We brought this clock back from Europe (I’m an Army brat) and have proudly displayed it from house to house. As seen on the right, the clock is oak with a brass-colored face that features roman numerals. The weights and pendulum, which are not decorative but are used to operate the clock, are also brass in color.

Wall clock face_living roomA close-up of the face, also shown right, shows the details of intricately etched clock face. Unlike the clocks shown in my previous posts, clocks like these are different in that their size and weight limit their location. Despite this, they can be a focal point and conversation piece precisely because they are so different. If you can’t make it to Europe to pick one up, they can be found online, at military bases, and in some antique stores. They come in a variety of finishes that guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for.

The Setting Sun Beyond the Trees

Sunset beyond the treesAs I went for an evening walk, I noticed the sun shining through some nearby trees. As I got closer, I realized it was actually the setting sun. I love how the color of the sky changes as the sun sets! It has elements of gold, white, and blue, and the shades of each color vary depending on where you look. A similar photo would go well in so many spaces! It would look great in a den, living room, dining room, or bedroom. And with the myriad of different colors, it goes with any decorating scheme. So what are you waiting for? Grab a camera, go for an evening walk, and get the perfect sunset picture for your space!

The Sunburst Torch

Sunburst torchOne of the cool things about where I work are the Roman-like torches that are featured in one of the buildings. They are large, gold in color, and feature several columns supporting a cauldron. As I walked up to the upper level of the building, I looked down from the walkway and was amazed at the pattern on the cauldron. It was a beautiful sunburst pattern that complemented the space and created a pop of color among the grey marble stone. A similar photo would be a great addition to a space that was predominately made up of neutral colors. The dark background and yellow of the sunburst creates a beautiful contrast that will create a focal point in any space. Don’t have any torches to photograph? Go to your local craft store and create a similar look with paper, paint, or a combination of mediums. With a bit of searching and crafting, you can have a beautiful sunburst to brighten your space!

Cascading Light Through Colored Glass

Illuminated vaseDespite 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!

Red and Gold Ceiling Medallions

Ceiling Medallions_Red and GoldAs tends to happen in life, I was walking through a building I had visited many times before when I decided to look up at the ceiling. What did I see? A large arch featuring red and gold ceiling medallions. The colors are very regal and medallions themselves are a classic piece of architecture, so I thought they’d be the perfect addition to my blog. Not only do the colors pop, but it would be a great addition to any space. There are two types of ways you can get this look. One, you can buy a few ceiling medallions from your local home improvement store, paint them using the desired colors, and affix them to your wall, ceiling, or archway. The second, more practical and economic way, is to use a similar photo. You can take a similar picture at most historic or old government buildings. Once you have the picture, print off several copies, frame them, and hang on your chosen wall in whatever pattern you desire. This will create a great focal point that will draw people into the room. No matter what choice you decide on, you’ll be able to add a touch of classic elegance to any space!