Local Art Installation: The Stairwell

Public art_stairwellWhen 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!

The Tree’s Hand

Tree with a handIt’s amazing all the different ways that a tree can grow! An example is the tree pictured to the right. The way the large branch towards the back splits off looks like a hand reaching out towards the sky. It’s a very quirky image, and is a great inspiration for a decorating theme! Aside from the colors (blue, green, white, and various shades of brown), a similar photo could be used as a base for a quirky decorating scheme. Like the tree, you can use accessories that blend in, more than stand out, within your space. Try a textured vase, throw pillows in various shapes, or an oddly shaped picture frame. Adding quirky elements will give your space a cohesive-look that’s not only colorful, but is also fun.

The Dining Room Window at Christmas

Dining room window Christmas 2014Hello, and hope you all had a Merry Christmas! For today’s post, I’ll be sharing how I decorated the dining room window. As seen above, I decided to go with a snowflake theme! I used pink, blue, green, and red snowflakes for the window and wall. Additionally, I added two silver flowers and a gold ornament to tie it to the theme I used on the Christmas tree. The items I used can be found at big box and dollar stores-a great and economical way to dress up any window! Though Christmas is over, you can still do something similar for New Year’s. And what’s easier than dressing up a window? No matter what 2015-themed decorations you decide to use, you’ll be sure to ring in the new year in style!

The First Snow Flurries of the Season

First snow of the season_2014While some parts of the country have been dealing with snowy weather for awhile, we just got our first dusting of snow! I decided to snap a picture of the bush outside my window to capture the event. I love how the dusting of snow stands out against the green leaves of the bush. Many of us are used to seeing photos of a winter wonderland where everything is covered in snow, but you can also enjoy pictures that feature a smaller amount of snow. No matter how much snow your area receives, you can still photograph your own version of a winter landscape!

Frog Friend in the Backyard

Frog in the backyardSince summer we’ve been hearing croaking coming from somewhere in the backyard. Last weekend I was out back raking the leaves when I came across a curious creature. As raked leaves near the back door, I noticed something green that was sitting in a spot previously covered by leaves-a frog! I thought it was cute, so I snapped a photo. It’s amazing what you can find in your own backyard! This is the type of photo that would be great displayed in a kid’s room, used in a nature-based scrapbook, or framed and displayed and given to someone who loves reptiles. Even though winter is coming, you can still find nature right outside your door. Whether you photograph reptiles or other wildlife, you can always find nature’s creatures all around you!

Nature’s Pop of Color

Red berriesWhen I need to stretch my legs a work I try to go for a little walk. One day I was walking by a cluster of foliage and out of the corner of my eye I see a pop of color. A cluster of red berries appears to be floating in a sea of green. Even nature likes a pop of color! Not only does it break up the various shades of green, but also attracts wildlife (another great photo opportunity). Berries are such a summer fruit, and their bright colors would be a great addition to any space. Add accessories in various shades of red to your space. These can be faux foliage, colored glass, pillows, or a piece of art. No matter what accessory you choose, you can bring nature’s pop of color into your very own space!

The Tree Trunks

Tree trunksIt was a warm summer day as we walked down the path to find the beach. Off in the distance there appeared to be a trunk with mushrooms growing out of it. Once I zoomed in with my camera, I realized it was actually a shriveled up vine. Either way, this shot makes a great picture. I love how the two trunks frame the photo with the vine in between and green foliage in the background. I love it when nature frames a shot for you! This not only looks cool, but it’s fun to pick out all the little details in the picture. Notice the moss, branch, or details in the vine? You can take a similar picture anywhere there’s lots of greenery (park, beach, your own yard, etc.). No matter if your nature-made frame is tree trunks, flowers, bushes, or even water, you can have a photo that’s both beautiful and full of nature!

Beach Flowers

Purple beach flowersAs I was walking on the beach I noticed some color out of the corner of my eye. I turned to investigate and found some beautiful purple flowers. It’s always interesting how flowers can thrive in a beach environment. I love the combination of green and purple-it’s such a lovely combination! In fact, it would make a great design theme. Adding in pops of purple and green, or a similar floral pattern, is a great way to bring the summer vibe into your space. Remember, it doesn’t take a lot or time of money to spruce up your space. Whether you opt for a whole room update or a quick addition to a couch or shelf, you can easily bring a summer vibe into your space!

The Shell in the Grass

Shell on the grassWhen I saw this shell in the sand I thought it would really stand out against the green grass. So, I moved it and took a picture. I love the contrast of the earth tone shell against the sea grass. Once again, it’s the simple photos that make the biggest impact. The photo of the shell against the grass is awe-inspiring. The combination of earth tones and green is always a great color scheme to use in your space. Try having your basic color schemes in neutrals and then use pops of green to add interest. Not only is this classic, but will give your space a chic beach look that can be enjoyed all season long.

Looking Up Through the Trees

Vine MapleThere’s nothing like looking up at the clouds on a sunny day! I thought this picture, taken looking up through my Vine Maple, was a great shot. You can see the beautiful green leaves against the backdrop of clouds and crisp blue sky. This type of photo would be a great addition to a bedroom or any other space that needs a pop of color. You can display a smaller photo on a shelf, or use a larger poster-size print. Sometimes it’s the simplest images that can give your space the pop of color it needs.