On one of my daily walks, I made my way down a hill and saw these railroad tracks curving around a bend. I like how the tracks are flanked on both sides by a fence, in addition to the trees that seem to lean inwards. Though you may not think so, there are so many possibilities with a photo like this! It would look great displayed in a living room or den, or could be the inspiration for a new decorating theme that incorporates earth tones mixed with metal and wood-based accessories. Taking photos of places near your home or work is a great way to find new ways to inspire yourself and decorate your space. Whether displaying your works of photography, or using them as a base for new decor, there’s a whole world out there waiting to inspire you!
Tag Archives: inspire
Using the Hues of a Seascape
I’ve often suggested using the various elements of nature when deciding what colors to use in your decorating scheme. A seascape, like the one pictured right, is a great example! Seascapes typically feature a variety of colors, including multiple shades of blue, white, brown, and green. This gives you a myriad of colors to choose from, and combine, to create a cohesive look. Most of us have vacation photos, so why not use them to inspire us? With pictures you already have and a bit of imagination, you can create a beautiful space that brings the colors of nature into your home!
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!
The Weathered Wood
It’s amazing how your perspective of an object can change depending on where you are in proximity to it. Case in point? The close-up photo I took of a section of driftwood. It looks both intricate and unique, and most people probably couldn’t tell what object was originally photographed. A photo like this would be great to add interest to a den or office. Want the same look? Try using a common object to inspire you to look at something differently. Have a favorite flower, building, machine, or other object? Try photographing it at different distances and angles. You’ll be surprised how unique your photos turn out to be! Remember, no matter if it’s an object or a person, you can always find a new perspective on something familiar.
The Spider’s Web
As I was walking through one of my local parks, something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. I turned and saw a huge spider web strung between a tree. Though I’m not a fan of spiders, I enjoy looking at their webs. They’re simple, yet elegant, and can be created in a matter of hours. While most might immediately think of Halloween with this post, I think of something completely different. The image of this web makes me think of simple, elegant decor! This look can be accomplished using any color scheme or holiday-themed decor. The key? Making sure everything blends together. Try picking a combination of three or four colors and use those throughout your space. By doing this, the colors in your space will meld together seamlessly and effortlessly. And what better to tie the whole thing together than an elegant, simple picture? Nature is full is simple elegance, so why not use it to inspire you? Whether your inspiration comes from flora or fauna, you can find something that inspires elegance in your space!
The Waterfall Park
The picture above features the main waterfall from a park I’ve posted about previously and is adjacent to the mini waterfalls. I love the powerful image of the water flowing over the top and crashing down onto the rocks, creating white spray as it descends. You can see the trees and foliage that have fallen victim to the water over the years. Despite this, I think all the greenery does an excellent job of framing the waterfall. What a gorgeous sight! This type of photo is something I’d display in a den, office, or bedroom. Sometimes in life you have to just go with the flow, and a similar photo could be a reminder. Not only does nature look beautiful, but it can also inspire you as you’re going through tough times.
The River Under the Bridge
This photo is similar to one I took for a previous post, but is a wider shot that shows two bridges with the river flowing underneath. I love how the bridges and trees frame the river, and the brightness of the sun on the water. A picture like this can inspire so many projects! A similar photo could be framed and displayed on a shelf or wall. You could take the colors in the picture-green, grey, brown, blue-and use them as your decorating theme. Add these colors to your space by using throw pillows, vases, faux foliage, or other accessories to bring the outdoors in. It’s amazing how one photo can inspire a myriad of projects to update and decorate your space. You can use your favorite photo to not only to display a great shot, but also to inspire a decorating theme that’s uniquely you!
The Fish Ladders
As I was walking along the trail I noticed a concrete structure along the river bank. Upon closer inspection, I realized they were fish ladders! While I couldn’t spot any fish in the ladders, I thought it was cool that the park had them built into sections of the river. I appreciate how the ladders almost blend into the landscape, not to mention the positive impact of helping the fish (likely Salmon) make their way up stream to spawn. I like the contrast of the concrete against the trees, boulders, and white-water rapids. Such an awesome shot! Next time you’re at your local park, look around and see if you can find man-made wonders. These wonders not only provide a positive impact to nature, but should also inspire you to bring the outdoors into your space.
Inspiration In A Photo 