Christmas 2016 Has Begun

Christmas tree 2016Welcome to Christmas 2016! I wanted to show you my tree before it was decorated. Why? No matter how many ornaments you have, you need a tree as a base. Our tree is the perfect height for the room, and has just the right number of lights. Having a great base for your decor means that anything you add will pop even more. The ornaments have now been added to the tree, so stay tuned for more posts that feature great holiday decor!

It’s a Capitol Christmas!

Capitol Christmas tree 2016Welcome to December! This post features a 35-foot Christmas tree located at my state’s capitol. This year’s tree is decorated in a combination of traditional ornaments and a sea theme. It includes candy, bulbs, bells, snowflakes, Disney characters, and various sea creatures. The tall marble columns perfectly frame the tree, and the staircase in the background adds extra depth to the photo. No matter how you decorate your tree, you’ll create a festive theme that will brighten your space.

Sunset Over the City

Sunset over city_pink skyThere’s nothing like looking out the window and seeing a beautiful sunset! As seen above, I was able to get a gorgeous shot of the sky as the sun was setting. I love how it was lit up in various shades of pink, the clouds looking like waves. The columned building, along with maple and pine trees gives added depth to this shot. The best part? If you look towards the bottom of the picture, you’ll notice the twinkling of city lights! This is a great time of year to take photos of beautiful sunsets. You can prominently display one on a wall, or create a collection of photos to decorate several areas in your space. No matter what you choose, you can bring a beautiful Spring sky into your home!

The Illuminated Bulb

Illuminated striped bulbEvery year I choose a different theme for my Christmas tree. This year’s theme was two-toned: each bulb had to have two (or more) colors on it. The picture on the right, a silver bulb with glittery purple stripes, perfectly embodies this year’s theme. Instead of just taking a picture of the ornament, I decided to wait until it was dark. This allowed me to get a shot of it illuminated by the lights on the Christmas tree. Do you have a theme for your tree? No matter what style you choose, you can create a beautiful and unique tree that will shine brightly into the new year!

Ornate Bronze Wall Sconces

Ornate bronze wall sconce_sideOrnate bronze wall sconce_frontI was strolling through my local law library when I looked up and saw these beautiful, intricate wall sconces. The sconces were a unique piece of lighting that stood out in the otherwise plain library. When a space features a unique piece of artistry or architecture, a little bit goes a long way. Need to dress up your plain space? Try a unique lamp, oddly shaped mirror, or an ornate piece of furniture. One piece can make a bold statement, so be sure to choose something that not only stands out beautifully, but is also uniquely you!

A Lighted Path to City Lights

Lit city pathThe upside of having to work late? Being able to get great shots of city lights! It’s amazing how an area can be transformed once illuminated by bright lights. I love the glow of the antique lights along the street and the twinkling lights of the city in the distance. A similar photo would look great enlarged and hung on a dining room wall. Next time you might be out late, be sure to take your camera along. You could end up getting a shot that transforms your view of everyday surroundings!

The Grand Pendant Light

Grand pendant lightNear the skylight in my previous post, there were also several pendant lights. As seen on the right, these grand lights feature ornate metal work and etched glass. The light and it’s multitude of motifs complement the ceiling medallions and pops perfectly against the grayish-black marble walls. Pendant lights are a great way to add interest to any space! They come in a large variety of colors, shapes, and sizes that will add sophistication and elegance to your room. While traditionally used in kitchens, these can also be used in dining rooms, bedrooms, or an entryway. By thinking outside the box, you’ll create a beautiful and unique space that provides interest and additional light. No matter where you decide to hang your pendant lights, you’ll end up with a bright and colorful space that’s all you!

Thanksgiving Decor: Part 3

In my previous two posts I concentrated on decor in my living room (accent wall and above the window). In this post, I’ll be showing you how I decorated the dining room. I’ll start by showing you the space above our painting. This space is great for decorating, so I usually put something in this area for major holidays. As seen below, I use Happy Thanksgiving signs, foliage, and autumn food to decorate this area.

Dining room decor_painting

Next, we’ll look at the chandelier and window. Like the living room, I used garland to decorate the space above the window. I also used a smaller, shorter garland and wrapped it around the chandelier. When decorating a chandelier, it’s important to use light-weight items and make sure they don’t come in contact with any of the lights.

Living room decor_window and chandelier

Living room decor_chandelier

I hope you enjoyed this post on Thanksgiving decor. Check back for more ideas on decorating your home for Thanksgiving!