Tag Archives: local

Sep 24

Updating A Nightstand

Several years ago I bought two nightstands to flank each side of my bed. While I still liked the overall look of them, I felt something needed to be updated: the knobs. I wanted something that was a bit more unique than the plain silver pulls that came with the nightstands.

I went to several of my local craft stores and finally found what I wanted. They featured an abstract blue and white pattern that reminded me of the ocean, a brass-colored edge, and was more than double the size of my previous knobs. Originally not sure if these would go with my decor, as soon as I installed them I knew they were perfect for my space! The white in the knobs matched both my nightstands and the other furniture in my room, while the shades of blue and the brass edge matched various accessories throughout my bedroom. Perfecto!

It’s amazing how something as simple as changing out a few knobs can make such a difference. If you’re short on funds but want to update a piece of furniture, doing something similar in your own space is not only a way to save money while updating the look of a piece of furniture, but also a fun way to get creative. Whether you choose something plain and simple or completely over the top, you can easily update the look of your furniture with a simple replacement of knobs.

Sep 9

The River’s Boat

At the halfway point of my walk through a local park, I came across a curious sight: an airboat! The old-fashioned boat with its rustic wooden exterior perfectly matched the mood of this historic park. Located at the base of one of the waterfalls, it appears the boat is anchored there for decorative purposes rather than a practical one. A similar idea can be used when decorating your own space. Items such as plates, large utensils, and even old lampshades can be used as decorations by hanging them on walls, or putting them on shelves or tabletops. Remember, no matter how out-of-date an item might seem, it’s easy to give it a second life as a new piece of decor for your space.

Jul 16

The Secret Cove

A few minutes up the river from where I took the picture in my previous post, I came upon a small cove tucked away behind what looked like a solid row of hedges. However, on closer inspection, I found this beach-like area located off the main river. Even though this is part of the river, a photo like this creates a coastal vibe. The sun glistening off the water, small beach, and a peak of blue sky between the branches, reminds me of an estuary near the ocean. However, a river photo is a great way to get a beach vibe when going to the ocean isn’t an option. So, if you want to update your space with a coastal vibe this summer, rivers are the perfect solution!

Jun 25

The Bridge Over the Falls

Walking further down from the location where I took the picture in my previous post, I saw a wooden bridge off in the distance. The bridge, almost appearing to be suspended between two trees, is positioned over the largest waterfall in the park. A similar photo would look great in a living or dining room. The unique look, along with the play of light and shadow, would be a great addition to your spring decor. You can easily take a similar photo by going to your local park or finding an area with a railroad bridge. No matter what type of bridge you decide to photograph, you can easily bring this architectural element into your space.

Jun 17

The Rolling River

A few weeks ago, my family took a trip to a local park. It was a bright, warm day, and we took a walk along one of our local rivers. As we started our walk, I took the picture on the right, which shows the rolling river flowing and the white water rapids. I love the flowing water, and the contrast of the trees and the concrete. It’s the perfect combination of nature and man-made elements brought together. A similar photo would be the perfect addition to any space. You can also create a similar look at home by adding a live plant or tree to a room. Whether you choose to make additions to your space by adding a plant or adding a picture, you can easily bring the combination of nature and man-made elements into your space.

Jan 22

Sailing into Sunday

Sailboats on the soundDespite the chilly temperatures, there are still opportunities to get outside. On a recent trip to a local park, I saw a group of boaters taking advantage of the slightly warmer weather. Pictures like these are perfect this time of year because it gives you a sense of the warmer weather to come. Adding a similar photo to your decor gives an unexpected pop of spring to any room. Remember, no matter the time of year or the weather, you can also use a photo of the outdoors to bring any season into your space.

Jan 14

Welcoming 2017 with Snow

Snow-covered intersectionWelcome to my first post of the year! I’m starting off by showcasing a picture featuring one of my local snow-covered streets. While winter might not be your favorite season, it can nonetheless lead to capturing great photos to use in your decor. The neutral look of a snowy picture makes a great addition to a den, bedroom, or living room. Not ready to bring the cold inside? Save your snowy photos and use them to update your space during the warmer months. No matter the weather, you can always use the wonder of nature to add a special touch to your home.

Nov 16

Flowers Blooming in Fall

Fall flowers_rosesThis time of year we typically see our lovely gardens go dormant. However, there are some flowers that seem to continue to bloom throughout the Fall. I found a group of small multi-colored roses (right) on one of my walks. It was so nice to see this pop of color on a rainy day! There were pink, yellow, orange, red, and white roses mixed together in this one spot. Using flowers in your garden that bloom into Fall is a great way to keep your outdoor spaces looking bright and colorful. Not sure what to buy? Check out your local garden shop or big box store for ideas. With a bit of planning and an eye for design, you can create a colorful Fall garden for all to enjoy!

Nov 7

Metal-Clad Monolith

Metal-clad monolith_public artOn one of my walks, I discovered a small plaza tucked away between two buildings. Turning a corner, I discovered a large piece of art that was clad in silver. As seen above, it was a series of interconnected blocks in various shapes and sizes. I love the simple, yet unique, look of this piece. Want something similar for your own outdoor space? Start small by buying pieces at your local garden center, installing a uniquely shaped pergola, or creating your own by using stone, wood, or brick. Whether you buy or create your own, you can easily bring beautiful art into your outdoor space!

Nov 3

Abstract Art at Home

Abstract art_universityThe 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!