During this time of year we often ignore the trees that have lost their leaves. However, if you take the time to examine them, you’ll be surprised at what you can find. You can often see nests or, as seen above, a water view. The majority of the year, all I can see are leaves as I look out my office window. However, while I lost a bit of greenery, I’ve gained a (temporary) water view! Nature, like decorating, can bring unexpected surprises throughout the seasons. By looking at your space in a new perspective, you can easily find treasures that are right in front of you.
Tag Archives: nature
Snow-Capped Mountain Range
On a recent walk I happened to look over towards the bay and noticed the snow-capped mountains in the distance. I love the layers of colors in this photo: the blue of the water, green trees, and white mountains. You can bring a similar color trio into your space as well! Try adding blue, green, and white throw pillows to a couch or bed to update the look. The pillows can be plain, or you can go bold with a large geometric pattern. We often want to start fresh for the new year, but a complete overhaul of your decor can be costly. By using a few throw pillows to update your look, you can easily, and affordably, update your space.
The Mighty Columbia
On the same trip mentioned in my previous post, I had some down time and was able to take a stroll along a riverfront park. While there, I noticed the entrance to a dock that led down to the river. From this dock, I was able to get a great view of the Columbia River, along with the surrounding landscape. I love the rolling hills, green trees, and swirling water captured in this photograph! Additionally, the morning light provides the perfect amount of illumination for the shot. A similar photo would be the perfect addition to a bedroom. The serene landscape and soft colors are the perfect addition to your space. If you have the chance, try to get a shot of a body of water in the morning light. You’ll have a great photo that can be used to bring the beauty of nature into your home!
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!
Whale Rock at the Beach
In some of my previous posts, I’ve discussed capturing unique images that can be interpreted in multiple ways. I spotted a rock (right) among the waves and instantly thought it looked like a small whale! I love the look of the sandy beach, the rock surrounded by water, and the waves in the background. This is not only a unique photo, but the earth tones in the shot will compliment any space. Do you have beach photos featuring unique rock or sand formations? If so, now’s the time to display them! Not only are they a reminder of warmer weather, but also a great way to show off the uniqueness of nature!
Jellyfish on the Beach
On the second day of my vacation I decided to visit one of the many state parks along the coast. As I walked along the shore, I noticed a number of things that looked out of place among the usual shells, rocks, and other debris. Moving closer to take a look I found out they were all jellyfish. Not just any jellyfish, they were purple jellyfish! These type aren’t native to the state I was in (I was told they’re usually found in California), so to see these was a real treat. Seeing unusual things is one great aspects of a vacation, and can help you develop all types of decoration ideas. Besides framing and displaying a similar photo, you could buy fabric that features jellyfish and use it to create pillow cases, make a blanket, or reupholster a piece of furniture. As I’ve said before, nature can be a great inspiration for decorating. Whether on land or at sea, you’re sure to find something to inspire you!
Trimming the Hedges
If you look around, you’ll notice that most gardens contain some variety of shrub. Most people typically shape their shrubs into either a rounded or square shape. My suggestion: use both shapes on a single shrub! This type of combination works best with large, mature hedges that will provide lots of foliage for shaping. The hedge can be part of a border, entrance to a garden, or a stand alone piece. Remember, interiors aren’t the only places you can decorate. You can also use nature’s foliage to show off your personal style!
Evergreen Magnolias in Bloom
Although the plant pictured to the right looks like a Rhododendron, it’s actually an Evergreen Magnolia. There are several of these plants bordering a nearby building, and I’ve always liked the large, colorful flowers that bloom every year. These are the perfect type of blooms to put in a vase to adorn a bedroom, living room, or as a centerpiece on a dining table. This time of year provides lots of inspiration for decorating your space! Whether you’re using flowers to decorate your space, or drawing inspiration from the colors of nature, it’s the perfect time to create a space that’s all about Spring!
Pink Kwanzans
While I enjoy cherry blossoms, they only bloom for about two weeks and then they’re gone. Kwanzan cherry trees, however, keep blooming long after other cherry blossoms have fallen. Pictured above is a shot of the blooming cherry trees where I work. It’s wonderful to still be able to see pretty pink blossoms swaying in the wind! Additionally, it demonstrates the great combination of pink and green. You could use a similar photo as a focal point on a wall, or decorate your space with pink and green accessories. No matter what you choose, always remember that nature can provided the greatest inspiration for any space!
Note: I previously misclassified these trees as Magnolias; they are in fact Kwanzan cherry trees. The title of this post has been changed from Pink Magnolias to Pink Kwanzans.
Sunny Flowers on a Cloudy Day
The other day I was reminded that even on a cloudy day, nature can still provide a bit of sunshine. As I exited the building where I work, I saw these beautiful daffodils flanking the entrance. Since I had my camera on me, I decided to snap a photo. It was a great reminder of nicer weather, and the flower itself is quite a cheery color. No matter how bad the weather there’s always some part of nature that will remind us of sunshine. Just like in life, we should always try to find the sunny side when our world is full of clouds.
Inspiration In A Photo 