The Tower Along the Waterway

About a month ago I took the day off and had a Girls Day with one of my co-workers. We ended up going to the Museum of Glass, which is situated along the waterfront. After checking out the exhibits, which gave me a ton of design ideas, we took a walk along the Thea Foss Waterway. As we walked, I started seeing number towers along the pathway. Noticing how they lined up with other interesting elements, I decided to take a photo! I love how you can see foliage in both the foreground and background, the masts of the ships in the background, the towers of the bridge, the Tacoma Dome, and the sky full of billowy clouds. The other elements make a great backdrop to the large number 16 tower that is the center of this photo. This is a perfect example of how you can take beautiful outdoor shots even when the weather starts to turn (you can capture a similar look by traveling to your nearest waterway or ship yard). With Fall now upon us, this is the perfect time to update your space for the new season!

The Storybook House

On many of my lunchtime walks I often pass a house that looks like it was taken right out of a fairytale. This storybook house (above), is a beautiful brick house with a turret. Instead of taking a picture of the front of the house, I decided to take a photo from the side of the house. The house is perfectly framed by the hydrangeas in the foreground, with a row of pine trees in the background. The bright, noon-day sun provides an additional magic touch to this storybook house. No matter which fairytale is your favorite, you’ll likely be able to find a real life inspiration right in your own backyard.

The Raging Waterfall

There are very few images that show the power of water like a waterfall! The picture on the right is the perfect example of this concept. The sun-kissed green grass, trees, and boulders, perfectly frame the photo. The gushing water, along with the delicate spray, make this the perfect image to celebrate summer. How are you decorating for the summer season? Whether it’s gushing waterfalls, mountain lakes, or lazy rivers, you’re sure to find the perfect water element to fit your space!

The River’s Island

Looking down the river I spotted a small island within the rolling waves. The grass, tall trees, and fallen logs make it look like an island escape in the city. Want to create your own island escape? Adding a similar photo to a wall would be a great base for an updated summer look. Mix it with tropical prints, wicker accents, and nautical items to create your own personal getaway. Short on funds? Repurposing items you already own is a great way to stretch your budget and bring out your creative streak. With a great photo and stylish accessories, you can easily update your space for the summer season.

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!

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.

The Fiery Tulip

As I was walking into work one morning, I spotted a few tulips that had somehow been planted with the daffodils pictured in my previous post. As I got closer, I noticed that the fiery red flowers had streaks of yellow on each petal and the mix of colors at its center. Despite the contrast, all of the colors went together beautifully. A similar color scheme can easily be added to your space in a myriad of different ways. You could easily add a colorful vase or picture frame to a table or shelf, update a lampshade, put a bright slipcover over your furniture, or even paint an accent wall. No matter what colors you choose, you can never go wrong with inspiration from nature.

Various Phases of Cherry Blossom Buds

Although most of the flowers from the cherry tree in my previous post have fallen, there are other trees that are just starting to bloom. Once such example is the Yoshino Cherry blossoms pictured above. I was able to capture a branch that slowed the cycle from bud to flower in full bloom. The white blossoms, pink buds, green leaves, and blue sky background could be the perfect color palette to update your space for spring. The nature-inspired colors blend well together, and also allow for a pop of color via an accessory or large photo used as a focal point on your wall. The best part? You can easily customize this by going out and photographing your favorite flowering tree, then using that as a base for your decor. Remember, the only thing between you and a new spring look is the scope of your imagination!

The Cherry Trees of Spring

As the weather starts to get warmer and the days get longer, it can only mean one thing: time for cherry blossoms! There are a lot of cherry trees where I work, so every year I get to enjoy the beautiful flowers. The picture above shows one of the trees with the sun illuminating it from behind. This shot juxtaposes the perfect amount of light and shadow on the tree, giving the photo the perfect amount of contrast. A cherry, or any other type of flowering tree, is the perfect subject to photograph for use in your spring decor. Whether your picture occupies a tabletop or an entire wall, you can easily bring in the beauty of spring with a simple picture.

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.