Everyone’s heard the saying “birds of a feather flock together.” But nature obviously has different ideas. The photo above is the perfect example of birds of all feathers flocking together. While walking along my local estuary, I noticed a small island in the middle of the water. Zooming in with my camera, I saw a combination of geese and ducks enjoying the sunny weather. It reminded me of another post I did, so I just had to take the picture. As Spring is fast approaching, it signals the time to update your decor. Adding several pictures of birds, or other animals in sunny weather is a great way to get started. You could group several framed photos on a desk or shelf, or create a collage on a wall as a focal point. The setting and type of birds are up to your creativity. Whether using images taken at a state park or even your own backyard, you can easily update your space for the season!
Tag Archives: picture
A Path to Somewhere
Welcome to 2020! People often use this time to year to create and (hopefully) accomplish new goals. In other words, we’re likely starting on a new path. While many people use a mood or inspiration board to keep motivated, I think a picture can be a great inspiration for your journey. A picture similar to the one above can be a great reminder to keep moving forward in anticipation of what’s ahead. Try hanging the picture in a place you’ll see daily, like an entryway or bedroom. While my photo was taken at a wildlife refuge, your photo can be a path from anywhere: a garden, beach, sidewalk, or an opening in the clouds. No matter what type of path you choose to use, let it be your inspiration for a new year.
A Bridge, a Road, and a River
Sometimes the most ordinary things can give us inspiration. While a bridge, road, and river alone aren’t necessarily special, together they can create a unique picture. An example is the photo above that captures just such a scene. The picture includes a curving road beside a river that is capped by a symmetrical metal bridge. The early morning sky, sun filtering in through the trees off-camera, and the green grass and bushes dotting the shoreline create a serene picture that would go with any decor. Enlarging a similar picture and placing it in a den or family room is an easy way to update your decorating theme. Can’t find a place nearby with all three elements? Even having two of the three features (i.e. a bridge and a road, or bridge and a river) would still create a great focal point in a room. No matter which combination you choose, photos are an easy way to bring an architectural look into your home.
The Classic Black and White Color Scheme
When updating your decor, there are so many different styles to consider. However, sometimes it’s best to look back at classic themes-specifically the classic black and white. These two colors not only go with everything, but there are a myriad of shades for each to help you customize a look. Add a bit of glamour by adding in black accessories like a vase, lamp, or clock. Brighten up a space with crisp white pillows, flower-filled vase, or rug. Can’t decide between the two? Combine them by displaying a classic monochromatic photograph similar to the one on the right. In addition, you can amp up the wow factor by featuring an image with classic architectural elements such as columns, domed structures, and large stone blocks.
Elegance without the Electrical Work
Most would agree that nothing brings elegance to a room like a crystal chandelier. However, most would also agree that the expense of purchasing and installing such a grand piece of lighting is out of most people’s reach. So, how can you bring this piece of elegance into your space? Use a picture! Hanging a large photo of your favorite (or a famous) chandelier in a dining, living, or bedroom is a great way to upgrade the style of your space. And the best part? There are so many styles to choose from that you can easily find one that fits your decor. Whether you prefer metal, whimsical, industrial, antique, modern, or a contemporary style, you can easily bring the elegance of a chandelier into your home.
Bringing Architectural Elements Indoors
Often times we find ourselves living in a place that doesn’t match our architectural style. While costly renovations are one solution, it’s not one that most of us can afford. The solution? Add a photo! No matter if you prefer Victorian, Mediterranean, Gothic, Midcentury, Neo-Classical, or Tutor style, a picture is a perfect way to bring that look inside. You can take a photo of a building that features designs you like, have it enlarged, and use it as a focal point in your main living area. The picture can be of just the building or, as pictured on the right, a scene that includes the building and it’s surroundings. I’d recommend the former, since by zooming out you can capture additional elements that add style to your space (note the modern architecture of the building and classic brick of the walkway). No matter what style is your favorite, you’ll be sure to impress by bringing unique architecture into your space.
Easing into Spring
It’s the time of year when the sun begins to shine and the flowers begin to bloom! This also provides ample opportunity to photograph nature’s bounty. One such example is the photo above featuring a branch of cherry blossoms. It’s the perfect example of easing into spring. Why? It shows the flowers from bud to full bloom. In addition, the white flowers and brown bark act as a neutral, while the green buds act as a pop of color. A similar picture would look great enlarged and hung in a living or dining room. It’s the perfect update for Spring, while still blending in to your decor. No matter your decorating style, you can always find a way to bring nature’s beauty into your space.
Hide and go Peep
Happy Easter! While most people decorate their space with eggs, bunnies, and other well-known items this time of year, there are other options to brighten your space. One such example is the picture on the right. I’ve taken a plush Peep and have placed it among several types of silk flowers, creating a fun and unique Easter scene. You can create a similar scene using any combination of stuffed animals, foliage, and a background. Place it front and center on a table, desk, or shelf. Short on space? Create multiple scenes, photograph them, and hang them gallery-style on a wall. With a bit of imagination, you can create unique Easter decor that’s all you.
Add Depth to Your Space
When decorating, we often find ourselves limited not by imagination, but by the size of our space. Traditionally, the way people added depth to a space was to add a mirror. However, there are other ways to make your space look bigger. How? Add a large hallway photo! Pictures of long hallways add a unique depth and interest to any space. In addition, they can be customized based on a decorating theme or your favorite colors. On the right is a great example of a photo you could use in a living or dining room. The dark, neutral colors, chandeliers, and expansive hallway bring a touch of elegance in addition to enlarging the space. Remember, there are easy ways to make your space look bigger without spending a lot of money. A few photos and a wall are all it takes to update your space.
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!