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 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 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.

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.

The Rising Sun Behind the Trees

Sun rising_behind treesDuring a time of year when we’re dealing with cold weather and gray skies, it’s great to be able to capture the warm glow of a morning’s sunrise! A perfect example of this is the photo on the right. I took this photo around the time I’d leave for work, which means you could easily capture a similar photo on your way out the door. As I’ve said in similar posts, this is the type of picture that would be perfect to display this time of year since it would remind you of the warm weather to come. Enlarging a similar photo and hanging it in a living room or bedroom is the perfect way to brighten up your winter decor. No matter what time of year, you can always count on nature to help you create a light feel in any room.

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.

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.