The Mighty Oak of Spring

Mighty oak treeOn one of my lunchtime walks I came across this large, old oak tree and saw the perfect inspiration for my next post. The brown trunk is a natural neutral, and the green leaves add a pop of color that draws the viewers eyes upwards. Simple, everyday photos are often the best kind to use in decorating. Why? They’ll go with nearly everything! No matter if your color scheme is black and white, pastels, monochromatic, metallics, or brights, nature-based photos will always blend in. Can’t find an old-growth tree like the one pictured to the right? Using a photo of a favorite or nearby tree will allow you to achieve this look. Now’s the perfect time to go outside and snap a few photos that will allow you to quickly, and easily, update your space!

Spring has Sprung: Part 3

Pink flower close-up_bushThis final post in my series features a close-up of the same type of flower in my previous two posts. The combination of light and shadow, along with a close-up of the flower’s internal workings, makes this a great photo for any space. You can take a similar picture by getting your lens as close to the middle of your favorite flower as possible. Once you’ve taken that perfect shot, I’d suggest enlarging the photo and using it as a focal point on a living or dining room wall. The flower, no matter the shade, will bring a bit of color into any room. In addition, a large photo is one of the easiest and most economical way to add new life to a stale room. I hope you’ve enjoyed this three-series post featuring bright, beautiful flowers, and that I’ve inspired you to brighten up your decor.

The Forest in the Tree

Forest on treeOne sunny day I was walking underneath a large, old tree and noticed something interesting on one of the branches. As seen on the right, it looks like a mini forest! The combination of the bright green fern with sun streaming through its leaves, the mountainous landscape of the branch, and white flowers in the background make this an awesome shot. You can shoot a similar picture by checking out your local old growth trees. They may be hard to find depending on where you live, but if you explore a state park or area that features historic buildings, you’ll have a better chance of finding what you want. Now is the perfect time to snap pictures you can use to update your space. Whether hung on a wall or simply used for inspiration, you can snap a beautiful picture to usher in Spring!

Sunset Over the City

Sunset over city_pink skyThere’s nothing like looking out the window and seeing a beautiful sunset! As seen above, I was able to get a gorgeous shot of the sky as the sun was setting. I love how it was lit up in various shades of pink, the clouds looking like waves. The columned building, along with maple and pine trees gives added depth to this shot. The best part? If you look towards the bottom of the picture, you’ll notice the twinkling of city lights! This is a great time of year to take photos of beautiful sunsets. You can prominently display one on a wall, or create a collection of photos to decorate several areas in your space. No matter what you choose, you can bring a beautiful Spring sky into your home!

Classic Blue and White: Inspiration from Nature

Classic blue and white: cloudsAs I’ve stated in previous posts, you can find lots of inspiration from nature and what’s around you. An example is the classic blue and white color palette. The inspiration? The sky! This color combination provides just the right amount of brightness, while also being able to blend into one’s current decor. In addition, there are so many different shades of blue, that you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit for your space. You can go all out and have an entire room in blue and white, or you can add just a few accessories. Take a picture of the sky and hang it prominently on a wall, create a cluster of blue and white vases, add throw pillows, or add a new rug to a room. No matter how much blue and white you decide to use, you’re sure to create a bright and airy feel in your space!

Picture a Pattern: Part 5

Blue swirl_tissue boxIn previous posts I’ve featured patterns from boxes, clothing, and pieces of furniture. Another great object to find patterns? Tissue boxes! It’s probably the last thing you’d think of (I know I did!), but these little squares can provide great patterns and inspiration. On the right is a whimsical blue and white pattern that would look great framed and put in any space. The various shades of blue give this pattern a greater flexibility in matching with colors already in your decorating theme. In addition, the shades of white give it an extra pop that makes the pattern stand out. Tissue boxes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, and many brands offer seasonal color palates that will give you a myriad of options throughout the year. Remember, by thinking outside the box, you can find surprising new ways to be inspired!

Picture a Pattern: Part 4

Polka dots_black and grayFor the fourth post in this series, I’ll once again be focusing on a pattern from one of my dresses. This one is a simple polka dot a pattern in black and gray. This pattern can easily go with any decor, and would be the perfect addition to frame and put on your wall. Looking for a way to tie a pattern into the rest of your room? Buy a similar fabric and create covers for your pillows. Doing this is an easy and inexpensive way to create a cohesive look for any room. With a little imagination, even the simplest of patterns can create a new look for an old space!

Picture a Pattern: Part 1

Pink paisley ottomanHello! In this new series of posts, I’ll be featuring a number of patterns that are great for decorating. I’ll start by showcasing a pink paisley pattern (right) from an ottoman located in a bedroom. While the ottoman itself brings a great pop of color, I wanted another way to tie it into the overall decor. My solution? Frame a picture of the pattern! This allows me to better tie in the pattern to the rest of my decor. You can do the same thing with your own ottoman, or use a pattern from a favorite rug, comforter, or pillow. Stay tuned for more ideas on framing patterns to add a unique touch to your space!

The Creek that Never Was

Trees with faux creekStaring out the window you can’t help but notice the mature trees and what looks like a small, dried up creek. It reality, this meandering indentation is a trench for an underground pipe. After installation, the trench was never filled in. As a result, I’m left with a beautiful picture of a faux creek meandering through trees! A similar picture is a great way to bring the outdoors into any room. As I’ve said in previous posts, optical illusions can provide great photographs and fun stories. No matter where you are, you’re sure to find an optical illusion that will be the perfect addition to your space!

Snow-Capped Mountain Range

Snow-capped mountain rangeOn 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.