A Snowy Beginning to 2016

Snowy butterfly bushWelcome to my first post of 2016! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and are ready for a new year. We recently got our first snow, which gave me a great inspiration for today’s post. As seen on the right, I was able to snap a picture of our snow-covered Butterfly Bush. The snow on the end of the branches makes it appear that the bush is sprouting white flowers. Photos featuring winter scenery are a great way to bring a cool color palette into your home. Add accessories in silver or gray, and you’ve instantly updated your space! Stay tuned to for more great posts and videos in 2016!

Thanksgiving Decor: The Front Door

Front door_Thanksgiving 2015Every year I like to add some sort of decoration around the front door. Because of its proximity to the wall in my previous post, I decided the best choice would be a design that also used leaves. Instead of using the same type of leaves, I opted for larger ones in a slightly different hue and created a border around the door. It’s a simple design, but also adds a touch of color to an area that would otherwise be plain. Some people feel that you have to create a fancy design to have a cohesive look throughout your home. However, often a simple design is all you need to make a bold statement and create a unique space.

Using the Hues of a Seascape

Sky, sea, and sand_oceanI’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!

A Sunset at the Ocean

Sunset at the oceanWhat a view-nothing like a sunset at the beach! Though they take a bit of planning, sunset photos are a must-have for anyone that wants to bring the outdoors into their space. Sunsets provide a myriad of colors that are sure to go with whatever decorating scheme you’re using. The surrounding area-ocean, forest, river, or city-can provide an additional backdrop to your photo. No matter what colors you want to decorate with, a sunset will provide all the inspiration you need.

Capping off a Column

Corinthian column capitalWhile many think of columns as purely functional, they can also be quite decorative and unique. An example is the picture above that shows the ornate capital (top portion) of a column. This style capital is a well-known feature of Corinthian columns, which are ornately carved and feature various types of designs.

Corinthian column capital_close-up

While most of us don’t live in homes or buildings with such architectural grandeur, there are ways to bring this look into your space. If you have small decorative columns in your home, there are DIY kits available at home improvement stores that will allow you to add a capital to an already existing column. These kits are made from various types of materials, and can be purchased finished (painted) or unfinished. If you’re like me and don’t have columns in your home, you can take a similar photo, enlarge it, and hang it prominently on a wall. Either way you choose, you can bring classic architecture into any space!

The Well Manicured Path

Manicured_meandering pathOne day, I decided to travel a bit further than usual on my daily walk. When I did, I discovered this well manicured, meandering path. I love the simple design of this area, and thought it was a great inspiration for an outdoor space. The picture above is a great example of a low-maintenance way to create a great look for any outdoor area. You can border a path or patio with pebbles, and then add bark for a bit of texture. In addition, planting evergreen shrubs or drought resistant succulents is a great way to incorporate a touch of green into the space. Looking for a touch of color without having to water flowers? Use glass floats in your favorite colors throughout your new landscape to add both interest and whimsy. Whether inside or out, you can find great inspiration to create a beautiful space!

Symmetrical Spaces

Symmetrical marble rotundaThe picture above is an example of a symmetrical space. While the space pictured is large, it can serve as a great inspiration for your own home. Adding symmetry is a great way to add a classic design element to your space. One place to start is in a bedroom. Center your bed on a wall and add matching tables or night stands on either side of the bed. You can also adorn each table with a lamp, or put up a line of pictures above the bed (I’d suggest an even number of pictures), to create this look. Not looking to re-do an entire room? Start small by using a shelf or dresser. You can use books, accessories, matching picture frames, or a variety of other items to create a symmetrical look. Remember, even the largest of designs can be scaled down to fit any space. All you need is a bit of inspiration and imagination to create a great look!

Ornate Bronze Wall Sconces

Ornate bronze wall sconce_sideOrnate bronze wall sconce_frontI was strolling through my local law library when I looked up and saw these beautiful, intricate wall sconces. The sconces were a unique piece of lighting that stood out in the otherwise plain library. When a space features a unique piece of artistry or architecture, a little bit goes a long way. Need to dress up your plain space? Try a unique lamp, oddly shaped mirror, or an ornate piece of furniture. One piece can make a bold statement, so be sure to choose something that not only stands out beautifully, but is also uniquely you!

Happy 1st Anniversary!

Christmas Tree 2014_anniversary postHello, and Happy Anniversary! It was one year ago today that I published my first post! My first post contained an image of my Christmas tree, so I decided to keep the theme for my 1st anniversary. Pictured to the right is a nighttime shot of this year’s tree. I hope you enjoy it and find inspiration in the photo. A big thanks to all of my followers and those who have liked my posts over the past year, and those who have watched my video. I hope you continue to enjoy my decorating tips and ideas, and that they help you find the inspiration you need to transform your place into a chic space!

The Perfect Shell

Perfect shell_park beachAnyone that enjoys beach combing knows that one of the challenges is finding a perfect shell for your collection. Often you’ll find half a shell, or one that’s been damaged from its voyage. But, as I was walking on the beach, it appeared: a beautiful shell! It was just sitting there waiting to be picked up. After making sure the shell was vacant (shells with creatures in or on them should be put back into the water), it was picked up and taken with us on the rest of our walk. This shell presents so many opportunities to decorate! You could frame the picture and use it to accentuate a nautical theme, add the shell to your collection, display it as a stand-alone piece, or nestle it among a group of candles for an elegant look. What was the last thing you collected while out enjoying nature? No matter what it was, there are a myriad of ways for you to stylishly add it to your space!

By the way, did anyone notice the rock behind the shell that has “eyes” on it? An even more unique picture!