The Perfectly Imperfect Staircase

As I was walking during a recent vacation, I came across this staircase that’s no longer in use. I liked how, aside from the few broken rungs, this old staircase is still in tact. The staircase, surrounded by overgrown bushes, can also be a great metaphor: no matter what happens, keep going forward. Because of this, a similar photo would look great as a focal point in a bedroom or living room. In additional, since the colors are all earth tones, they would go with any decor. Remember, when you’re having a bad day or things just don’t seem to be going your way, keep going! Just like the staircase, you may have to stumble over a few obstacles to get there, but with hard work and persistence, you’ll eventually reach your goal.

It’s a Capitol Christmas!

Capitol Christmas tree 2016Welcome to December! This post features a 35-foot Christmas tree located at my state’s capitol. This year’s tree is decorated in a combination of traditional ornaments and a sea theme. It includes candy, bulbs, bells, snowflakes, Disney characters, and various sea creatures. The tall marble columns perfectly frame the tree, and the staircase in the background adds extra depth to the photo. No matter how you decorate your tree, you’ll create a festive theme that will brighten your space.

Two-Toned Stair Railing

Although most people enjoy a mixed-metal look, very few would consider it for their staircase. Well, someone did, and it looks great! As with most design elements, it’s all in the execution. Shown below, the main railing is a dark color, topped with a brass-colored handrail.

Library staircase_1

The design of the staircase is kept simple, which allows the contrast of colors to meld seamlessly.

Library staircase_2

It pairs perfectly with the library books, and adds to, rather than distract from, the surroundings. Remember, mixing metals is a great way to add an elegant pop to any space. The key is keeping it simple so it blends into a seamless, elegant space.

Through the Woods

Staircase in the woodsAs I made my way past the creepy trees pictured in my previous post, I kept walking down the long dirt trail. After a few minutes meandering down the path and looking at the dense forest around me, I noticed a small valley to my right. As I kept walking, I was surprised to find that the dirt path became a staircase. It looks like the park’s designers literally cut a path through the woods to create this path down a steep embankment. There’s even a section (not pictured) where the stairs go through a large, fallen tree trunk. I thought the stairs were both cool and unexpected in such a dense environment, and decided to snap a photo! They blend in well with the environment, and this can be an inspiration for your own space. Adding accents and accessories in the same color family is a great way to bring a space together. Colors come in many shades, so no matter what color you choose, you’ll have a large variety to draw inspiration from and decorate your space!