Cherry Blossoms and Blue Sky

Cherry blossoms_blue skyAround the same time I took the picture my previous post, I decided to take a photo of the upper portion of the Cherry tree with the sky in the background. I love the pop of the pink blossoms against the blue sky! A similar photo would be great to add a pop of color to any space. You could use it as a focal point on a wall, or put the picture on a shelf or table. It would go with rooms that featured hues in pink or blue, and would be the perfect addition to welcome spring into your space. Sometimes the simplest photos can be the best addition to your space!

Reaching Out Towards the Sun

Tree reaching towards sunAs I walked along a path I noticed a tree that seemed to be reaching out from the ground towards the sun. As pictured on the right, the tree was fairly large, covered in moss, and part of it illuminated by the sun. Not only do the earth tones go with anything, but it’s just a cool picture! As I’ve said before, nature can be both a focal point in any space and a great inspiration. No matter what you can capture with your camera, you’re sure to find a way to bring the outdoors into any space!

The Tree’s Hand

Tree with a handIt’s amazing all the different ways that a tree can grow! An example is the tree pictured to the right. The way the large branch towards the back splits off looks like a hand reaching out towards the sky. It’s a very quirky image, and is a great inspiration for a decorating theme! Aside from the colors (blue, green, white, and various shades of brown), a similar photo could be used as a base for a quirky decorating scheme. Like the tree, you can use accessories that blend in, more than stand out, within your space. Try a textured vase, throw pillows in various shapes, or an oddly shaped picture frame. Adding quirky elements will give your space a cohesive-look that’s not only colorful, but is also fun.

The Towering Tree Stump

Towering tree stumpThis weekend I wanted to get out and enjoy the fresh air, so I decided to go to a park I hadn’t visited before. It had many trails and an abundance of wildlife, but as I meandered down one path I noticed an oddly shaped tree stump to my left. As I walked closer to get a better look, I noticed that this towering tree stump had a large gap in it. It looked like two wooden towers that merged together into one. Awesome! The warm hues of the wood, the green vines encasing the bottom of the trunk, and the pop of blue from the sky make this a great picture to hang on any wall. Despite what you might think, uniquely shaped trees and tree trunks aren’t too hard to find. You can find similar examples in most large parks. So what are you waiting for? With a little work you can snap a gorgeous photo that will brighten your space, and bring a little bit of nature inside!

Christmas at the State Capitol

Capitol Christmas tree 2014I recently decided to visit my state capitol to view its annual Christmas tree. I was told it looked nice, so I brought my camera to snap a few photos. The large evergreen fits perfectly in the rotunda! It’s covered in faux snow and features red bulbs, snowflakes, candy canes, and many Frozen-themed items. Around this time of year you can find Christmas trees in many government buildings, malls, and other public places. If you snap photos of several of these trees, you’ll have a collection of Christmas trees. You can frame the photos and display them during the holiday season. Additionally, you can also use the photos as an inspiration for your own tree. Here’s hoping you find the inspiration to make your Christmas bright and joyful!

The Christmas Tree

Each year I choose a different theme when decorating our Christmas tree. This year’s theme? Gold and silver! Every bulb on the tree has either gold or silver on it. In addition to the bulbs, we have other ornaments on display as well. They include new and old favorites, bought both at home and abroad.

Christmas tree 2014_ornaments

Below are close-up pictures of a few ornaments. I also use snowflakes in various colors to fill in any gaps not covered by ornaments or bulbs. The snowflakes can be found at big box and craft stores. I’ve found they’re a great and inexpensive way to add color to a tree. If you’ve already decorated your tree, I suggest loading up at the end of December (they’ll be on clearance) and save them for next year’s tree.

Ornament close up 1_2014

Ornament close up 2_2014

How do you choose your Christmas tree decorations? Whether you have a theme or prefer a more random approach, you’ll have a beautiful tree that reflects the holiday season!

Sparkles in the Darkness

Sparkling flower in the darkAs I walked by the Christmas tree one night, I noticed something shining in the darkness. The lights from the tree were causing the gold decorations above the window to sparkle in the dark! I thought it looked awesome, to I decided to take a photo. I love the colorful sparkles shining in the darkness! Not only is this a great way to add interest to a room, but it also reminds us that there is always light in the darkness (hang in there!). Happy Holidays!

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 Christmas Wreath

Christmas wreath 2014Throughout the year we have two matching paintings hanging on either side of our dining room window. However, when Christmas comes around I take them down and replace them with hand-crafted wreathes. This year’s wreath is pictured to the right! Unlike last year’s wreath, this one features red bows and bulbs in different colors. I use a plain faux wreath (found at craft stores) and decorate them differently each year. Try using items you already have (bulbs, bows, tinsel, etc.) to decorate your wreathes. Not only does this let you match the decor throughout your home, but also lets you create a unique piece each year. No matter how you decide to decorate your wreath, you’ll be sure to create one that looks great in your space!