In my third post on underwater photography, I’ll be focusing on a fish called a Grunt Sculpin. It was fascinating walking up to the glass and seeing how this fish moved! It didn’t use its fins in the traditional way, rather it used them to crawl along the rocks lining the bottom of the exhibit. I’ve never seen this fish before, so I wanted to share it with my readers and followers. The myriad of colors would go with any decor, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to where and how to display a similar photo. Additionally, capturing and displaying unusual underwater specimens is a great conversation starter at any party! Whether for your enjoyment or that of your guests, you can give your space an exotic feel with the simple addition of a unique photo.
Tag Archives: unique
Decorating with Underwater Photography: Part 1
Capturing sea life in its natural environment is an amazing feat that most photographers don’t get the chance to accomplish. Going diving, procuring a waterproof camera, and finding the perfect location can be both expensive and time-consuming. But if you’ve ever dreamed of underwater photography, there’s a simple solution-go to an aquarium! The shipwreck I captured above was actually part of a special exhibit. This exhibit allowed me to create the look of underwater photography without leaving the comfort of dry land. A similar photo would look great as a focal point on a wall! The soothing blue of the water and pops of color from the sea life and ship’s wheel make this a unique photo that will grab any guests’ attention. Stay tuned for more underwater photos that will serve to inspire and bring out the best your space has to offer!
Whale Rock at the Beach
In some of my previous posts, I’ve discussed capturing unique images that can be interpreted in multiple ways. I spotted a rock (right) among the waves and instantly thought it looked like a small whale! I love the look of the sandy beach, the rock surrounded by water, and the waves in the background. This is not only a unique photo, but the earth tones in the shot will compliment any space. Do you have beach photos featuring unique rock or sand formations? If so, now’s the time to display them! Not only are they a reminder of warmer weather, but also a great way to show off the uniqueness of nature!
Lighting All Four Corners
Pictured above is a light fixture from the conference room mentioned in a previous post. I love how it extends out in all four directions! Not only is this chandelier unique, but its design is a great way to illuminate all corners of a room. In addition, the light was installed in a way where the lines of the fixture are aligned with the lines of the ceiling-a great design choice!
The silver finish of the fixture gives it a chic, stream-lined look that doesn’t overwhelm the space. The scallop design around the base of each light (above), gives just the right amount of detail. This light proves that a simple design and great lighting are all you need to bring chic elegance into your space!
Small Spaces, Big Possibilities
For years I’d come up the driveway and notice a small, but empty, space near the front door. It seemed there wasn’t much hope for this space between the front stairs and the edge of the garden. The space was a little more than 4 feet wide, and what ever we used couldn’t come out and block the stairs too much. One day, my Mom saw an iron bench for sale at the grocery store (yes, a grocery store!). We went back, took measurements, and realized it would be the perfect fit! A space that was formally seen as unusable now provides both a point of interest and seating in the front yard. Remember, even the smallest spaces, inside and out, have big possibilities. All you need is a bit of imagination and patience to turn any area into a unique sanctuary!
Happy Birthday to Me!
I recently celebrated my Birthday, and wanted to share a photo of my cake and tell you about the idea it inspired! This year I decided to go with a non-traditional Birthday cake: chocolate with cookies and cream icing and Oreos. We all have favorite foods, and have probably also taken pictures of them at some point. Why not use those photos to decorate your kitchen? Displaying a collection of 4×6 photos on a kitchen wall is a great way to add color and interest to the space. It’s a unique decorating idea that’s not only fun, but can also be used to reflect the season or special holiday of your choice.
The Gilded Ceiling
This is a picture of the ceiling in the lobby of a nearby building. I love the gilded, art deco design! There are a myriad of colors and patterns on this ceiling, but the combination works beautifully. There is silver, gold, and bronze used throughout the patterns. Most people would think that all these colors and patterns wouldn’t work. However, this ceiling proves that it can. Not ready to try the same look on your ceiling? Start small by mixing throw pillows, accessories, or art that has different colors and patterns. No matter how bold you decide to go, you’ll have a unique look that’s all you!
Illuminating a Stairwell with Sconces
When it comes to stairwells, lighting is usually a second thought. If there is lighting, it usually consists of a basic design that’s more necessity than stylish. However, I occasionally come across stylish pieces where one would normally expect something drab. The stairwell pictured above is a perfect example! A sconce is so unexpected in a stairwell, and this one is perfectly positioned to capture your attention as you’re going up or down the stairs.
In the close-up of the sconce (above) you can see the pink, marble-like glass and a lattice design at the top. These unique and unexpected touches are the perfect addition to the marble stairs. Despite what you might be thinking, you can easily add a similar look to your own space. While installing a sconce can be quite daunting, many big box stores offer sconces that you can simply hang on a wall and plug in. No matter your level of skill, you can easily get this look, and add a unique touch to your space!
Lightly Etched Glass
When you walk under lights you tend to notice only the shape and overall design. However, when I saw this light, it appeared to feature etched glass. The etching was so faint I could barely see it, but on closer inspection I was able to see a design and pattern on the glass. As seen below, the light features various patterns and designs that complement the fixture’s shape and its scalloped, copper-colored base.
Using glass that is lightly etched is a great way to add style without taking away from the other features in the room. If installing a new light fixture in your ceiling is a bit daunting, try using lamps in various sizes and shapes to get a similar look. No matter what type of fixture you use, you’ll have a light that not only brightens your space, but also provides a unique accent to any room.
Decorating with Clocks: Part 3
In my third post in this series, I’ll be revisiting a location from a previous post. Specifically, the picture above showcases a clock that was easily lost in an otherwise large space. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be set into the stone itself. This clock is bronze in color and features roman numerals on its face. A close-up of the face (below) shows detailed metal work that reveals a leaf design.
While we often only pay attention to a clock’s face, the surround can often be a beautiful addition. No matter how plain or ordinary a clock may appear, its elegance can often be elevated by the addition of a unique surround. This clock and its location prove that sometimes, it’s the decor that doesn’t stand out, that can make the biggest impact. No matter the proportions, you can create a cohesive look that will bring a touch of elegance into your space!



