About a month ago I took the day off and had a Girls Day with one of my co-workers. We ended up going to the Museum of Glass, which is situated along the waterfront. After checking out the exhibits, which gave me a ton of design ideas, we took a walk along the Thea Foss Waterway. As we walked, I started seeing number towers along the pathway. Noticing how they lined up with other interesting elements, I decided to take a photo! I love how you can see foliage in both the foreground and background, the masts of the ships in the background, the towers of the bridge, the Tacoma Dome, and the sky full of billowy clouds. The other elements make a great backdrop to the large number 16 tower that is the center of this photo. This is a perfect example of how you can take beautiful outdoor shots even when the weather starts to turn (you can capture a similar look by traveling to your nearest waterway or ship yard). With Fall now upon us, this is the perfect time to update your space for the new season!
Tag Archives: update
The Secret Cove
A few minutes up the river from where I took the picture in my previous post, I came upon a small cove tucked away behind what looked like a solid row of hedges. However, on closer inspection, I found this beach-like area located off the main river. Even though this is part of the river, a photo like this creates a coastal vibe. The sun glistening off the water, small beach, and a peak of blue sky between the branches, reminds me of an estuary near the ocean. However, a river photo is a great way to get a beach vibe when going to the ocean isn’t an option. So, if you want to update your space with a coastal vibe this summer, rivers are the perfect solution!
Sea Lions on the Rocky Shoal
As I walked down the pier, I heard the unmistakable sound of sea lions somewhere in the distance. Glancing between two buildings, I saw something moving on a large, rocky outcropping: sea lions! I grabbed my camera and immediately took a picture. A similar photo would look great in a den or study, since it not only blends well with any decor, but will instantly catch someone’s eyes. You can create the same look with other animals that blend into the background, such as ducks, rabbits, or deer. With a little patience and a keen eye for details, you can update your space with a unique animal photo!
The Forest in the Tree
One 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!
Snow-Capped Mountain Range
On 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.
When is a Rug not a Rug?
Answer: when it’s a comforter! Ever since I was little, my Mom would use a full/queen size comforter in lieu of a rug in my room. Why? It’s machine washable, economical, easy to replace, and easy to change if you want a different color. In addition, there are more color/pattern options with comforters than with rugs. The comforter I’m currently using as a rug (right), features multi-colored chevrons. It provides multiple pops of color and protects the carpet underneath. Already have an area rug? Throw a comforter over it to not only create a new look for your space, but also provide extra cushion under your feet. It’s a great way to update a bedroom with minimal investment! Another tip: use a comforter that’s two-sided. One side of mine has chevrons, the other is a solid hot pink. This way you’ll have two looks in one, and will always be able to have a bright, stylish bedroom that’s the envy of all your friends!
Decorating with Door Knobs: Part 1
While it’s not uncommon for people to update various elements of their space, a room’s door is usually ignored. Although most think the only way to make a substantial update to a door is to paint it, there’s a quicker, less messy option: install new door hardware! Adding updated hardware can modernize even the oldest door, and can also give the door any look you want (vintage, retro, Victorian, antique, etc.). In the next several posts I’ll be showing examples of hardware that you can use in your own space. First up are the door handles leading into my local law library. As seen above, this is a double-door entry that features door handles instead of knobs. Given the size of the doors and their location in an old, historic building, this hardware is the perfect pairing with its surroundings.
The close-up photo (above) shows the intricate patterns around the perimeter of the hardware, as well as various detailing at the top and bottom. Want the same look in your own space? Similar hardware can be found at online retailers, as well as big box hardware stores. Whether you choose a style with knobs or handles, you can easily update your space and add new life to an old door!
New Year, New Chair
For my first post in 2015 I’m going to show you how to transform your accent chairs! I found this fuchsia chair at my local big box store and thought it would go perfectly with the style in my bedroom. While it’s a great chair on its own, I wanted to think of a way to give it some extra flair. The solution? Fabric! In this instance I decided to use an extra pillowcase that had a tropical pattern, One of the flowers in the pattern was the same color as the chair’s fabric. I centered it on the chair’s back and viola-instant update! Before and after pictures are shown below.
This is a great and simple way to update your furniture! In addition to chairs, you could also use the same technique on larger items such as a sofa or loveseat. Whether you save money by using fabrics you already own or choose to buy fabric at a craft store, you can easily start off 2015 with a brand new look!
The River Under the Bridge
This photo is similar to one I took for a previous post, but is a wider shot that shows two bridges with the river flowing underneath. I love how the bridges and trees frame the river, and the brightness of the sun on the water. A picture like this can inspire so many projects! A similar photo could be framed and displayed on a shelf or wall. You could take the colors in the picture-green, grey, brown, blue-and use them as your decorating theme. Add these colors to your space by using throw pillows, vases, faux foliage, or other accessories to bring the outdoors in. It’s amazing how one photo can inspire a myriad of projects to update and decorate your space. You can use your favorite photo to not only to display a great shot, but also to inspire a decorating theme that’s uniquely you!
Inspiration In A Photo 