Home decorating is not one of my strengthes.
Although, I have started to get an idea of what I like, pulling it all together is a bit daunting. Consequently, I have focused on being functional rather than fashionable (which sometimes can be a good thing with 4 kids!). Butttt..deep down I would like a home that reflects our lifestyle, interests and personality.
Recently I worked through some of my decorator’s block:
- I purchased some cushions in my favourite colour. I chose something because it was fashionable, instead of functional….let’s face it people, cushions plus children equals cushions constantly on the floor, rather than on the couch.
- My hubby and I framed more of my photos. Even thought I wanted to “stall” to think about the “right” photos, or the “right” frame or the “right” place to hang the photos, my hubby helped me push through to the end….encouraging me to just “try it!” I’m so glad we “tried it out” because it looks so much better than before…which was NOTHING!
This is part of our downstairs hallway:
These are some photographs I took at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens last October:
I was inspired by Centsational Girl transforming her photographs of white flowers into black and white prints. She gives really easy instructions, and I just love her end results!
Here are mine:
Below are some of my before and after shots (I would love to get large square frames like CG too!):
These were some wild flowers growing on the side of the road to Arthurs Pass. In Picasa I boosted the saturation, cropped it and made it black and white.
Before:
After:
I took this photo when I was walking around Christchurch last Oct 09.
Before:
After:
For the tulip photographs, I cropped two of the photos, to make them less busy. I also wanted them in portrait style, rather than landscape.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
I love these photos, but I can’t take any credit for them…it just happened to be drizzling when I took the photos…and look at the colour of those tulips! They are beautiful!!
Now I get to stare at them every day! I’m glad I got past my decorator’s block!
Reality Check: Now I just need to get rid of the mess and clutter that seems to accumulate around the hallway so it doesn’t distract from the photos! hahaha
Decorating isn’t one of my strongpoints either, but I must say your efforts turned out beautifully!
PS Happy Anniversary!
I found your article really interesting. Decorating IS one of my strong points as I am an interior designer. I also have small children (2 boys) so live with the struggle of nice home/small boys daily!
If you want any tips or advice do email me as I would be happy to share them with you. I am hoping to start a design advice blog soon and tips on my website so will email you the details when I do.
By the way your photos are fantastic and well done for putting them up for now they give you pleasure every day – as long as you keep your eyes on the photos and off the floor!
Nicola
Beautiful pictures! Thanks for posting!
Those are very nice photos!
As for our house, my husband and I have an input on how to decorate the house to make it more functional and clutter-free – as I always attract clutter
Your pictures are breathtaking, and the rain droplets just made my day. Thinking of starting a blog, was browsing, and found yours.
My wife and I have an interior design business and you’re doing what we talk about with our clients all the time.
Decorating may not be your “day job”, but you can trust your instincts, they’re usually prtty good. Fill your house with the things you love. Be ready to edit when a room starts “filling up” with all your good ideas. If all the good ideas don’t relate to each other, the room begins to look and feel uncomfortable. Save a few of those thoughts for another room or time.
What I see here is a life being lived in full. BTW, those photographs were no accident. You can be proud of them.
Cheers, John
those flowers are very cute, fresh, and uplifting…
you are doing an awesome job at home decoration…
cheers,
Awesome sight! Check on mine… for weight loss WOESSS
fluctuater.wordpress.com
of course you can take credit for them mika! one of the keys to being a photographer is seizing ‘those’ moments that will make something fairly ordinary look extra-ordinary. well done! they are beautiful.
liking your ‘reality checks’ too – it’s your version of ‘keeping it real’ which is a pioneer woman motto.
Love the photographs. I’ve made a pledge to myself to start framing my own work. I have a 4set of frames that I’ve put flower photos in and I love them.
Hi,
I saw your blog on the wordpress homepage. I am Dad and always looking to see what other Mums and Dads are up to.
I read your quote from William James in your ‘about me’ and it is an excellent one for parents (and non-parents too!). It is so true that everything we do makes a difference for our children.
You are right about cushions my children see them as great tools for building, hiding…
Enjoy a great day,
David
http://www.TheWonderTechnique.com
You have some REALLY beautiful pictures. I especially liked the tulips and wildflowers.
Nice photos and way to get past your decorator’s block! I have a ton of photos too that I’d like to hang, but like you I always seem to just wait and wait and wait for the just the right ones.
My biggest dilemma lately has been how to decorate my almost 3 year old daughter’s room – without it being too kid-like or too princess. Here’s what I came up with so far:
http://curiousoyster.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/girly-but-not-cutesy/
I look forward to reading your blog more often!
wow! see? just wait a little longer, persevere and they will come! bet you were OVER THE MOON with all these hits and all those positive comments! by golly I TOLD YOU SO! well done!
Fab photos – I can now blame you for yet more wasted hours on Picasa (going to have to have a go at the black and white ones aren’t I? Would be rude not to!). I mentioned you in post on my blog today.
I have now imported all my photos into Picasa and become slightly obsessed with making sure the tags for people have got the correct name on – it has taken forever! Also loving the collage gadgetry!
Thanks again for sharing xo