BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS — THE CONTROVERSY:
I know some people question the value of looking at beautiful homes in photos. Perhaps they really don’t understand the value of observation and learning from photos. And that is OK. We are all wired up differently and for some people this is not as fun as it is for me! Plus, I understand that sometimes looking at something beautiful can lead to discontent with what you have or a fixation on perfection, and that is certainly not a desirable effect. It all comes down to perspective, and what it is you are looking at.
WHY I STUDY BEAUTIFUL ROOMS:
I choose to study certain types of beautiful photos because they inspire me. I learn a lot from observation of details. While on the surface you may think, yeah, looking at beautiful photos inspires me to want something I cannot have! But I think there is value in studying something that is well done but not OVER done. You can absorb an ability to replicate beauty and ideas (on any budget) by studying the right kind of images.
Having an eye for beauty doesn’t mean you are obsessing over material things, or desiring something you cannot have. Obviously we don’t want to make beauty an obsession. Rich or poor, fancy or simple, in every different decorating style, we all have a need to find beauty in our life. Some of us find more pleasure in beauty than others, I realize that. For those of us who appreciate beauty, the ability to recreate appropriate beauty in our homes should lead to contentment, peace, gratitude, joy and a desire to share our home through hospitality.
WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS?
There is beauty in the simple things of life, the way light pours through a clean window in the morning. The way a collection of white dishes look all piled behind a glass cupboard, the way a reading chair can invite you in to a moment of solitude because of the way it positioned in a room, the beauty of simplicity when you see a pleasing arrangement of beautiful objects on top of a console table, the joy of a burst of color in a mostly neutral room. The serenity of a certain color scheme. The contrast between an antique and new. The balance of texture in a room, or the way a room comes to life with a bouquet of flowers. The way a colorful table creates a festive atmosphere for company. The feeling of peace when you see a room free of clutter. The intrigue of a pile of beautiful books on a bedside table. Lovely photos can reveal creative ways to accomplish a beautiful composition or pleasing space and even a well-lived life.
All of these things can be inspired by simply looking at a photo. Whether you are setting up a table for a party, decor for a wedding, designing a blog or a room, good things come from observation.
GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT
You can duplicate beauty on a budget, using & arranging what you already have or can find at a garage sale. But first you have to understand what looks pleasing to your eye. You can learn by observation. Have you heard the saying “garbage in, garbage out?” Ok, then. If you spend a lot of time looking at things that are poorly done or poorly designed (even in your own home) in an effort to keep yourself from discontent, you will not develop your eye for beauty. And your surroundings will reflect what you look at everyday. If you get used to clutter and junk, and refuse to look at clean, pretty & orderly rooms, your home will reflect that.
We all might have a different perspective on what is beautiful, of course. But you can learn from the composition, even if you were to change a few things for your own taste.
I love to look at rooms that are imperfect but yet still lovely. Those rooms are attainable and are the most intriguing to me. If I look at perfect or sterile rooms, I get a little squirmy. I have to look at rooms that people, kids, and dogs could actually live in! Furthermore, I learn design principles from photos that don’t even show actual rooms. We can learn from all sorts of lovely photos, if we allow our minds to stretch to see beauty.
AN INTERIOR DESIGN LEARNING GAME:
So, let’s start a new game on The Inspired Room. One I like to play myself. A learning game. I will share photos for you to observe from time to time on my blog. Sometimes I might share them for a whole week in a row, sometimes just on occasion here and there. So when you see the word “Observation” in the blog title, that means it will be a single photo for you to observe.
I will choose photos that have inspired me in some way (both new to you and maybe some from previous posts). I may or may not share some commentary on the photo, but either way, your job is simply to observe. You don’t have to love the room, the style, or the colors, but try to learn something from each one. If you enjoy this little exercise as much as I do, I’ll keep doing them.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PHOTO:
Here are some things to consider:
What is inspiring about the image? What could you duplicate in your own home? What feelings does the room conjure up in your mind? How was a mood created? What makes the photo or room unique or special? What draws you in? Notice the colors, the textures, the placement of objects. Notice the layers. The accessories. The mix of patterns. The lighting. How they hung the curtains. The small details. The overall effect of the room or composition.
SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS:
During our “Observation” posts, after you have studied the photo for a few moments, share your observations in the comments. There is no right or wrong here, just simply observing to hone our eye for beauty. We can learn from each other if you will all share a thought or two about what you noticed or what inspired you. Sound good? Aw, come on. Give it a try. It’ll be fun.
OBSERVATION POSTS ARE FOUND HERE!
photos:
Country Homes & Interiors via House to Home
Scott Sanders via Desire to Inspire
Decorative Country Living
Sounds like fun! I will see you tomorrow…
xo
Penny
Don’t you stop including your wonderful photos… they are so inspirational. LOVE LOVE LOVE them! Thankyou for your sourcing!
I really enjoy the photos you post. I loved the “Drive-by.” I’m looking for ideas for hanging pictures with bows and it helps to “see” what other’s are doing. I despise placing pictures. I never seem to have that perfect grouping in my own mind. But if I see something I like in a magazine or blog, then I’m okay.
Beauty…I don’t think we can have too much of it in today’s ugly world. Thanks for inspiring me to be more creative in my own home.
Great post Melissa. I always love your photos and, like you, enjoy looking at the beauty therein. I believe there is beauty and personality in the details. Like Amber, I noticed the little white lamp because I have one that was in my room during childhood. I never thought of placing items in the saucer base with the exception of my earrings as I removed them at night. Now I am picturing colorful marbles that belonged to my now teenage boys. How sweet, part of my childhood paired with that of my own children! Thanks for the inspiration.
Melissa,
This sounds like fun! I’m in. I love visiting your blog, it’s just beautiful and so inpiring.
Hugs,
Rose
This was a great post! Looking at beautiful rooms feeds my soul. I can’t explain it but it makes me happy! I think it’s just something some of us “need”. That is one of the best things about blogging…I’ve met a huge group of women that feel the same way I do!
I can’t WAIT to play!
Hi Melissa,
I wanna play too! I love to look at design magazines and blogs for ideas, my problem is that I want to change my rooms ALL THE TIME. I am such a seasonal decorator. Oh well. -Cheers, Amy
Like you, I love looking through pages of magazines and getting ideas to incorporate into my own home. Now mind you, there have been MANY times that I wanted just to toss out everything and start over – start fresh. But then the realization set in. haha. I think it is easy to be discontent with what we have sometimes. I compare it to looking at a Cosmo and getting depressed cause I don’t look like one of those perfectly poised girls. HOWEVER, we work with what we have and make the most of it.
Lovely photos, Melissa. I really like the first one – clean and fresh. Ok, that is IT~~~~~!!!!
I am ditching my furniture. haha.
xoxo
Becky
Doogie sends his love and a woof to Winston.
Hi Melissa! I love looking at beautiful rooms, but I’m sure I’m not as good as you at picking out “why” a room is beautiful and what works about them! I think some people just aren’t asthetically oriented, and so the pictures don’t inspire them the same. The “Observation” game sounds like fun!
Count me in on the observation game! I enjoyed your comment on “garbage in garbage out” because now I understand why my taste has been refined since I started looking at beautiful blogs.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi
Thank You for this post. You are so right. And one other thing, not to be afraid of doing wrong. There is no wrong! and by testing and observing you find that out and more, you challange your fears.
Maria
Melissa, this is an excellent post! Like others have posted, I truly enjoy looking at the beautiful photos and vignettes; they inspire me and comfort me, as good art can do.
I also have struggled with finding balance so that I do not become discontent. I do hope that in posting about some of that struggle, I have not offended.
We are blessed with beauty of all kinds in this wonderful world — interior design included. After all, God gave us our desire to “nest”.
Thanks for a very thoughtful post here and a great idea for learning observation skills.
What a great idea. I love looking at beautiful rooms, homes and gardens. When I first looked at the room at the beginning of your post I loved the blue hutch against the blue couch, and thought it clever how the formal chandelier was mixed with the more casual room. I never get tired of looking at lovely rooms. Karen
Melissa,
I love everything about that second photo. The sand pails, the old lawn chair, ladder, just the whole beach house look. Very soothing!
Hugs,
CAthie
I’m glad you posted this. I’m such a visual person. I appreciate every picture (beautiful or otherwise) that people put on their blogs, and I am realizing that not everyone thinks like me. I could be looking at a million dollar room and only get inspiration from the $2.00 candle sitting on the side table. But…at least it’s inspiration, right?
I agree. I get inspiration by looking at a room and also a window into people’s lives and personalities. I think a room is there for its occupants. I love looking and thinking….
I totally “get” looking at beautiful photos of beautiful rooms. Yor blog is a blessing. I found it because I am moving and looking for new design idea. I stay because of thoughtful post (and pretty pictures) like this. I have often wanted to write an article entitled “In Defense of Beauty” and I think you’ve done something quite similar in this post. Thank you!
You just summed up why I have 5 years of shelter magazines (at any given time) in an old pine cabinet in my living room. I go over them again and again, always finding new details depending on what I’m focussing on at the time.
Being a DIY-er, I’m always looking for ideas I can make my own. I can’t wait to see the comments in this fun exercise!
hi melissa. i love this activity. and you expressed yourself beautifully about what we are all doing in our homes. i look at magazines over and over. i don’t necessarily replicate something i like right away. usually it is later that i figure out how to do something nice, and it is often a blend of what i have seen in several photos. i am not always aware of what elements i have borrowed, but the effect is pleasing (and economical for the most part!). you pick the most awesome photos, and even if many are much more “decorated” than how i live, the ELEMENTS translate. this will be a very helpful excise for all your readers. many thanks! jkj
Great post Melissa! I so agree with everything you said here.
Sounds like a fun game. I look forward to playing. I have been inspired by your wonderful photos on a daily basis for quite some time now. Great post!
This is a great post, Melissa. Just checking in to say hello, and to wish you a belated happy week, and early happy weekend, as you know I tend to get my days mixed up
oh to curl up on that couch!
I totally agree with everything you said, Melissa. It’s such a positive and constructive way to beautiful rooms, encouraging inspiration rather than discontent. I know that’s the way I always look at these photos, but I know not everyone does it that way. thanks for a great pos.
i mean thanks for a great POST not pos….LOL…
Please keep posting the beautiful pictures. I draw inspiration from them. I can hone in on one single thing that will work for my home and it gives me direction and motivation to do it. I also collect another set of photos for a dream house that I know we will build on our farm land one day!
I am here to join the game – lately my observation is blue a seafom blue for my master room – a sofa blue or the walls ??? I found a sofa that’s melts my heart but will I change my mood later – ummm – Anyway I’ll be among the many …
I am so far behind. I am reading all your posts. I wanted you to know that I have been here. I love the stripes on the curtains but I kinda was overwhelmed by them.