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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: new england

Color in Films: Beetlejuice

20 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

beetlejuice, comedy, death, family, films, friendship, love, new england, undead

Who hasn’t seen Beetlejuice? The story of this film is one to be remembered. Unique and strange as it is, the characters will make you laugh till you cry. You are sure to be constantly inspired by the original ideas that are expressed and how they are showcased.

Set in the New England countryside, a young couple decide to take the summer and restore/decorate their dream home. Suddenly, they both die in a car crash on the way home but realize they have become the undead. The story plays with the idea of death but with humorous undertone. As time goes by, a new family from New York move in the home with plans to renovate and turn it into a contemporary disaster. The couple try their hardest to scare the New Yorkers away while also deal with the fact that they are indeed dead, even though it feels like they are alive. All the while establishing a relationship with the one person who sees them, the depressed daughter.

Then comes Beetlejuice, who surely doesn’t need an introduction. Once the couple meet him, they gain knowledge about the undead as well as get into some trouble. The adventures are wacky and brilliant while as the same time exposing a dark side of life. I love how the color palette revolves around nature, with light and dark tones used to illustrate the emotion that runs through the film. With a happy ending, the film also tells a tale of friendship and love, which ties in very well with the characters.

This is one film from the past will always be current and sure to make you smile. Pops of color light the way as darker neutrals take you down the comedic depths of death. How can one resist?

Color in Films: Beetlejuice

Inspiration Photo Friday: Maine on my Mind

01 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

air, anniversary, clouds, lighthouse, Maine, nature, new england, ocean, sea, sky, travel, vacation, wedding

My husband and I love Maine. We first visited the beautiful state a few years ago and said we would definitely go back. Since our first year wedding anniversary is coming up in May, we have been thinking of places to go for vacation to celebrate. We can’t afford anything crazy so dream trips like going to Italy are out of the question, sadly. But the other day I thought of Maine and how much we loved it. It kind of made sense to go back and explore the things we didn’t get to see last time.

It will be our first trip with our new dog, Jenny, which should be cool. And yes, we bring our dogs with us on vacation. They are a part of the family aren’t they? I think I would be a wreck if I was away from them for more than a few days, never mind a week or two. So, a family trip it will be!

I am hoping for two weeks away, which would be so nice. I could use the time off for sure. Now that winter seems to be slowing down a bit, hints of spring are near. It’s making me anxious for the warmer weather. Spring, I must say, is one of my favorite seasons. It’s a time for rebirth and growth. The flowers start to bloom, gardening gets fun again, the trees come alive – its just so beautiful.

The last time we were in Maine, it was late September and pretty cool over there. Now that we are planning to go in May, it is going to be such a different experience. I can’t wait! The cool crisp air and warm sun, the gorgeous blue skies and soft ivory clouds, the amazing landscape that always surrounds you. Maine is so close to our hearts and we are so excited to give our love back once more.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Maine on my Mind - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Nautical Days

04 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors

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Tags

antique, boat, connecticut, fall, house, mystic, nature, nautical, new england, ocean, sea, shore, spring, stars, tree, white, winter

Boy, do I hate the cold. These past few days have been bitter for sure. Winter is never as fun and inspiring to me as spring and fall but it does have it’s beautiful moments.

Below is a photo I took in Connecticut during the end of the fall season. You can feel the cold air hitting your face and the crisp salty breeze from the ocean. I imagine myself living in this white house by the sea. Watching and waiting as the seasons pass me by. Looking out the window at night and seeing the stars twinkle. I have a sense of peace as the calming water by the shore creates a multitude of serenades, just for me.

Oh, do I miss nautical days. Being by the water always makes me feel at home. There is something about the New England area that calls out to me as I have always been drawn to its historic feel. I hear you loud and clear. Maybe one day I will not only stand on your shores but have a little white house of my own. Until then…

{You can purchase this photo in my Etsy shop for $6 + shipping}

Inspiration Photo Friday: Nautical Days - © Melissa O'Connor. All Rights Reserved

Inspiration Photo Friday: Lazy Days

23 Friday Nov 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Inspiration Photo Friday

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Tags

antique, books, connecticut, cottage, doily, fireplace, graystardesign, mantle, new england, photography, seashell, shell, travel, village, vintage

I took this photo in Mystic, Connecticut while we were visiting the Seaport. I loved walking around all the new England style buildings by the water. The stone and brick elements that were incorporated in the streets as well as the shops structures. CT will always have a place in my heart.

This shot was inside one of the small cottages in the village. I can’t resist vintage books so this mantle caught my eye immediately. The seashell was a nice touch as well. I was attracted to the richness of the colors and vintage feel of the whole set up. It reminded me of lazy days. The days you can just cuddle up with a warm blanket and read a book or daze away into dreamland. We all need days like that once in awhile, right? It’s nice to fade away into your own little world sometimes.

{You can purchase this photo in my Etsy shop for $6}

Inspiration Photo Friday: Lazy Days - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

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