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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: seasons

Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

08 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, The Home

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Andrea Beitzel, Anthology on Main, Apple and Pine Cone Wreath, Artificial Boxwood Wreath, autumn, Burlap Christmas Wreath, decor, Dried Flower Wreath, Dried Lavender Wreath, Enchanted Forest Eucalyptus Wreath, entrance, fall, Fall Harvest Wreath, Farmers' Market Herb Wreath, Faux Acorn Wreath, Forsynthia Wreath, front door, Green & White Dried Flower Wreath, Hayneedle, holiday, home, Lavender Patchwork Wreath, Lavender Round Wreath, Lemon Leaf Wreath, Lise Simple Creations, Live Ivy Wreath, Live Willow & Hydrangea Wreath, NaturDesign, New England Wreath, Paper Flower Wreath, Plow and Hearth, Pottery Barn, Red Robyn Lane, Rose Garden Wreath, seasons, Small Book Page Rosette Wreath, spring, summer, terrain, welcome, west elm, White Pinecones Wreath, Wild Ridge Design, Williams Sonoma, winter, Winter Floral Wreath, wreath, Zinnia Bouquet Wreath

Add Warmth to Your Welcome

Now that I am a homeowner, I do my best to make people feel welcome when they visit. I feel first impressions are important and that’s why the entrance to your home is a good place to start adding a little warmth. Besides keeping a clean porch and adding some accessories or flowers, placing a wreath on your door is an easy way to say welcome. I have one for every season and enjoy switching them out as the weather changes.

There are all types of wreaths you can buy. Some can be really expensive so you want to think about how long you will have it. If its something you will use for years, then go ahead and spend the money, its worth it. But if its just for a holiday, then you might want to think twice. I recommend purchasing preserved wreathes because they last a long time, if taken care of, and are essentially real. There is nothing worse than having something hang on your door that looks like a plastic toy. I think that just says you really didn’t want to try.

Well, here are some beautiful wreaths to consider. They will be sure to send some inspiration your way on how to jazz up your entrance and welcome your guests in style. Enjoy!

Spring/Summer

Rose Garden Wreath: Terrain
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Zinnia Bouquet Wreath: Terrain
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Paper Flower Wreath: West Elm
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Dried Lavender Wreath: Pottery Barn
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Green & White Dried Flower Wreath: NaturDesign
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Dried Flower Wreath: NaturDesign
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Small Book Page Rosette Wreath: Anthology on Main
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Farmers’ Market Herb Wreath: Williams Sonoma
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Forsynthia Wreath: Williams Sonoma
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Lavender Patchwork Wreath: Plow and Hearth
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Fall/Holiday

Live Willow & Hydrangea Wreath: Pottery Barn
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Live Ivy Wreath: Pottery Barn
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Artificial Boxwood Wreath: Wild Ridge Design
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Lavender Round Wreath: Williams Sonoma
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Faux Acorn Wreath: Plow and Hearth
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Apple and Pine Cone Wreath: Plow and Hearth
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Fall Harvest Wreath: Plow and Hearth
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Winter/Holiday

Enchanted Forest Eucalyptus Wreath: Hayneedle
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

White Pinecones Wreath: Lise Simple Creations
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Winter Floral Wreath: New England Wreath
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Burlap Christmas Wreath: Red Robyn Lane
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Lemon Leaf Wreath: Andrea Beitzel
Add Warmth to Your Welcome with a Wreath

Inspiration Photo Friday: True Love

15 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animals, autumn, evolution, fall, farm, farm animals, farming, gardens, nature, new york, october, plants, queens, queens farm museum, seasons, trees, vegetables, vintage farm, vintage farm wedding, wedding

Since I have been researching places for Dan and I to visit for our wedding anniversary, our wedding day has been on my mind. And since spring is right around the corner, I can’t help but think of the farm where we shared our vows.

The Queens County Farm will always have a place in our hearts. I fell in love when I saw photos, so you can imagine how much I adored this little piece of heaven when we visited it for the first time. I may have gotten distracted with other venues but in the end, both Dan and I followed our hearts and chose the farm for our special day. We visited the venue 3 times before the wedding, each different seasons, and still felt connected to the grounds and the animals. This is how you should feel about where you get married.

So, for Inspiration Photo Friday I wanted to share a photo I took upon one of our visits during the fall. It was so lush and beautiful, autumn colors everywhere. The animals were lively and the birds were singing. It was such a lovely day at the farm. I love that we can always go back, whenever we want, and have new experiences there. As the years go by, we can watch the farm get older and evolve.

It is such an amazing feeling to be connected to a place like this one. We have a lot of love for the Queens Farm and the animals that call it home. I am so happy we went with our hearts and chose this beautiful place to be a part of us forever. The Earth and its animals will always have my love…the truest love of all.

Inspiration Photo Friday: True Love - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Winter Wonderland

28 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

caumsett park, cold, long island, nature, new year, new york, path, pathway, photography, seasons, snow, trees, winter, winter wonderland

The holidays may be over but winter is officially here. The cold is making its way into our backyards and snowy days are surely due. It’s time to focus on what the year has taught us and get ourselves ready for what 2013 has to offer.

I took this photo a few winters back while visiting Caumsett Park here on the island. It was a perfect day to go because the snow added a magnificent bonus to the scenery. As I walked down the main path, I was inspired by the beautiful symmetry and natural line work of the trees. Bare as they were, they brought a nice architectural element to the shot. The path made me feel I was on my way to something great, something spectacular. Having always loved the look of pathways, it was no surprise I was drawn to Caumsett’s.

Everyday should feel like this. Looking forward, surrounded by beauty. In this case, a winter wonderland of nature’s frozen tears. Just because its cold and dreary, doesn’t mean this season has to be a sad and boring one. It’s a time to reflect. As the Earth renews itself for another year, we all should do the same. Take the time to reflect upon your accomplishments, your mistakes and the significant moments 2012 has given you.

I hope you all have a happy new year and create a winter wonderland in your heart this season. Remember, everyday can be as beautiful and inspiring as this photo. Just keep in mind that you are amazing and take the path toward positivity and happiness.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Winter Wonderland - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Flowers to Use for Fall Holidays and Events

10 Saturday Nov 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Daisy Hart, Guest Posts, Weddings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

autumn, berries, bouquets, brown, calla lily, daisies, decorations, dried leaves, Fall Holiday Flowers, gardenias, Gloriosa lily, halloween, hydrangeas, peonies, Pumpkin, red astilbe, red roses, reds, ribbon, rye grass, seasons, sunflowers, Table Runner, traditional, twigs, vines, Wedding Flower Ideas, weddings, yellows

There are many wonderful opportunities to use and give away flowers during the fall season. It could be a wedding, pumpkin decorations or simply flower garlands and autumn-themed decorations of our homes for those with a sense of aesthetic. For that reason we are ready to give you some great ideas on how to enjoy preparing a beautiful gift for your friends, family or yourself by pointing out the best fall season flowers and their respective occasions. Thanks to Flower Delivery in the UK for these great ideas!

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers

Wedding Flower Ideas
Although years ago summer was the preferred season for weddings because of its favorable weather and bright, sunny days it is now fall which is becoming increasingly popular due to its particular charm. The best thing about this season are the scents, the vibrant colors and clean, crisp air far removed from the heat and humidity of summer.

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: (left) Brides.com (right) Knotforlife.com

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: The Sweetest Occasion

The best way to go about decorating bouquets and arches of flowers is by combining them with dried leaves and twigs. They will symbolize the change of seasons and will feel more than natural in these environments. Remember yellows, reds and browns are your friends, however you can always combine this with flowers such as daisies, the gorgeous calla lily, hydrangeas, red roses and combinations of berries, rye grass and vines are a great way to combine all of these in a work of art.

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: Brides.com

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: Brides.com

Bouquet Centerpieces
Reception tables often need something to keep them good at attracting attention. For that reason bouquet centerpieces are a great way to catch the eye. Add some autumn leaves to the arrangement of flowers since they will be easily available. On the other hand, adding a yellow or brown ribbon also works well. Use your imagination and trust your inner sense of aesthetic beauty when arranging the bouquet for the best results possible.

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: Brides.com

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: Western Wedding Flowers

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: Brides.com

Pumpkin Decorations
Although these may not be extremely popular in other countries outside North America where Halloween is not celebrated they are a traditional idea and their symbolism as a representation of autumn is well-known. You can carve up pumpkins filling them with fall leaves and flowers in nice bright orange, yellow or red colors. You can use mini calla lilies in red and orange colors or hydrangeas as a nice, classic flower arrangement. These decorations will easily add color to your table and they will spark the autumn mood and lift the spirits.

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: Eddie Ross

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: (left) Kate’s Place (right) The New York Botanical Garden

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: A Pretty Life

Table Runner Flower Garland
This is a great way to put some color and life on your table by placing such a flower garland running around the whole table. You can use flowers such as the Gerber daisy, orange roses and hypericum berry. You can place those on a wall or arching over a doorway, or even on the table in such a manner which will spark the attention and tease the imagination.

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: Real Simple

Guest Post: Fall Holiday Flowers
Photo Credit: Love to Know Weddings

Other Flowers You Might Use
You can always use more than what we mentioned here of course, there are plenty of chances to use flowers such as Gloriosa lily, red astilbe, sunflowers, daisies, peonies, gardenias and pretty much anything your heart desires. If you go to a flower shop simply trust your inner feeling on what you’d like to place there for your event. Don’t go traditional even, just do what feels natural to you and be unique!

http://www.flowerdelivery.org.uk/wedding-flowers/

Written by Daisy Hart

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