Peering through the lens

I've recently been busy with some projects and haven't picked up my camera in a while and I was really "craving" a good creative photoshoot. I needed to go out and snap pictures of interesting objects and fun angles and I needed color! hummmm......but what to shoot? It's the end of winter and most stuff around here is pretty drab. I contacted my cousin and ask her if I could come over and take some shots of her house. So couldn't stop laughing! She said, " what do you want to take pictures of? The laundry, the piles and dirty dishes? " Ha! Everytime I go over to her house she has re-arranged things, added new stuff, painted something, salvaged an item into something great, etc. Her house has lots of color and interest, yet it all works together in a way that it feels alive and inviting. It has such a personal atmosphere. I love it! I am hoping that maybe I can convey that through the photos and maybe you will see something you like that might inspire you. Enjoy.... and don't forget to pick a favorite song on my playlist and turn it up while you watch the slideshow (it's so much better that way - *wink*)




I wanted to highlight a few fun things she has done that maybe you caught in the slideshow. First, I love how she takes ANY object, old or new and gives it a new purpose or personality.

Color - she uses it and is not afraid of it. Mix it, match it and splash it around.

Second, she surrounds herself with things that she loves. Maybe that is why her eclectic style works? Why not be comfortable and LOVE the environment you are in, right?


I loved the family photo she had on her wall. Just a casual photo of themwalking through the woods and printed out on regular paper. Then instead of just placing it in the frame she crumpled it up and gave it some dimension and character. The frame allows the photo to have "hills" and "dips" and take a shape of it's own.

Did you catch the scrabble pieces? My cousin took a green metal tray, hung it on the wall and uses it as a magnet board to display photos. Here, her 3 boys are showcased each with names underneath spelled out with scrabble letter magnets. Easy DIY project and a great way to repurpose a few items you may already have around your house!


And I HAVE to mention the dining room table! It's been a favorite of mine since she first created it! The top is completely decoupaged with torn world and road map pieces highlighted with black legs and it's square shape (sidenote: I love square tables). The chairs even get new covers whenever my cousin feels the whim to change them. Right now they have been covered with some denim jeans - pockets, funky seam lines and all!

I had to include a photo of her too, isn't she darling!? Her warm complexion and darling pop of color in her hair! Just as cute as her house!


Another great feature is the chalkboard wall that sits under the bar/counter area. So great for families! I love chalkboard paint and have seen so many cute things done with it. And of course the bar stools! Love the tops of those! I have my own "decoupaged" bar stools and everyone comments on them. It's so easy to do and really makes a statement! Think about it.......

I asked cousin for a favorite quote so share with all of you as well. (you know I'm a quote junkie). She has several and gave me three. I picked one I loved. I hope you've enjoyed this little "tour" and have been inspired in some small way.

(sidenote: I would love to do more posts like this, so if you'd like to see more too, let me know!) xo - Meg