The Colors of Alexandria

Scrolling back through your photos after a trip to somewhere new is a true sign of a good time. When in a new location, I always find myself taking in my surroundings in a different way. I try to open my eyes wider to seek inspiration. During a recent trip to Washington D.C., we stayed in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Inspiration was around every corner of the cobblestone streets and historic buildings. My photos from our time there almost seem to go together as an unintentional collection. A specific color palette was weaved into the photos that I’m calling “The Colors of Old Town.” 

This hand painted sign was on the door of “Old Town Books.” This bookstore was an independently owned business with branded puzzles and library bags. I loved the symmetry of the design which added a special touch to the shop’s front door. 

We visited several small storefronts that captured a true shopping experience. The exterior buildings, visual displays, interior furnishings, and unique offerings of the storefronts were all unique. These curated elements made your shopping experience very enjoyable.

My door obsession continues. This blue, arched door was at the Carlyle House Historic Park. At the back of the mansion, a small garden was open to walk through. The next several photos are from the garden which included boxwood lined beds, brick pathways, and a central gazebo. 

This arrangement was outside of another small storefront. The white, purple, and yellow pansies all work well together. This gave me some inspiration for my own window boxes including the cypress as a thriller and ivy as a spiller. 

These terra cotta pots with scalloped edges were in a side garden of a home and decor store. A fun take to your average gardening pots. I loved the way the different sized pots looked all stacked up together. On our travels, we walked by this store three times before we were at the right place at the right time. 

Maybe this collection of colors might inspire a new summertime painting or maybe provide some interesting colors to view. Either way, I’m loving this color palette, especially the yellows. Yellow is always a hard color to work with and one I often avoid. This summer, I’m trying to embrace yellow because it never gets enough attention. Here’s to a summer full of yellow…