The end of those long summer days and nights filled with the sound of tree frogs, crickets and the flicker of lightning bugs always makes me a little sad.
Most people, however, welcome fall with enthusiasm. The crisp air seems to invigorate them. It evokes in many of us the childhood memories of going to the apple orchards, bomb fires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows and going on hay rides.
Maybe it embodies the spirit of being fresh and renewed. So naturally we are likely to reflect this change of season with our decorating choices. It’s as if we have a calling to cocoon and prepare our “nest” for the colder days ahead.
If you have read my previous newsletters you know that I always try to give a few, inexpensive ideas to give your home a “new look and feel”.
Start by taking an inventory by identifying those things that definitely associate themselves with summer and pack them away. Even store furnishings such as wicker and rattan pieces.
Now try a new furniture placement. Have your sofa addressing your focal point such as the fireplace. Create a more intimate seating arrangement and anchor it by the placement of an area rug.
Try to create a secondary seating area within your room – this can simply be a chair with a small side table and lighting set apart from the other furnishings. Make it a cozy, inviting little area to curl up and read a good book.
Sprinkle the room with touches of seasonal décor and colors such as fiery maple reds and oranges. If fall colors clash with your furnishings, fabrics and wall colors then be creative with a natural look.
Place branches in a vase and add a touch of black – this could be as simple as a change out of your lampshades.
Take a few pictures of favorite outdoor views with a digital camera and print them out in sepia or black and white to frame and hang.
Add fall scents with new candles and potpourri.
Ambient lighting will have more dramatic impact if placed in front of a mirror.
Toss in a few chenille throws and large floor pillows to lie on to watch the fire or football game and you’re good to go!
