FALL. Here it is, early September.  Already.  Many of you are still suffering through sweltering temperatures and thinking about fall is the furthest thing from your mind.  Others are being buried in torrential rains, and a scant few are actually seeing the first hints of fall.  A few leaves turning color, falling from the tree and skittering along the ground, corn stalks turning golden and waiting for Halloween, pumpkins and gourds starting their growth spurts, the crisp air of early mornings….all harbingers of fall.

What does fall mean to interior design or home decorating?  It means a shift in color palette from the clear, bright colors of flowers and deep green fields to the rich colors of changing leaves and golden wheat fields.  It means a shift in focus from being outside playing and socializing to coming inside to snuggle in cozy rooms.  It means a shift in textures and fabrics from the cool, sheer, or smooth textures of silk or organza to the nubby and softly luxurious feeling of wools and chenille.

Are you ready to embrace fall?

September is really the buffer month between summer and fall.  There will still be some delightfully warm and sunny days.  But there will also be rain and cold nights reminding us of what’s coming.  So, September is the time to start thinking about changing summer decor and gradually adding a touch of autumn here and there so that by mid October, you’ll be fully transitioned and your home will be ready for the new season.

Every year Cindy and I extol the wonders of fall and share lots of inspiration and here are a couple of my faves from years past:  Fall in Full Swing and All Things…Orange.

The first thing I think of to start showing the change of season is to make or hang a wreath.  The only two seasons I hang a door wreath is fall and Christmas so I was looking for some ideas online – look what I found!

Fall Wreaths

This easy how-to From Thrifty Decor Chick

Better Homes and Garden’s site is always a good place for inspiration – I found these that caught my eye:

Not a traditional shape, but using foam core as a base, this would be easy to duplicate with a few supplies and glue gun!

How about a family monogram for the season?  This looks like it’s made with preserved leaves rather than silk leaves.

A seasonal wreath can also be very elegant.  I’m guessing this was constructed on a premade twig base, large seed pods added to the center, feathers and a shiny satin (very wide!) ribbon added.

Directions for this fall wreath made on a straw base can be found at Lauren’s Creative.

Add Fall Gradually

If it’s a little early and you want to ease your way into fall, try one or all of these ideas.

• Switch out your candles from summery white or aqua and bring in rusty red, orange or deep gold candles.
• Bring out a autumn colored throw.
• As soon as the leaves start to turn, cut a branch or two and bring them indoors.
• Add small gourds to a pretty bowl for a quick dinner table or coffee table centerpiece.

The hurricanes on the mantel have tissue paper wound around the inside and taped then they’re lit with a votive candle (obviously the flame needs to be well away from the paper) or you might use one of the battery candles.  An easy project that really adds a glowing touch of fall color.

Rooms in the Warm Colors of Fall

How about visiting a few rooms filled with autumn colors?

This room is beginning the transition to fall – note the pillow colors (an easy seasonal change), the orange berries in a vase on the far table and the rust and brown throws on the ottoman.  Subtle, but effective.

 

Try adding a slipcover to a piece of furniture to change it’s look and make it more “seasonal”.

Ideas Galore

This is just the tip of the iceberg….Cindy will have some of her thoughts about fall and decorating for the season next week.  We’ll pull you kicking and screaming into fall with us!  Leave us a quick comment and let us know how you address fall in your home.  Do you move slowly into the season or do you jump in with both feet?  Are you even ready to start thinking about it?

P.S.  Remember that we have our great color e-book that’s filled with tips and advice and guidelines to help you use color in your home (read more here).   Although we can’t offer free email advice any longer, we do offer personalized options at three price points.  See the details here.