Touches of Fall for the House

Now that fall is officially here it's time to add a few warm touches around the house. No need to break the bank. Take a trip to the dollar store, outside to the yard or certainly to craft stores and you will find plenty to inspire you. Hobby Lobby, Michael's and JoAnn's Fabrics are always having sales. I've had this beautiful tortoise shell vase for years. I just added a few packages of Eucalyptus stems that I picked up at the local dollar store for, of course $1 a piece, and it's an instant update for my console. 

I also swapped out my crystal candlesticks for these beautiful amber colored ceramic holders. I love the curvy shape, the detailing and how they gleam. Wooden or rustic style candle holders would be a nice touch too. I may have to bring the crystal back out for Christmas. I love the shimmer glass brings.  

 

 

Add baskets and vases with assorted flowers in warm shades of red, rust,  purple and orange. There are a wide variety of Mums out now which I believe is the official flower of fall. I chose to add to the buffet a grouping of pumpkins and gourds next to the candle holders.

This basket is from a fruit and cheese gift basket sent to a co-worker last Christmas. He was going to toss the basket so I offered to take it off his hands. You can always use a new basket and I knew this one would come in handy. 

You can even swap out mirrors. I had this lovely round filigree mirror near my front door that several months ago I painted silver....

......and I replaced it with a warmer wood mirror.

 

Now that I've changed my table tops, I think I need new pillows. Time to shop for fabric to update the sofa.

Pretty Patterns: Chevron

It's that time ya'll. The kids are on the corner waiting for the school bus, leaves are turning all shades of brown, orange and burgundy, and every grocery store as far as the eye can see is stocked with bags and bags of candy. That's right, Halloween is on it's way and people are beginning to decorate their homes with pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls. If that is not your speed you can still get the spirit in your house (no pun intended) by adding color and pattern reminiscent of Halloween like Chevron.

 

This strong, graphic, zigzag pattern reminds me of carved pumpkins especially when it's used on an orange pillow or vase. If you want to warm up your home and have a little fun without going totally Halloween consider Chevron. You don't need to invest in big pieces, just add a few throw pillows to the sofa  or toss a chevron shawl across a chair. In a rich shade of russet or dramatic black and white, it's a great way to get the feel of fall and Halloween without breaking the bank. Here are a few pieces that might inspire you. 

1. Amazon.com
2. Overstock.com
3. Overstock.com
4. Lamps Plus
5. Fabric.com
6. Amazon.com
7. Z Gallerie
8. Fabric.com
9. Lamps Plus
10. Fabric.com

Let the holiday season begin.

Autumn is Almost Here

Summer is almost over and for my money it's never too early to think about Fall. Autumn is my favorite time of year. Most people that know me will tell you that Summer is not my favorite season, but Fall, that's the ticket. I love the cooler temperature, the crispness in the air and am exhilarated seeing the leaves change to all those beautiful colors like rust, brown, orange and burgundy. The traditional way to decorate for fall is to create centerpieces or floral arrangements using a variety of gourds and dried leaves. Maybe this is a good year to incorporate something more substantial like an amber bowl, glasses or a lamp. You can also go softer with a throw blanket or make a couple of pillows with an amber colored fabric. I have a few amber colored pieces but want to add something special to the mix. Here are a few amber pieces to give you some inspiration.

Amazon

  

Fabric.com

Lamps Plus

Fabric.com

Lamps Plus

National Mosaic Supply

Mikasa

Target

Bellacor

ZGallerie

Amazon.com