Julie Harton
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Design Tips for Fall
he colorful deep reds, oranges, and yellows in the changing leaves, the crisp October nights, sipping warm apple cider fireside, and eating fresh pumpkin pie are sure things to warm the soul during the fall season. Let’s bring those colors and feelings into the home. Here are some great quick and simple ways to change your décor and transition into fall. Warm Scents: Nothing says fall like the scent of crisp fallen leaves and warm apple pie. Why not fill your home with these invigorating scents. Try making a simmering potpourri by adding dried fruit slices and spices to a simmering pot of apple cider. You can search online for recipes, but think cinnamon and apples, citrus and cloves, and pumpkin pie spices. If candles are more your style, I suggest Bath and Body Works. They have the best scents for the season and their candles burn perfectly. Nature’s Beauty: Fall is the perfect time of year to bring the outdoors in. Go on a nature walk in your backyard to collect acorns, twigs, and berries, pinecones, nuts and leaves, using these treasures from nature to decorate your home. Create a tablescape for your dining room and coffee tables by filling various glass containers with these beauties. Get creative and mix and match nuts with wheat, pinecones with pine needles, twigs with corn kernels, or apples and leaves. Colorful Crisp Leaves: Highlight the beauty of fall leaves in your décor. You can hang them in your windows or create a simple wall display by framing a variety of sizes and colors. A great way to protect the leaves is to iron them between two pieces of wax paper and cut them out before using them in your project. Autumnal Wreaths: Putting up a harvest wreath isn’t a decoration meant only for your front door. Think outside of the box and try hanging small wreaths on your dining room chairs using a velvet
ribbon. Use materials associated with the season such as golden wheat and cornhusks, dark nuts and berries, and colorful fall leaves. Pumpkins and Gourds: There are so many creative ways to decorate with pumpkins and gourds. They can be painted and carved and come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Use a variety to decorate any room in the house. Carve them out to use for flowerpots and vases or create a garland of gourds to hang anywhere. Linens: When thinking about pulling out your fall tablecloth, why not take changing this simple linen a step further? Think fall in every room! Change your bedspread or your sheets. Exchanging the lighter fabrics for deep warmer hues of the season is a sure way to bring fall into the bedroom. You can also change your throw pillows and pull out the warm cozy blankets for those chilly nights when you’ll be snuggled up on the couch. Be sure to mix and match patterns and textures. Try pairing a wool plaid pillow with a cozy chenille blanket. Don’t forget about changing your bathroom towels and kitchen linens, too. Dressing the Mantel: Fall is a great time to gather around the hearth. Why not dress up your mantle to make a more inviting space? Add candles, a gourd garland, a variety of pumpkins, or a display of fall leaves. Hang a wreath or a grouping of handmade brown paper blossoms to add another dimension and texture. Outdoor Spaces: Don’t forget to dress your outdoor spaces as well. Using the tips above for your interior spaces, decorate your front door, entryway, and patio. Try painting pumpkins with letters that spell “welcome” to invite your guests. Add throw pillows and blankets to your patio furniture for warmth, and arrange a grouping of potted plants. Use the season’s popular mums for additional color, and seasonal leafy vegetable plants such as cabbage and kale for additional texture!
Contact Julie Harton for design and creative consulting at julieharton@gmail.com. Cleveland Living Magazine Page 9