Autumn at Home

Autumn at home is settling in for a season of warm and cozy style. As the official beginning of autumn arrives lovely reminders of its visual and tactile beauty script a love letter to a cozy autumn at home.

Autumn-detail-decor

The Cottage Journal

“An empty room is a story waiting to
happen, and you are the author.”

—Unknown

fall-autumn-vignette

Kabinett & Kammer, Franklin, NY

Cozy is a delightful guest- one who never wears out its welcome.

vintage-pottery-assortment

Vintage Pottery – Etsy

homey-graphic

(of a place or surroundings) pleasantly comfortable and cozy.”
pleasantly comfortable and cozy.

“a homey atmosphere”

Mid 19th century hand painted folk art cupboard

Mid 19th Century Hand Painted Folk Art Cupboard

When the seasons change it drives inspiration to create and update standout statement vignettes, spots, and corners ready to capture the eye and the essence of the current season.

cottage-fall-afternoon

House & Garden – Photography by Martin Morrell

Years ago our local AM radio station hosted a weekday show called Swap Shop, a radio marketplace format for treasure hunting buyers and sellers.

Swap shop is what I call it when I treasure hunt around the house swapping and switching from within.

“Autumn is the season to find contentment at home
by paying attention to what we already have.”

—Unknown

robin-egg-blue-lamp-vintage

Walish and Stambaugh

Transitioning the spaces and places in your home is easily achieved through welcoming rich warm colors and engaging layers to create and convey a cozy mix.

happimess-Michael-35_22-Wicker-Storage-Trunk_2C-Brown

happimess Michael 35″ Wicker Storage Trunk, Brown – Butterscotch

Versatility and style is year-round, but there’s just something about a wicker storage trunk that’s woven into the fabric of fall and winter.

Storage solution for a cozy throw or comforter perfect on a crisp autumn evening.

Bedding set made with Liberty fabric 'Wiltshire'

Bedding from Liberty Fabric ‘Wiltshire’

Fall Scented Linen Spray

Ingredients

½ cup water

½ cup vodka

8-10 drops fall scented essential oil(s)

Directions

Mix water and vodka together in a clean spray bottle.

Add essential oil or combination of oils to mixture, swirling to blend.

Essential oil scents and combinations to consider:

Sweet orange, clove bud and cinnamon bark.

Pumpkin pie.

Brown sugar, apple pie and nutmeg.

Wood spice.

Sweet tangerine.

Cedarwood.

velvet-ribbon-bows-candle-sticks

Rowen & Wren

Classic seasonal decor accents convey timeless chic.

framed-pumpkin-print-muted

Printable Pumpkin Still Life Painting

Naida Armchair with Carved Legs

Naida Armchair with Carved Legs | ARTFUL LIVING DESIGN

Where pastel and bright colors rule the spring into summer color palette, the autumnal allure realized through the choices of darker tones and seasoned finishes resembles nature’s contribution to the rich traditional fall color palette.

antiques-graphic

Warm colors mingled among textured accents, collected finds, and antique pieces set against the backdrop of layers of soft and comfy candlelight or a crackling fire in the fireplace invite cozy to settle in and stay awhile.

Antique Mahogany Pedestal Chippendale George lll Style Tilt Top Pie-crust Carved Tea Table

Chippendale George III Style Tilt Top Pie-crust Carved Tea Table

Lauren-Bacall-at-home-1952

Lauren Bacall at Home 1952 – Photography by Sid Avery

In celebration of what would have been Lauren Bacall’s 100th birthday along with her penchant for cozy spots and spaces.

Edwardian Gate Leg Side Table, Circa 1900

Edwardian Gate Leg Side Table, Circa 1900

Antique pieces give heart and soul to a space.

Victorian Antique Bobbin Turned Needlepoint Corner Chair

Victorian Antique Bobbin Turned Needlepoint Corner Chair

Introducing one or more antique pieces and accents into a predominantly modern decorating scheme anchors a space in character and charm, while striking a balance between visual flow and focal point finery.

antique-furniture-finishes-warm-cozy

Rich distinctive finishes integrate depth and warmth.

fall-outdoor-tablescape

Southern Living Magazine – Photography by Helen Norman

Seasonal tabletop accents enhance a fall-autumn-Thanksgiving table set for gathering together.

Set Of 4 Tonquin Dinner Plates

Set Of 4 Tonquin Dinner Plates

Set Of 6 Harvest Turkey Dinner Plates

Set Of 6 Harvest Turkey Dinner Plates

Assorted 6 Pumpkin Appetizer Plate

Assorted 6″ Pumpkin Appetizer Plate

Setting a seasonal table with collectibles, curiosities, oddities, and in-season decor pieces serves up dimension and focal point finery, and more times than not makes for a “where did you get this?” conversation.

Fitz-and-Floyd-Fall-Harvest-10.75In-Pheasant-Figurine

Fitz and Floyd Fall Harvest 10.75In Pheasant Figurine

fall-books

Pinterest

natural-centerpiece-nest

Windsor dining chairs fall right into place as autumn at home dining chair options.

Brooklyn-Brownstone-deVOL-kitchen

Brooklyn Brownstone – deVOL Kitchens

Windsor-Armchair

Sanctuary Armchair (Set of 2)

Autumn in the kitchen signals soup’s on.

Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

When asked the space in my house that most realizes fall has come home, without a doubt it’s the kitchen.

Vintage ceramic Pillivuyt Pilivite French Rabbit Hare Game Pie Pate Dish Tureen

Old terrine with hare head, Pillivuyt, France

Great serving pieces, serving trays, compotes, set of table linens, throw pillows, lamps, wall accents, rugs- it doesn’t take a complete space overhaul or remodel to introduce texture, color, or pattern of the season to your interior or exterior home decor.

Antique pewter bowl

Antique Pewter Bowl  pear shape handle on lid

Vintage Japanese Soup Tureen with Plate and Lid from the 70s

Vintage Japanese Soup Tureen with Plate and Lid from the 70s

Vintage Ornate Brown Fruit Design Soup Tureen With Platter Lid And Spoon

Vintage Ornate Brown Fruit Design Soup Tureen With Platter Lid And Spoon

Recipes, dishes, and treats fall into the category of creature comforts.

autumn-harvest-rice-for-fall

Autumn Harvest Rice Recipe

“Nostalgia—that’s the Autumn,
Dreaming through September
Just a million lovely things
I always will remember.”

—Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

apple-pecan-walnut-cake

Apple Nut Cake Recipe

spice rub

Taste of Fall Spice Rub

Ingredients

2 Tablespoon minced onion

2 Tablespoon dried thyme

2 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

1 Tablespoon dried parsley flakes

2 teaspoons ground cloves

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 bay leaves

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients together.

Store spice rub in an airtight container.

cozy-at-home-graphic-black

Damask Embroidered Upholstery Fabric

Damask Embroidered Upholstery Fabric

Hand Tufted Hand Made 100% Wool Transitional Oriental Area Rug Slate

Hand Tufted Hand Made 100% Wool Transitional Oriental Area Rug Slate

Yellow Wheat Reversible Decorative Pillow

Yellow Wheat Reversible Decorative Pillow

autumn-at-home-fall-accents

Lulu Decor Cast Iron Door Stop (Key)

Antique Chinoiserie Red Lacquer Papier Mache Match Holder Match Striker

Metal Table Lamp with Patterned Shade

Rowyn Wire Brushed Wood 62-inch Entryway Dining Bench

Napping Cat Shaped Accent Rug with Skid-Resistant Backing

Assorted 11″ Pheasant Tabletop Accent by Ashland®

Antique Brass Andirons, Fireplace Brass Firedogs

Wooden-Artificial-Rattan-Dining-Chairs-2pcs-for-Small-Spaces-Kitchen

Wooden Artificial Rattan Dining Chairs 2pcs for Small Spaces Kitchen

Table Lamp with Urn Style Base with Floral Designs with Decorative Dome Style Art Glass Shade

Table Lamp with Urn Style Base with Decorative Dome Style Art Glass Shade

This Barrister Lane 3-Drawer Sindoori Mango Chest of Drawers impresses for a few reasons. The under $300 price point sits well, the finish offers a rustic charm, and the overall size makes this piece a versatile choice for most spaces.

Barrister Lane 3-Drawer Sindoori Mango Chest of Drawers

Barrister Lane 3-Drawer Sindoori Mango Chest of Drawers

Hardware enhancement elevates the detail and increases visual interest.

walnut-oak-pine-cabinet-knobs

Carved Wood Fruit and Nut Large Pull Reproductions

Apple-Wreath-by-The-Wood-Grain-Cottage-fall

DIY Apple Wreath from The Wood Grain Cottage

Fall Fruit Facts: 

Did you know there are 7500 varieties of apples grown throughout the world with 1oo varieties grown commercially here in the United States.

Cinnamon (also called quills) is the perfect spice compliment to sweet and salty drinks and dishes.

Pears are members of the rose family with origins dating back to 1000 B.C.

To commemorate the taste of fall and the annual parish fair midway favorite, I’m thinking baked caramel apples are a must.

bag-Gala-apples

Back in our antiques auctions days, I bid on and won a collection of small decorative plates including this Pheasants in flight showstopper.

vintage-napkins-gold-amber-ribbon (2)

Touches and hints of the season through decor additions and updates inspired by the best features of the season.

Pheasant Wall Art, Vintage Digital Print

Pheasant Wall Art, Vintage Digital Print

“Ah, September!
You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul…
but I must confess that I love you only because
you are a prelude to my beloved October.”

― Peggy Toney Horton

 

Darleen-signature-love

 

 

Summer Decor Suggestions

Summer decor rich in high tide style focuses on the hallmarks of summer-casual, comfortable, and seasonally chic.

croquet-staircase

Margo Moore Interiors

Undeniably stunning, interior and exterior updates in splash of summer sass colors, textures, and patterns welcome great looks and good vibrations.

pink front door welcome porch

HGTV Magazine – Photography by Alyssa Rosenheck

Summer Scenes, Seashells, and Seagrass Rugs

Retro Day at the Beach Ocean Print (3)

Retro Day at the Beach Ocean Print

Coastal-Pink-Cabin-print-by-Karen-Fields

Coastal Pink Cabin Print by Karen Fields

High tide style can easily be introduced into your summer decor in several low cost-high impact ways with items discovered on a summer outing to the beach, lake, coast, shore, keyboard or dollar store.

shells-collar-summer

Designer Matilda Goad – House & Garden -Photography by Sarah Maingot

Seashells.

Beach rocks.

Decorative coral.

Driftwood.

Cypress.

You get the idea.

seashells-in-basket

Photo by Annie Spratt 

Summer decor suggestions for using sea shells include:

whitewashed-beaded-mirror

Claire Reeve Interiors 

Displays housed in cylinder vases and under glass cloches.

cylinder-vase-candle-filled-with-decorative-shells

Glass Cloche Pillar Candle Holder Clear - Threshold™

Glass Cloche Pillar Candle Holder Clear – Threshold™

Summer themed vignette.

Carvings and appliques.

Traditional Light Finish Wooden Round Table Top

Traditional Light Finish Wooden Round Table Top

Mirror mirror on the wall.

Beach Decor - Large Natural Coral Mirror

Beach Decor – Large Natural Coral Mirror

Seasonal themed serving pieces.

Coastal Seashell Inspired Metal Serving Bowl with White Aquamarine Finish

Coastal Seashell Inspired Metal Serving Bowl with White Aquamarine Finish

Seagrass is a woven material derived from the dried leaves of underwater marine flowering plants.

custom-seagrass-rug

Seagrass continues to dazzle as a durable and affordable material in the home decor world as it adds texture and depth to a space, while the neutral color variations and warm tones personify the casual yet elegant ambiance associated with summer.

Lakehouse-Living-Room-seagrass-rug

Domino – Photography by

Ideal alone for summer decorating, a seagrass rug will continue to be a style staple into the fall into winter season by way of layering.

Rich tones and textures known to a fall or winter area rug will cozy right up to top billing when layered over a seagrass rug.

blue-roll-arm-accent-chairs

Digs Design Company

Sails and Summer Sales

antique-brown-desk

House & Garden – Photography by Alicia Taylor

Sailing Ship Crystal Chandelier

Sailing Ship Crystal Chandelier

Blue Wedgwood Sailboat Butter Pat

Blue Wedgwood Sailboat Butter Pat

Summer sales kicked off over the 4th of July holiday, and retailers are primed and ready for sale days over the next couple of weeks.

Brass Sailboat and dolphin figurine, bookend, doorstep

Brass Sailboat and Dolphin Figurine-Bookend-Doorstep

Table Lamps

Table lamps remain an excellent accessory choice when updating your home to reflect the look of the season.

Handwoven Seagrass Table Lamp

Handwoven Seagrass Table Lamp

Cottage style epitomizes charm, and this cottage style accent table lamp brings to mind the casual elegance of coastal design while standing the test of time and trend.

Livabliss Cottage Accent Table Lamp

Livabliss Cottage Accent Table Lamp

Notably an impressive year-round reminder of summer, however, home decor accessories that transition with ease from one season to another qualify as must have foundation pieces

Torny White Glazed With White Linen Shade

Torny White Glazed With White Linen Shade

Fresh Flowers

outdoor-garden-party-sunflowers

Flower Magazine – Photography by Mary Craven Dawkins

When I see a colorful aromatic bouquet display in the grocery store floral department, I’m immediately on summer vacation.

fresh-yellow-roses-blue-hydrangeas

Excitement discovered in the arrival and check in process is enhanced through the sight and scent of tropical floral arrangements.

green-velvet-square-back-french-dining-chairs

 Liz Caan Interiors

I’ll pick up a bouquet on my next trip to the grocery store filing the purchase under treat the eye and the senses to a splash of summer style.

By the Pool Ambiance

pool-lounge-chairs

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Annie Schlechter

Cooling summer pool time revives the mind and refreshes the body on a hot summer afternoon.  

No Pool?

No Problem!  

Create by the pool ambiance on the summer style patio.

dining-porch

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Ngoc Minh Ngo

Set a seasonal tablescape in casual coastal elegance to sea and sand to.

watermelon-slices-in-bowl-on-countertop

1stDibs – Photography by Katie Charlotte Photography

Display a decorative arrangement of seasonal fruit on an accent table, coffee table, kitchen island or dining table.

jessica-helgerson-marble-kitchen-backsplash

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

What the apple is to fall, citrus is to summer.

blue-shade-pendant-lights-over-kitchen-island

House Beautiful- Photography by Lindsay Salazar

Particularly delicious and delightful, may I suggest inviting flavors and fruits fresh and bright to the summer party.

kitchen-pantry-olive-branches-in-water

 Rachel Parcell

Summer citrus is ripe for admiring, slicing and garnishing.

pink Cadillac margaritasPink Cadillac Margaritas ~ Southern Living

Don’t forget a touch of tropical in your summer decor plans.

summer-tablescape-blue

1stDibs – Photography by Francesco Lagnese

Turquoise Sun Leaf Shaped Serving Platter

Turquoise Sun Leaf Shaped Serving Platter

leaf-dinner-napkins

Better-Homes-Garden-Hello-Reversible-Tropical-Outdoor-Pillow

Better Homes & Garden Hello Reversible Tropical Outdoor Pillow

pastel-summer-colors-swings-fair

“Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.”
­—Van Morrison

I hope these summer decor suggestions offer seasonal decorating ideas for the summer spaces and places in your home.

Darleen-signature-love

Winter Blues

Winter blues is prime for reinterpretation when warming up your home decor for winter.

winter-blues-sky-snow-covered-trees

Tomas Tuma

If winter was a dance imagine it a December to March waltz keeping 3/4 time in a slow and graceful step.

Wintertime weather coupled with shorter days often leads to extended periods of time spent indoors hibernating, if you will.

This exact time of the year and season naturally slows the pace of our day to day presenting an opportune time to recharge and refresh self and home.

Home-in-blue

Time spent in the company, cozy comfort, and beauty of our home is time well spent.

fireplace tile

Better Homes & Gardens

Feathering one’s nest in this time between the end of the holiday hustle and bustle and spring’s arrival in winter blues offsets the harshness of the actual winter blues.

Small touches in seasonal splendor will do the trick.

blue-Delft-tile-estate-find

My winter blues estate sale find that made getting up at the crack of dawn on a cold dreary February morning worth it.

Delft-tile-wagon

Perhaps it’s time to add to the collection with this trio of framed Mosa Holland Delft blue tiles.

Delft-tile-framed-windmill

Trio of Mosa Holland Delft Blue Tiles Framed Bridal Couple Shoemaker Windmill

Delft-tile-working

blue-white-porcelain-vase-stems

Southern Home Magazine – Photography by Julie Soefer

Fresh or faux florals and/or stems placed in a blue and white porcelain vase or ginger jar brings in seasonal elements and elevates the tone and tenor of the space.

Blue & White Peony Temple Jar With Lion HandlesBlue & White Peony Temple Jar With Lion Handles

pink-camellias-on-bush

micheile dot com 

Mid-winter blooms of pink and white camellias floating in a blue and white porcelain bowl is a mid-winter tabletop centerpiece tradition in many Southern homes.

Porcelain-14-inch-Blue-and-White-Ladies-Bowl-China

Handmade 14″ Blue and White Ladies Porcelain Bowl

blue-and-white-and-other-stories-personal-journey-through-colour-William-Yeoward (1)

“In the winter she curls up around a
good book and dreams away the cold.”

— Ben Aaronovitch

vintage-classic-bound-books

CharmingTreasurFinds

mark-sikes-blue-white-dining-room-Amy Neunsinger

Veranda – Mark D. Sikes – Photography by Amy Neunsinger

classic-blue-table-setting

Real Simple – Photography by Addie Juell

blue-white-plates (1)

winter-blues-home-decor

Blue Chinoiserie Toile PIllar Candle
SAFAVIEH Lighting Blue and White Color Swirls Glass Table Lamp (Set of 2)
Persian Pouf
Roses Still Life Painting Printable
Blue Hydrangea Wreath
Ceramic Chinoiserie Decorative Jar
Devon Cottage Dinner Plate
Lauren Ralph Lauren Handmade Olivier Floral Wool Rug
Sutton Tufted Robbins Egg Blue Arm Chair
Mainstays 300 Thread Count Easy Care Percale Pillowcase Set of 2

settee-blue-white-pillows

Chinois Complete Stencil Set

So many of us who enjoy interior (and exterior) decorating know it to be an absolute labor of love.

Decorating home and hearth in a manner which best reflects the current season focuses on warming up your decor with an item or two depicting nature inspired colors, patterns and textures visually aligned with this time of year and pieces that simply speak settle in to the senses.

bedroom-winter-blue-white-lamps

Gracious Farmhouse

Softer lighting options.

Scents of the season.

Layering with fabrics of cozy and comfort.

Warm spot accents in shades of calming winter blues.

Chatelet Blue Chest

Chatelet Blue Chest

winter-blues-home-accents-2

Katerina Floor Clock
Jesse Printed Jute Rug
Isla Block Print Pleated Chandelier Shade
Leighton Pleated Chandelier Shade
Limited Edition Riverbed Drum Lamp Shade
Foo Dogs – Set of 2
Piedmont 4-Light Lantern

linens-blue-white

Sometimes it does seem we are settling in for a long winter’s nap.

Warm to winter blues with spot additions such as a new set of pillowcases, throw or duvet.

Jacquard Chenille Throw

As the thaw of winter initiates the need for lighter weight linens sherpa gives way to chenille for evening air perfectly balanced between crisp and cool.

Printed-Design-Cotton-Collection-400-Thread-Count-Light-Blue-Toile-Duvet-Set

Printed Design Cotton Collection 400 Thread Count Light Blue Toile Duvet Set

January treats include these late winter into spring blue and white pillowcases and a pretty in pink chenille tufted throw from Walmart.

blue-white-cotton-percale-pillowcases

300 Thread Count Easy Care Percale Pillowcase Set of 2,  Blue Floral

All in for a little under $25.00, and let me just say they are quite lovely and a perfect preview of spring things to come.

pink-tufted-chenille-throw

Madison Park Off-White Chenille Tufted Throw

Curb appeal discovered with this distressed blue embossed tin mailbox sure to put a hint of spring in your step out to porch or street on a winter day to get the mail routine.

Distressed Blue Embossed Mail Box

Creative Co-Op Distressed Blue Embossed Mailbox

Addition and subtraction; the decorating formula for seasonal decorating.

Warm additions welcome comfort at fall into winter.

Rich.

Cozy.

Xenial.

winter-blues-paint-colors

Before you know it spring days turn to oh, those summer nights where pastels, prints, and pretty naturally lighten the aesthetic and the ambiance.

Spaces and places in the home welcome style home year round when character and charm enter the equation.

Darleen-signature-love

Fetching Friday: December Wonderland

Today’s Fetching Friday finds us in the holiday spirit scrolling in a December Wonderland.

fetching-definiton

The twelfth month of the calendar year ushers in season’s greetings, snow dusted scenes, and visions of seasonal beauty dancing in a December wonderland.

snow-falling-December

Sleigh Bells and Jolly Tumblr

rachel parcell front doors

Rachel Parcell – Pinterest

Christmas-tree-French-toast

French Toast Christmas Tree

holiday-foyer-tree-garland-banister-Paul-Massey (1)

House & Garden – Photo by Paul Massey

December wonderland

“Kindness is like snow.
It beautifies everything it covers.”

—Kahlil Gibran

Christmas-Barn

Classy Girls Wear Pearls

amaryllis-berries-Sybil-Sylvester

Southern Home Magazine

winter-fire-pit-outdoors-snow (1)

it's-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-wallpaper

Wallpaper Cave

Yes, Virginia, it is the most wonderful time of the year in a December wonderland.

Darleen-signature-love

Let the Official Fall Colors Flaunt Begin!

I admit to checking the fall countdown clock several times this afternoon. An obvious love of the fall/autumn season drives my thoughts, naturally inspiring me to get with the decorating in full fall colors flaunt program.

fall-countdown-clock

This collage features scenes of seasonal interest, inspiration for future fall themed blog posts, color, pattern and texture of the season, and a late fall/early winter photo of the newlywed couple.

fall colors flaunt

I can’t wait to share the photos from their wedding.

Gorgeous.

Gorgeous.

Gorgeous!

Spoken, or as in this case typed, like the proud mother of the groom.

nantucket-New-England-Home

New England Home

Fall’s traditional color palette is unequivocally breathtaking, but when married with shades of blues and jaw-dropping antiques the result is exceptional.

squirrel-fall-leaves

El Capitan-fall

El Capitan at Fall

fall-Apples-red-green

Obsessed best describes my fall fascination with the portrait of William I, Prince of Orange.

Fall colors flaunt divine.

William I, Prince of OrangeWilliam I, Prince of Orange

faux-pumpkins-pottery-barnPottery Barn

fall-Ralph-Lauren-HomeRalph Lauren Home

jade-jackson-engagement-picture

Friday, September 22 at 3:02 pm marks the fall starts spot.

The clock is ticking and the fall colors flaunt excitement is building.

love your style

Images of Christmas

In appreciation of the traditional season’s greeting, it seems a most befitting introduction to the images of Christmas in this pictorial series.

images of Christmas

Sights and sounds, traditional colors, songs, decorations, and displays delight, and these images of Christmas showcase a few of my favorite things.

wreath-on-blue-door

Victoria Magazine

As the holiday pace picks up, I’m reminded it will come and go like the blink of an eye.

Making sure to fill the house with Christmas music, the slow cooker with scents of the season, and the cookie jar ushers in holiday at home feelings.

That definitely brings to mind and eye images of Christmas in seasonal splendor.

blue-white-christmasAt Home In Arkansas

This holiday show and tell is a small sights of the season sampling of featured images of Christmas finery gifting gorgeous oohs and aahs.

Enjoy!

atlanta-homes-and-lifestyle-home-facebookAtlanta Homes & Lifestyles

christmas-tradition

Southern Living

There’s no place like home for the holidays.

gallery-1474482085-clx1206food013 Country Living

Stunning!

sl-foyerSouthern Living

holiday-foyerStyle at Home for the Holidays

Christmas-cookie-shopSweets of the Season

cards-tray

Conversation Cards

Simply elegant.

peppermint-sticks-in-silver-cups  Good Housekeeping

christmas_trees_for_every_style_southern_livingChristmas Curb Appeal

Darleen-signature-love

Making Things Pretty

Over this past weekend, Dave the Builder and I were arguing chatting about making things pretty in the grand scheme of  all things house that make a home.

Over the past 30+ years of togetherness in everything from friendship, marriage, child rearing, and business, we have been known to have our cuss it and discuss it moments.

Making things pretty can get ugly sometimes- it’s part of the process.

The quickest way to diffuse a contentious all things house that make a home moment is to start a new conversation about starting a new project!

The allure of design and decorating possibilities has a very strong appeal.

It works for us, and it worked again this past weekend.

fall-front-door-display

Constructing a fall entryway display wasn’t exactly on my fall decorating weekend to-do list, but neither was a building brouhaha.

I adopted the I’m a decorator not a fighter attitude, and from there decorating inspiration and let’s project something harmony began to“fall” into place.

front-door-arrangement-for-fall

Our don’t overthink it display evolved from items amassed for decorating times like this- an antique spindle bed post, a wooden garden basket, clippings from our cotton stalk stash, mums, a collection of faux gourds, a piece of wood from the bayou, a planted boxwood, concrete pineapple statue and one lone white pumpkin.

making things pretty

I phoned the Canadian snowbird aka our son several weeks ago with my request for pics of true fall foliage.

Louisiana will eventually see fall colors, but I was looking forward to seeing images of true fall crimson reds, deep purples and tawny maple golds.

JJ-dogsJ, J, Ollie and Caramel the Wonder Rescue Dog

It seems a Canadian cold front/rain event did away with the crimson red and deep purples leaving behind only the tawny maple golds and sweater weather.

Faux flowers and seasonal decorating accouterments fill in the blanks nature can’t.

gourds-boxwood-cotton1

Sharing in the hand me that and it needs something responsibilities, we spent the afternoon making things pretty for the fall of it all.

As I put the finishing touches on the fall entryway display, a gust of crisp fall air blew across the porch to the delight of Dave the Builder, the kitty cat and this decorista.

Perfect timing!

sir-kitty-kat

A pot of strong Louisiana coffee brewed for two made the afternoon near perfect.

wood

Photo editing is a wonderful concept.

I am becoming more and more enamored with this part of the making pretty process.

When you can take something slightly imperfect and invest time, effort and vision to produce a work rich in substance and beauty, the result is visually amazing.

Photo editing, decorating, marriage- you get the picture.

fall-theme

Love your style!

Inspired Ideas Floating Around

With all the inspired ideas floating around for the upcoming blog season, I find I’m not quite ready to throw in the summer beach towel just yet.

The summer has been a stylish one, and has turned out to be an interior decorating and home decor success in terms of trends and retail offerings.

pool-float

In the upcoming months we will color our world in fall colors.

Color knows all seasons, and is never far from the center of my decorating thoughts.

beach-red-white-blue-chairs

We will see, source and discuss pattern and texture.

palmeral_blue_shade_and_pineapple_lamp-_72dpi-1024x1024House of Hackney

Always a delicious source of conversation, fall is a grand time to season the season with fantastic comfort food features.

Grilled-Watermelon-Feta-Stacked-Salad-5Cooking for Keeps

Same goes for cooking tips and c’est si bon recipes!

Le-CreusetClassic Le Creuset

I look forward to sharing with you all the best of the season in home decor finds, antiques treasures and travel tales.

map-810px-Claude_Bernou_Carte_de_lAmerique_septentrionaleCommons

Home accents, decor and furnishings markets are gearing up to reveal what’s new for the upcoming fall season in decorating trends and home decor.

Interior decorating, tailgating times, holiday happenings, fall colors on parade decor accents and accessories suggestions and inspired ideas to dish and decorate around will follow, and I for one can’t wait!

The summer blogging pace is slowing down for a few weeks in anticipation of a full-on fall preview.

I am looking forward to things to come, and hope you will tune in for the Places In The Home fall design and decorating show and tell.

I promise it will not disappoint.

Love your style!