Showing posts with label Seasons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seasons. Show all posts

Falling Into Fall - Part I

Since Fall is upon us, I thought it would fun to discuss a few ways you can give your home some seasonal accents without breaking the bank.  Today, I want to talk about the use of fabrics to accomplish this.  You don't have to reupholster a chair or sofa to get this look either.  The most affordable ways are through pillows, throws, slipcovers and even strips of fabric used in clever ways to give you a custom look.  

Often clients will tell me Fall colors don't go with the colors of their home.  So, their solution is to simply ignore the season and wait for Winter.  This is usually the case with cool tone interiors such as blues, grays, pinks, and lavenders.  There are ways to give these colors a Fall take.   But first lets look at the easier of the two - warm toned interiors.  The traditional colors of Fall - oranges, reds and yellows work great to give you the look if you already have a warm toned base in your space.

Warm Toned Interiors
Color blocking with orange and red velvet pillows does the trick.  Simple. Simple.  These pillows have turned this white beachy style into a cozy Fall retreat.  The rug helps too!
Architectural Digest



This works in bedrooms too.  By adding an orange blanket or duvet and just one fabulous pillow (I think this is Schumacher - Zanabar), you are there.

Look what a simple throw can do . . .  (add cut branches of leaves from the garden to a clear glass vase and you've repeated the color for amazing results).  I think it's interesting that once you added a color, any other items in the room that have that color starting speaking to it.  Did you notice the books on the console table that have orange/red yellow covers?  And the bits of rust in the painting?    

Again, color blocking with orange velvet pillows and a throw.

Cool Toned Interiors
OK, so easy peasy if you have warm tones.  But what about the cool tones.  If you have cool undertones like grays and blues, what do you do?  You go for browns and greens.  You will be amazed what this can do.

In this example, the striped pillow does the trick.  Honestly, I think it is styled for Spring since you have the yellow vases, but change these to more muted tones and you are there.
via 


In addition to color, think patterns that speak to Fall - plaids, strips and even florals in the right tones all speak to Fall.  Also, don't forget texture - flannel, wool and cashmere.

In this image there is not a bit of orange/yellow/red.  But it still feels like Fall to me with the camel throw and plaid.  So cozy.
via

Earlier, I mentioned strips of fabric to change the look.  You can take a strip of any Fall fabric, and change the look of a wingback chair (you could even have it monogrammed).   Sort of like this example with the chocolate flannel . . .  (sorry it's blurry, I took it with my iPhone).

And just because I'm feeling generous, here are a few of my favorite fall fabric finds.  Any of these could be custom made into pillows, slipcovers and even those super cool strips of fabric to be used on sofas, accent and dining chairs for added texture.

Favorite Go To Fall Fabrics
Spice Velvet
via

Blue/Grey Plaid

Embrodered Linen


Camel Houndstooth

GEO Cut Velvet

Enjoy your day, everybody.  M.


It's Monday

I hope everybody had an excellent weekend.  The weather here in Birmingham cooled off and the humidity disappeared.  It felt like Fall which is so rare this time of year in the deep South.  We had a great break and spent some time with friends at their lake house.  The cool weather and rustic feel of their house has so put me in the mood for Fall.  If you are already tired of fall images you may want to avert your eyes.  Here are a few of my favorites that are floating around on the Internet.   

Love this faux bois throw.  The faux wood pattern is such a current look.  I'm seeing it on pillows, fabrics, wallpaper, even an acrylic side table.

Doesn't this make you want to grab an overnight bag and make yourself comfortable for the weekend?  

I like this entire outfit, but that bag is screaming my name.   

I have to plan an evening when it's a bit cool to sit outside with a cozy throw like this.

Just good on every. single. level.

Can you hear how quiet it is in the image.  Totally unwind here.

I can imagine the lake just beyond the trees.  This room appears to have a panoramic view.  



I'm thinking if we all think "cool weather" thoughts maybe it will stay awhile.  I would love a week at the current temp.  How about you? M.

So Long Summer

It's been a blast.  Sorry to see you go . . . 

There is was so much fun to be had 

And all those relaxing moments.  My body and mind thank you for the break. 

I know when we meet again, I'll be thrilled to see you and optimistic about what you have to offer.


But for now, I'm simply distracted 

by all that awaits me with the season to come. . . 

90 Fall Porch Decorating Ideas
compliments of Shelterness

Fall Plantings

Clever Ways to Carve a Pumpkin

Yummy Soups for Cool Evenings

Tailgating Ideas
Love the Pinterest board "tailgating" by Jacolyn Murphy.  Such cute ideas.

A Fall Treat

Or Two

Movie Nights

Sunday Lunch with Friends

Happy Labor Day, everybody.  As for the Fall,  bring it! M.

The Arrival of Spring

I know the arrival of Spring varies depending on where you live; but I have to say, here in Birmingham, it is full on.  This was our backyard the week of Spring Break (two weeks ago) . . . .


And this past weekend.  

With all this fabulous weather, comes the need for change, and I've been doing just that  - lots of spring styling jobs.  These are simple one to two hour fluffs to give my client's homes a fresh new look for the season.

And since it's on the brain, it's on the blog!  So, here are a few simple ways you can do the same in your home.  Fair warning - when I share some of these, you are going to go, "well that's obvious."
But remember - sometimes the obvious evades us when styling our own homes.

1. Think Spring Color Combinations - there are some color combinations that just don't feel like Spring.   

Fall/Winter (cozy colors)

If possible, edit these out and bring in some fresh combinations for the season.  
Spring & Summer

Also consider storing any heavy oriental rugs that feel wintery.  Sometimes this trick alone can transform a space.   The best part is when you pull them back out in the fall, they will seem new again!


2. Think Texture - The texture of fabrics really evokes a sense of the season (whether you consciously realize it or not).  For example, corduroy says Fall and Winter to me.  Same for velvets (if they are in a dark rich color).  In contrast, linen, cotton and even seersucker feel light and airy and say Spring and Summer.   
Another great trick is to use one simple color for all the accent pillows.   

3. Lighten up with Accessories - This is an inexpensive way to get a fresh feel in a space.  I always recommend changing out dark accessories for lighter options in a space.  It's amazing what this simple change can do; and it seems white accessories are so much easier to find these days.  Just pop into your nearest Home Goods and pick your favorites.  

4.  Think Clean Lines, Less Clutter -  What I like to do, is edit most of the pillows from our beds for a light simple feel.





  I do the same for table tops.  Just store the extra accessories for the next season.
It makes a huge difference, I promise!
via

5. Fresh Flowers - Once things start blooming in your garden, you have no excuse!  All you need to do is run out there and snip a few stems.  Don't have a garden, grab an orchid from the market.  They are a bit more expensive, but will last a couple of months and will give your home an instant lift.

So, if you are thinking you need a bit of Spring indoors, try these tricks!  Hope you're having a great week so far.  M.