To me, the turning of the seasons is Mother Nature’s way of redecorating. Probably because I live in the Midwest, where she sees fit to make significant decor changes throughout the year.
Like now, for example, when she sets our trees afire in a captivating palette of red, yellow and orange. After all of summer’s cool greens, the warm colors of fall are exhilarating. They bring with them a feeling of optimism, a sense of new beginnings.
And exciting things to come.
Speaking of which…welcome to Adventures In Design! My new blog, marking the beginning of this website, and the rebranding of my design firm, Michele Christensen Interiors.
“I have always loved sharing all of the ways I know to feel happy at home, both spiritually and visually, and this blog is the perfect way to do it.”
I cordially invite you to visit this site and this blog early and often as a source of advice, fun and design inspiration. Each month will bring with it a new interior design topic, like how to hit the “refresh” button between holidays, adding “Details That Matter” to your space, or any number of special interest topics that could help bring enthusiasm to your next project.
This between-holiday tablescape stays fresh and relevant by mixing textures, incorporating warm, seasonal colors and bringing a bit of the outdoors in.
Which brings me to this month’s topic…
Now that the air outside has become chilly and we gather ever more indoors, it feels natural (and fun) to pay homage to Ms. Nature’s seasonal transformation by bringing a little of the outdoors in.
For some of you this could mean a trip to the attic, where you have boxes full of fall decor waiting to be strewn about your home. But for others, it means a trip to stores like Home Goods, Hobby Lobby or the local farmer’s market, where the shopping is fun but the choices are endless.
Where to begin?
Pick a color palette. It’s not what you think. Sure, fall’s shades are traditionally warm (think red, orange and yellow), and those colors are beautiful when used indoors, but you could also choose a more neutral array of browns, grays and white/cream tones. OR, go the colorful route after all, but using perhaps something unexpected (I’ve seen pumpkins decorated beautifully in spectacular shades of green and blue).
Pick a theme. This may seem obvious (it’s fall, right?), but there are actually a couple ways you could go:
Traditional: These are the gourds, scarecrows, wheat bundles and baskets of bountiful harvests we all know and love. Scents of cinnamon, apple and pumpkin fill the air, while splashes of warm metallics dazzle and comfort. Ahhh…fall.
Non-traditional: This is more of an elegant and/or glam approach that could include traditional items plus those considered more modern or transitional. Think earthy greenery, cool metals and accents that shine. Going the non-traditional route has the added benefit of allowing you to think outside the box and truly make the season your own.
Have fun and enjoy! I believe that decorating can be therapeutic and relaxing. Have a mug of hot apple cider (or glass of wine!) and consider ways to make your home fun and inviting during this fall season.
Going the non-traditional route has the added benefit of allowing you to think outside the box and truly make the season your own.
You could also…
Mix things up by including “fresh” items like flowers and veggies. I love heading to the local Farmer’s Market to embellish my home and hunger for the natural things I see there.
Add something to every room (inside and out). Think pumpkins, candles, lanterns and florals to brighten things up. I also love adding pillows and throws during this time of year. They add color and texture while keeping everyone nice and cozy.
Don’t be afraid to go big and bold! Often I feel people are afraid to go this route, yet sometimes a bigger impact can be had with fewer large, more dramatic pieces instead of several smaller items.
That said, don’t overdo it. You want your home to be gorgeous and welcoming, but there is a fine line between tasteful and overdone. Some further motivation: What goes up must come down! While it is great to decorate for the seasons, you will also need to dismantle and store everything once the season is over.
And don’t forget Thanksgiving!
This is also the time to start thinking about your Thanksgiving tablescape! There are so many options out there to help make your table a seasonal success. I am all about the extra, inspirational touches. It is a way to be creative and have some fun. Just be sure to keep your chosen palette and theme in mind.
On a personal note…
This is the season to be thankful. I am truly blessed and grateful for my family, friends and clients, and I am excited for what the end of this year will bring.
Enjoy Fall! Be present and engaged in all it has to offer.
—Michele