Tag: Design

Autumn, Seasonal Inspiration

The Fall Fix-Up

Lisa

This is it! This is the month future-you will look back on and think, “Why?” “Why didn’t I start back then? Even something small?”

I’m talking about fall and winter holidays y’all.

Some of you get giddy, imagining your favorite holiday moments: “Where is my Santa mug?!?”

The rest of us let out an exasperated, “REALLY?” when we walk into Hob Lobs in July and we’re met with SO many Christmas aisles. (I seriously think it was 107° outside our desert location.)

But yes. The holidays are coming. And whatever you feel about that inevitability, it’s time for . . .

THE FALL FIX-UP

Having been around this block several times now, I have some recommendations:

1. Clean Up Stray Piles:

Photo by Camilo Rueda Lopez on Unsplash

Whether it’s a big summer project that looked oh-so-possible back in May or remnants of random, clean it up.

Ask yourself, “Am I really going to digitize my child’s entire school career of artwork before the end of the year? Mark that project on your 2027 calendar and move on with your life.

As our family is fond of saying,

“Shove it on back!”

You’re about to encounter a spectrum of chaos that will not clear until January. Maybe.

2. Consider what makes you happy.

What do you enjoy about the fall? Invite it into your home! Certain tastes, smells, textures (fuzzy blankets!)? Whatever gives you the warm fuzzies about the season, represent it in your home.

What does your family enjoy about the fall? Maybe each person gets to choose something happy for the home: a stash of hot cocoa mix, a bigger pumpkin than last year, cinnamon pinecones, or a bowl of fall leaves (revered, here in the desert).

3. Work with what you have.

There is a moment approaching when you will get drugged by the cinnamon scents and twinkling lights and buy your 212th ornament, even though you swore you wouldn’t. It’s inevitable and, perhaps, what we enjoy most–being swept away.

But here, in your September rationalism, get excited about what you have. Slap a new bow on that fake pumpkin you’ve pulled out for years > Reborn!

What do you already find beautiful? Introduce it to something fall-ish.

Fill that beautiful soup tureen with mini-pumpkins; add mums to the vase your mom gave you; cover a throw pillow with a velvet slipcover that exudes cozy. Notice the colors you already use in your home and choose their darker hues to say, “It’s Fall Y’all!”

Flowers, ribbons, ceramics, a picture frame (with an actual printed picture–WOW) or favorite quote, can be added or swapped out with their lighter counterparts to herald fall warmth.

The Fall Fix-Up can be a small or as in-depth as your energy and time allow. Because whatever your investment, markers (like seasonal decor) help our hearts and minds make smooth transitions.

So, hop to! It’s-a-comin’!

Design 101

Clever Height

Lisa

Height:  highest point, crowning moment, culminating point . . .

Height is an often missed opportunity when decorating.  It is space most of us have more of (and who doesn’t need more of that?) but usually forget is there.

In this example, elevating the plant takes it from ordinary to celebrated.   Practically, it leaves a  spot for a good book, during one of those relaxing bubble baths we all dream about. Sigh.

 

This collection of bath sundries looks cluttered in the first arrangement.  Corralling these items on a pedestal looks more cohesive, frees up coveted counter space, and is easier clean, all while keeping necessities within reach.

Do you have unused space above a bookshelf or cabinet?  Originally, I placed the large metal tile and oval mirror above the bookshelf simply for storage, while they were in between landing spots.  However, I grew attached to them there and how they took advantage of the high ceilings, so I’ve only added to the display.

Hang curtains higher than the window’s top to draw the eye upward and add height to a room.   Most floor-length curtain panels are 84 or 95 inches (with 108″ and 120″ available on more specialized sites).  When buying new curtains, measure the distance between the top of your window and the floor, and purchase the next size up.  To determine where to mount the rod, place it above the top of the window at the height which allows the bottom of the curtain to just dust the floor.

 

I consistently have more treasures than I have landing spots.  Surely, I’m not the only one.

Height to the rescue!

So, go ahead, use that highest point to be your crowning moment and culminating point.

 

[A note about dust:  For some of you, dust killed this design principle before you made it to the second paragraph.  To you I say, first, life is short.  Might as well let your meaningful possessions be a part of your everyday life, even if that means you have to step on a chair to dust, once in a blue moon.  Secondly, I’m highly allergic to dust and have learned from many a sinus infection:  The primary issue with dust is not it’s existence (which can never be entirely avoided), but the stirring up of dust.  So, make peace with it.  Who can see it all the way up there anyway?]

Forest photo by ANGELA BENITO on Unsplash
Let's Be Honest

Just an Update, Please

Lisa

Itching for a change but not up for a complete overhaul?

We can do that!

Pillow Talk:

These pillows and coordinating blanket lived a good life.  However, they were fraying, lumpy, and starting to show it.  A quick visit to Homegoods, and I found some cheerful, but inexpensive, new friends.  For bedrooms and living rooms that need something fresh, consider pillows or a new throw.

Add Color:

I love the blues in my family room but wanted an update that didn’t require a paintbrush, ladder, moving furniture . . . basic upheaval, so I looked across the color wheel.  All colors have a natural complementary color that you can determine by looking at the color opposite your existing color on a color wheel.

If you’re alarmed by what you find, remember the plethora of shades that color represents.  For example, I do NOT have fond feelings toward crayon orange (the color opposite blue on the color wheel), but I wouldn’t mind a cheerful coral coming to visit.  A few inexpensive accessories in this new color give the room a little more punch.

Shade It:

Consider a new lamp shade.  Rarely touched, a lamp shade can function for a long time and go unnoticed.  Consequently, these are often the accessories that most “age” a room.  A new lamp is a great option too, but if it’s in good shape, just change the shade.  [Note:  Know which kind of shade your lamp accepts BEFORE you go shopping.  (ie. a harp, spider, clip-on, etc.) It will save you lots of frustration.]

Let There Be Light:

While we’re on the subject, adjusting the lighting can have an enormous impact on a room.  Is there a spot that always feels dark or, on the other end, too garish?  Change out the light bulb for something crisper or softer than what you currently have.  There are even light bulbs that have a dimmer switch (right on the bulb, so nothing to install!) for rooms that require task and mood lighting.

Bring In Nature:

Have you read the studies that suggest people who consistently spend 30 minutes outside live happier lives?  I think nature speaks to a primal need for beauty etched on our souls.  A simple bouquet of flowers–real or quality artificials–have a surprising capacity to evoke happiness.  If you have a Trader Joe’s nearby, they usually have beautiful flowers and plants at very reasonable prices.

Need Something Free?

Try editing.  I’m AMAZED at how subtly but surely, stuff begets stuff!  You were just going to leave it there until you found a better place . . ..  Soon, the pieces and views we do enjoy are lost in the clutter.  So, clear out that pile that gathered in the corner.  Put away that off-season item you don’t need for the next several months.  Consider what accessories or pieces of furniture you’re just tired of or that always seems in the way.  Pass them on to another happy home or put it away for a bit.  (If you’re not sure if you can part with something, put it out of sight and set a reminder on your phone for 6 months later.  Did you miss it?)  Removing visual clutter gives your eye and your mind “breathing room.”

Take a cue from Fixer Upper and put simple stems from the yard in a collection of glass bottles or in one large vessel.  I live in the desert and can still find something that works.

When we make wise and considered design choices, we will love our surroundings for a long time.  However, a few small adjustments now and then keep a space feeling fresh and current and bring new life to the features that have been around a while and need to stay a while ;-).

 

 

Photo Credits: Construction (top)–Milivoj Kuhar on Unsplash;  Color Wheel–Public Domain Stock Photo; Lamp–Samule Sun on Unsplash; Pink Flowers–Magdalena Raczka on Unsplash; Leaf–Sarah Dorweiler on Unsplash