Step By Step Solution For My FALL MANTEL!

 

The next step in bringing in Fall into my family room is my mantel!

Now my mantel is not an average sized mantel. It is 17 ft wide. Not the easiest thing to decorate, I must admit.

I am not one that decorates in a thematic manner, but I like to add warmth with my every day elements for the cooler months.

As it gets closer to  Halloween and Thanksgiving you might see me add a white pumpkin or two, but for now I am going to warm things up. Trying to keep it simple, uncomplicated, and inviting.

In my last post you saw that I am adding a touch more black to the room, plus an addition of textural fabrics such as heavy linens and fabrics with embroidery……..

 

Here is a picture of my Summer mantel…..

The Before

Simple, Fresh and uncomplicated. Perfect for a summer look, but not for a Fall look.

First I cleared it all away……

Then I decided on what elements would look right for my room, and for the Fall/Winter season.

I made my list:

Books for warmth and texture

  

Brass Candlesticks for warmth and shine.

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Baskets and candles for texture and  a warm glow.

 

Something that evokes warm memories of home…..

Clocks hold a special place in our family. 

My Dad collected antique clocks, and my Mother has carried on the tradition. Each of my boys that are married have received a clock as their wedding gift from my Mom.

With my list made now the decorating can begin!

I always start by placing the largest items first. Naturally I started at the center point with an antique clock that belonged to my Dad, and it just happens to be black!

Next came the brass candlesticks flanking each side of the clock. I then filled in with the books, candle holder, and bookends…….

I decided to add some black binoculars which we use all the time on our trips to the ocean, and even in our backyard to see all the different birds that visit.

You can see my sweet little book ends that just happen to be black and white, imagine that. 

You will also notice how I stacked the books on this side of the mantel, and topped it with a basket candle.

It is almost right, but the height of the candles is not right and something is missing!

I think I have figured it out……

Yes! That is it! I needed my basil green tall tapers, and the other little bookend! Now it feels warm and cozy for the cooler upcoming months.

Still simple, and uncluttered with just the right amount of warmth for me.

I hope this has helped inspire you to tackle your Fall decorating from maybe just a simpler point of view!

 

 

"OUT" With Summer "IN" With Fall

 

Yesterday I saw my first falling leaves from the sycamore tree behind my backyard fence.

Once I see leaves falling I know Fall is officially on its way.

What does any design enthusiast do when the seasons start to change?

Does the phrase, “Out With The Old In With The New?” ring a bell?

So OUT went my Summer pillows…..


I will miss your crisp, cool feel that you added to my family room, dear sweet summer pillows.

 IN came my Fall/Winter pillows……

To bring in more warmth in the room for up-coming cooler months I add a touch more black, and texture to my room.

The fabric  is a heavy linen/cotton combination with varying blues, and just a touch of black in the stripe.

I always bring in the new pillows first, when making changes,because they will set the tone for the other changes I make in the room.

 OUT goes the Summer sofa pillow…….

I will miss your simplicity dear Summer pillow, see you next year!

I need more texture and warmth for the up-coming cooler months, so IN comes my Fall/Winter pillows……..

The two side pillows are a lovely embroidered linen from Schumacher called Nurata Embroidery in the color Lapis. You can find it HERE!

These two pillows are welted and backed in the same heavy linen as the center pillow. I added a heavier than normal linen for a warm textural feel in my room.

I am such a fan of the Greek Key pattern, as you can tell from my blog header. I am so pleased to be able to use it in my family room.

Here is a collage of all the main patterns in the room. I did this collage before I ever purchased any of the fabrics. You can see the touch of black in the striped pillows that I used in my white chairs.

Next on the agenda will be my mantel!

To be continued………

I am linking up with Jennifers Blue and White Bash at The Pink Pagoda!

 

 

The Softer Side Of Fall

   

We all have our own thoughts of what Fall looks like in our minds. Today I thought we would step outside the box, and look at what I like to call, “The Softer Side Of Fall!”

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You might be viewing some elements, and color combinations that you would not normally think of when you think of Fall.

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I hope this post opens your eyes to a whole other side of Fall, the SOFTER SIDE!

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Softer hues, but still they can be considered Fallish when combined together.

You will read the word Fallish on my blog quite often. I use this word because I don’t use your typical Fall/Autumnal colors, and the word Fallish just seems to fit.

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Look to nature for your cues on the softer colors for Fall.

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By adding the silhouettes of trees it is a reminder of all the leaves that fall in the Fall.

I use ornamental kale for my Fall plantings every year. Just look at the beautiful soft colors that are in a Fall cabbage.

Speaking of nature, just look at what Mother Nature has to offer for the softer side of Fall. These are actually all the produce and foliage I used one year for my Thanksgiving centerpiece……

I am sure all recognize the green and white stripe wallpaper in my dining room.

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Beautiful blue/green pumpkins with blue glass and  blue table make for a beautiful Fall display!

Soft golds, grays, and a touch of teal makes for a soft feel for a Fall room.

Adding baskets just adds to the textural changes in the room. Baskets are something I love to add to my home for the Fall.

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Muted, or softer hues can be equally as beautiful for Fall as any of  the typical autumnal colors.

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Beautiful Fall vignette.

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Fall Sweaters in a lovely soft array of colors.

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You can not get much softer than Pink. Such a lovely Fall table setting.

Not many people think of Pink when it comes to Fall, but it is a lovely color to use this time of year.

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This combination would be great in my very own home. I think I need to get some dried hydrangeas for my Fall décor!

I hope this post opens your eyes to all the possibilities of the softer side of Fall!