Transition to Fall Textures
Well all it takes in Texas in a summer "cold front" and everyone is talking about Fall. I am actually sitting on my back porch, writing this blog with a glass of wine and it is a bit chilly. How amazing is that! Summer in this part of Texas has been mild and it is a nice departure from our typical extreme summer heat.
Looking at the lights reflect on the pond behind our home and hearing the wind blow through the trees quickly reminds me that Fall is just around the corner. Soon we will be sitting by a fire pit and enjoying dinners on the patio. No better time to start transitioning the interior of our homes as well. I'm not much for themed fall décor--mainly because I don't have time between soccer practice, work and baseball games to get it done, but I do love changing the accents in my home to reflect the feeling of the season. Rich colors, plush textures and warm scents help to easily transition a home from the hot days of Summer to the cool evenings of Fall. And with the right pieces, these accents can take you all the way through to Spring.
Here are some of my favorite additions to help you transition any space into a cozy, inviting haven....
THROW PILLOWS AND BLANKETS
Add a cashmere throw to your sofa or favorite chair. A pop of color can give your space just the right ambiance and what a perfect way to curl up for a good read or movie on a long weekend. Look for lighter weight materials that can easily be thrown over the back of the sofa, folded into a basket and pulled out for warmth when needed. Throw pillows are a simple way to change the look of a room or piece of furniture without breaking the budget. Try heavier fabrics and fall-like patterns and motifs such as arrows, faux bois and animal prints.
FANCY UP YOUR FIREPLACE
I get a lot of questions about updating and modernizing fireplaces. Of course, there are many options that require full renovation and major facelifts but there are a few tips that can make a big impact to a space that is used and abused during the Fall and Winter months. Change the interior brick color by using a fire rated product. Not only does this freshen up the "used" look of a fireplace interior, but it can change the backdrop to enhance the color of the flame. I love adding fire crystals below the gas logs to add color and an updated WOW factor. These glass crystals are cost effective and can be swapped out from season to season to coordinate with décor and color changes. Consider adding a fire screen --which can be found in a variety of colors, sizes and styles.
TRANSITION YOUR BEDDING
One of the simplest tricks for seasonal furnishing changes happens in the bedroom. In Texas, we don't see a huge request for fluffy down comforters and duvet covers. My trick for a quick bedding change up: Always have two bed covers. A light weight and/or light neutral coverlet can adorn the bed during the Spring and Summer months and a darker, heavier duvet or coverlet folded at the end of bed for accent. Once the season changes, so does the cover! Add a down comforter under a lightweight coverlet or duvet for even more warmth. Another option I incorporate to bed linens during this time of year- fur! Faux fur pillows, throws and benches add just the right amount of elegance and sophistication and will keep you snuggled up on a cold night.
I hope you are reading this while enjoying one of the final Summer Evenings! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those in South Texas who are putting their homes, businesses and lives back together after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.
