The sun may still be shining, and the weather may still be warm, but fall is quickly approaching.
Most people think that preparing their home for fall includes the words pumpkin and spice, and hanging burlap on every door, banister and mantle with accents of leaves and acorns.
While there is no escaping the need for oranges, reds, yellows and browns to tie in with the landscape outside, I challenge autumn lovers to add a little twist this year.
Add New Colors to Your Fall Palette
A couple of hues that need to be added to the color palette this season include midnight or navy blue and cloudy gray. Blue and orange are complimentary on the color wheel, and seemingly even more compatible in nature during this time of year.
The night sky on a fall evening is a gorgeous shade of blue that if bottled up with the warm rich tones of the leaves falling from the trees would only enhance those colors. Gray has become a consistent neutral that works well as a backdrop for shades of blue and orange.
Accessorize Your Style
A few other things to consider are the style of your home. If you are more traditional, you may find yourself still longing for that age-old color palette. Wooden candlesticks make a great addition to your decor.
You could also experiment with adding in a little navy and some wood accents to change it up or even include touches of brushed and polished gold.
If you are more contemporary, paint some pumpkins high gloss navy and plant a mum in them, or press some fall leaves in silver frames and place around your home.
Try Your Hand at Texture
Textures are all the rage for fall and winter months. Pick up some plush velvet or chenille pillows in jewel tone shades for a seasonal pop that doesn’t break the bank and can make a huge impact in any space. Want to really rock the boat? If you have a favorite color that doesn’t typically scream fall, mix it in. Why not?
Start With a Neutral Base
Seasonal versatility is the key when wanting to create a room that changes with the climate. Starting with a somewhat neutral background on walls and furniture will make it easier for lamps, rugs and pillows to be changed out for seasons and holidays.
With a neutral background as your base, you can also:
– make or purchase fall/winter slipcovers for the furniture in your home
– have two sets of drapes that are made the same length and can easily be switched out during seasonal shifts
– switch the artwork in your home from one season to another
Individuality in design is what is really on trend.
There’s nothing more exciting than seeing someone work one of a kind pieces in with new mass-produced products.
Shopping at multiple places and getting a few components here and there will also ensure a more personal and less duplicated look.
Be you this fall…throw in some unexpected style and, most importantly, have fun doing it.
Laura Edge Ruth is a Certified Interior Designer at L. Ruth Interior Design.
