Cozy Autumn Decorating Ideas!

Sturbridge Yankee Workshop

It's that special time of year when there is a crispness in the air and the trees are turning a rich variety of beautiful Autumn colors! There is nothing finer then enjoying a long walk in the woods that ends up at the local Cider Mill. It's one of the perfect ways to savor a weekend afternoon, along with football games and jumping into a big pile of leaves!

Autumn has a simple yet luxurious quality!

Nothing is as warm and inviting to welcome friends and family as a pretty wreath hanging on your entry door. It's such an easy way to create instant curb appeal, and is one of my favorite items to decorate with. I display wreaths year round to make a design statement, adding a bit of seasonal charm to my neighborhood. I own several, storing them carefully so they last for many years. Each season I give them a dusting off, adding a few new sprigs or blooms as needed to keep them fresh looking.

Tip: Use a plastic suction cup hook to mount your wreath rather then a nail or metal hanger. This way you don't put a hole in the door, and you can hang the wreath any height you desire!

Paint Creek Trail

Technically the Autumn Equinox doesn't offically arrive until around September 22-23. Even though it's a tad early, because I live up North in the land of four seasons, it's definitely time to start thinking about creating some warm and cozy decorating touches!

Some Favorite ~Benjamin Moore ~ Autumn Colors !

Drawing from nature's opulent palette, here are some of my favorite Autumn paint colors. I prefer the quiet elegance of a mat or eggshell finish, but when dealing with small sticky fingers semi gloss might be the best choice. I'm partial to Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams, but there are several excellent brands on the market. From my experience I've noticed quality brands tend to hold their colors longer, have better coverage, so I gravitated to them.

I have found, that no matter what brand of paint I use, very dark colors tend to require extra coats of paint. This is especially true in the red family. I also never use a flat finish, because it ends up chalky and the color rubs off.

Tip: Color is the first thing you recognise in any space. If you do just one thing.... paint your room! This gives you maximum impact for your time and money. The color you choose sets the foundation for everything else.

Paint gives you maximum bang for your buck!

Frontgate

More then money, it's really about your attitude, and putting forth a little effort to create some curb appeal. If you're not up for expensive changes start small. Remember the simple things, like sweeping up the cobwebs and cleaning the glass. A stylish and practical entry mat not only looks nice, but helps keep the dirt and daily muck from being tracked inside from wet muddy boots and shoes!

Since it gets dark earlier in Autumn, turn on your porch light at dusk. Auto timers are easy to install and take this daily task over for you. After a hard day at work, it's nice to drive up to an inviting, lighted entry, and it's safer too!

Jonathan Gordon Willow Basket

Find ways to create interest with utilitarian pieces.

Make the most out of what you have on hand! Since living many years in scenic, but soggy Oregon, I have a collection of umbrellas! An interesting container by the front door not only looks terrific, but it's a practical storage solution.

Country Living

Colder weather brings the inevitable parade of coats, boots, hats, gloves & scarfs that all need a place to land. The solution you come up with might as well be stylish! This coat tree is so fantastic looking it makes me wish I didn't have a hall closet. I am however, currently on the lookout for some nice looking woven baskets to add to my closet shelves for added charm and function.

Let's study this space to understand how it can be warmed up and made a bit more cozy.

Please don't misunderstand me, this is an attractive room to view, and it photographs beautifully. However, if our goal is to make it warmer and cozy, let's look critically and evaluate what is going on to understand its dynamics. Notice how it's a bit formal and stiff. The reason is due to the many angular lines present in this space. The Roman Shades are straight, both vertically and horizontally. The sofa and cushions are boxy in overall appearance. The sofa arms are thin and narrow and the angular lines are reinforced by the rows of decorative upholstery nails. This sofa doesn't look like it would be inviting for a nap after lunch.

The French fauteiul chair is pretty, but its scale is small and gives the impression of being delicate and demur. It would not be my first choice to spend several hours reading a book in. I also suspect many men would choose the sofa rather then sit in this chair.

The area rug has a short nap similar to a crew cut hairstyle, and it's geometric pattern is tailored and precise. The furniture in the room is also leggy, and spindly.

So to warm this room up and make it cozy, you could do the following things. Start by introducing some curves, more padding and texture. This would start to loosen and relax the room and make it more comfortable. A room can look fantastic, but unless it is comfortable, people will not enjoy spending time in it. I am also adding some ideas in the following photos that would give the room a warm and cozier feel.

Kennebunk Blanket

In my home the softest and most cuddly blanket is always in highest demand. This adds texture and has a fluid loose relaxed feel without being sloppy.

Pierre Deux

Pillows with rich pattern, color and texture


Pierre Deux

Another rich patterned pillow and the ball trim adds a circular element.

This chair is curvasious and round with abundant padding.

I enjoy reading and look forward to spending colder weather with several good books. I found this cute Country French Bee Bucket at Marshall's, which has also been used as an ice bucket during warmer weather!

When the days grow shorter and darker, I turn on a few more interior lights to keep things cheerful. This small indulgence work wonders at lifting the spirits.

Yankee Candle

I was introduced to Yankee Candles in Dubai of all places! They became an instant favorite and I absolutely adore them. Their fragrance is simply wonderful and Mackintosh is a perfect Autumn scent. The glass jars give an element of safety I appreciate.

Used as a centerpiece or as an accent this is a simple, but effective look. Any interesting container will work, even a pretty mixing bowl you have on hand. Filled with seasonal apples, it's less expensive then flowers and will last longer!

Simple dishtowels can add some zing, you have to buy them anyway!



Pierre Deux

A decorative piece like this tiered tray is a great way to decorate seasonally.

Pierre Deux

Colorful napkins and rings are a cost effect way to decorate seasonally without busting the bank account.

Ballards

Adding textured pieces to a room, such as this burlap tablecloth with fringe is a great look.

Autumn Leaves, John Everett Millais 1855


"I love fall!
Fall is exciting.
It's apples and cider.
It's an airborne spider.
It's pumpkins in bins.
It's burrs on dog's chins.
It's wind blowing leaves.
It's chilly red knees.
It's nuts on the ground.
It's a crisp dry sound.
It's green leaves turning.
And the smell of them burning.
It's clouds in the sky.
It's fall.
That's why...I love fall."
Author Unknown

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