That nip of fall in the air and the extra brilliance of blue in the sky is a subtle reminder of summer’s end and the transition to another season. As I’ve browsed various shops and garden centers, the hints haven’t been so subtle! Yes, harvest style decorations are in abundance.
I suppose it is time to put away the seashells and ponder how to bring in the “cozy” elements of autumn indoors. Like most of you, I don’t take everything away to start with totally new furniture and accessories décor just because of a seasonal change. I do, however, weave in elements of interest, while using a lot of what I already have in place.
I tend to be a nature-driven designer, looking for inspiration from organic sources. In browsing through some past photos, from seasonal jaunts, the warm tones and textures of gourds, along with their twists and turns, inspired me to seek similar shapes in accent pieces. The Three-Drawer, Shaped Front Gold Chest, from Hooker Furniture, evokes the same, almost effortless curve. The warm glow of the metallic finish made me think of dappled, summer to fall sunsets, as the twilight paints a beautiful horizon. It provides a sophisticated accent for an entry greeting, all year round.
Fall seems to be a season of traditions, whereas summer has more casual leanings. Autumn entertaining activities migrate to indoor dining spaces and the Sam Moore Continental Camel Dining Chair suggests an image of people gathered round for fabulous food and conversation. The comfortable padding invites the visitor to linger beyond cordials or dessert. Can’t you imagine visiting a beautiful inn with these chairs placed around a long trestle table? I think of the annual trips my husband and I have made to the North Carolina Smokey Mountains. Whether it’s a Labor Day weekend and the wildflowers are in their last bloom, or we’ve experienced a surprise dusting of snow in late October, it’s our tradition to make the treks to restore body and soul as we anticipate the busy holidays ahead. Keep in mind, not all “fall” colors have to be in orange hues or gold tones. Fall is multi-hued!
Speaking of which, who would imagine magenta or deep rose for fall? Just take a look in the gardens or at your local plant nursery. You can see, in my photo of a bevy of Chrysanthemums, Mother Nature has welded her paint brush with a broad spectrum. Contemplate using deep, rich colors as accents in chairs or pillows, as well as glassware. The Sam Moore Marlene Carved Wood Dining Chair brings a fresh approach to popping in a floral reference without a lot of “fru-fru”.
Neutrals also transition the seasons and white is still a powerful statement. From the mini pumpkin gourds to the white accent trim in the dining room, (shown above), classic design is always in good taste and in season. The Sorella Rectangle Dining Table, from Hooker Furniture, is soft enough for a light summer fare and rich enough for sharing a harvest-laden dinner. White dishes make everything look especially tasty!
As I write, there are still a few eggplants waiting to be plucked from the vine and worked into a delicious casserole. As the time for frost nears, I know I’m going to miss the luxury of popping out the door to see what’s waiting in the garden for dinner. Fall does require some extra menu planning when it comes to my time in the kitchen. For now, I’m going to savor and enjoy some of the fruits of our summer labor while we’re hoping to finish some kitchen updating, too. We’ve always had an island, but the Wakefield Drop Leaf Table speaks to me as a viable option for kitchen furniture. I love the bottom shelf for staging baskets of what I might use for everyday food prep. The Horton Cucina would be filled with the aroma of one of my favorite dishes – Eggplant Parmesan. Click <here> for an easy recipe from Real Simple.
Of course, my husband reminded me not to forget that all seasons include sports and the ability to be the “armchair” coach. Football just happens to be a favorite, and whether you’re a real life participant or enjoy catching the games on a Sunday afternoon broadcast, the La Pedrera Pasaje Club Chair, paired with its matching ottoman, is probably one of the most comfortable ways to appreciate the passing of time.
As we bid farewell to summer and look forward to fall, take the time to enjoy and savor each day while having fun mixing things up in your home. Be sure to also check out the new website and blog design for Hooker Furniture. The changes are quite stunning!
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