Giving Your Home a Fall Face-lift

  -A guest post from the interior designers at McKay’s Furniture    

Although the thought of it is breaking our hearts, here at McKay’s, we know that the summer season is coming to a close. In little Rhode Island, this year, we have been exceptionally lucky. A very cold, snowy winter gave way to one of the most beautiful summers we’ve seen in a while. We’re sad to see it go. Fortunately, the disappearance of summer signifies the arrival of one of our favorite season to decorate for…FALL! There are some exciting trends to look forward to this fall and we are going to give you some great ideas as to how you can incorporate them into your own home to create a beautiful and cozy autumn atmosphere.

     Embrace the changing season by bringing nature indoors. Try displaying branches of colorful leaves in tall glass vases. A lovely glass cloche can be a dome for acorns, or those rocks, you found on the beach this summer, or any other small found object. Incorporating texture into your space is a way to add ‘layers’. Layering a room is paramount to comfort and visual warmth. It also makes the room appear more evolved. It tells more of a story. Natural vine is a great way to add texture and by using it you’ll also be ‘bringing nature in’. It’s very versatile: use it as garland, make a wreath for your front door, drape a long piece of vine wrapped with bittersweet across your mantel add some mini pumpkins and some pillar candles in a rich orange or gold (a trend  this year) and you’ve created a beautiful focal point. Nature inspired accessories are a hot trend this fall.

      Colorful area rugs can add texture and interest to any space. Freshen up your entryway with an area rug that incorporates the rich jewel tones of fall. Pumpkin and turquoise is one of our favorite color combinations.  The warm orange tone reminds us of the colorful fall foliage and the cool brightness of the turquoise is a cheerful contrast. Some area rugs are made for indoor and outdoor use. They make fabulous foyer rugs. As we transition from fall into winter, those area rugs are functional as well helping contain the snow and debris that come in on winter boots. They also are a breeze to clean. Also, if you plan on hosting some holiday parties this year a classic umbrella stand and an upscale boot tray make a hospitable statement while providing a good place for guests to leave their outdoor gear. A beautifully decorated entry table is also a nice addition to a foyer. Fill some lanterns or tall hurricanes with pillar candles and add touches of fall as well. Some examples would be: acorns, chestnuts, coffee beans or even candy corn. Sprinkle colorful fall foliage around the table as a finishing touch. Don’t be afraid to add a vase of cut fall flowers like ranunculus or a small pot of mums.

     Colorful leaves are good for any flat surface: bookcase, shelves, mantels, table tops, etc. Try pressing some and then framing a few with an assortment of small frames. Mix them in with some black and white family photos and arrange a grouping on a wall. Use this grouping to replace any summery art work you might still have hanging. My Méz offers a beautiful fall foliage photograph on one of their convertible tables. Use it as a table or wall art to add a pop of those beautiful foliage colors. Swap out throw pillows in lightweight summery fabrics like linen and cotton for luxe velvet ones in the same rich fall shades. Splurge on a cashmere throw and drape it over a sofa or chair to add more layers and to keep you cozy on those chilly fall nights. Also, don’t neglect your window boxes and front door. Welcome family and friends with an autumn themed wreath hung on your front door with a satin ribbon and window boxes filled with ornamental cabbages, pansies and English ivy. Now you’re ready to embrace the season in style. Most importantly, have fun with it! Happy Decorating!

Thank you to the Interior Design Team at McKay's Furniture