Happy Tuesday all! I know you read the subject line to this post and were thinking how can fall décor be stylish? How does anyone style pumpkins, wheat stacks, colored leaves, and sticks all in the name of looking presentable? Well, I'm so glad you asked :) You see, style isn't just about bling and - I hate to say - fluff. It's about expressing who you are in a manner that's clear, distinguishable, and consistent. It can be described as rustic, classic, country (chic), modern, couture, elegant, beach, or bohemian - to name a few. But nevertheless - it's got to be fabulous! If you're gonna go rustic, make it the hottest rustic to hit the streets - so that everyone will want to go rustic!
What better opportunity to express YOU than the Fall and holidays? Yes, most of this décor is exactly the same ole story but put a twist in it. And why not begin with the first impression your Thanksgiving guests will have of you, which is your front door and porch. Yes, start sweepin'. And no, it totally does not work if the outside of your front door isn't decorated but the inside of your house is. It really throws people off. If you're gonna do it, do it all the way. Give your guests consistency. Set the scene with your front door/porch; let your guests' experience begin before they smell the fresh out the oven sweet potato pie! Give them something to look forward to. Then they'll know the party has really started and they are in for a very nice treat!
Here are some ideas I heart for your front doors and porches. Now notice all these images have three (3) things in common:
1. They use fall inspired colors were traditionally the colors are not used
2. Every item is clean, polished, and thoughfully placed (I'll speak more on this in a future post)
3. An element of surprise that uses fall colors (e.g. browns, greens, oranges, soft whites) is added
Check these out and please share your thoughts, tried, and trues.
The art of simplicity says a whole lot! Notice the interaction of very green plants and earth toned planters, both in round, textured shapes to emphasize the roundness of earth, and therefore, the integrity and beauty of the organic. Here, a play on browns and greens of fall and - yup you guessed it - off-white pumpkins remind you Fall can be warm and stylish. Did you notice the mirror doors reflecting the bare trees? So Fall! Mimic this look by picking up random branches outside - yes outside - of similar heights and stick them in your green plants, to look similar to the back of a porcupine.
Ok, there is SO much going on here - hay stacks, vegetables, apples, red corn, pumpkins, ... and a red door! Yes this entrance has got it goin' on ...and some! But what I like about this entrance is not only its classic allegiance to Fall, but its tasteful execution. Every hay and straw are in its place, ever plant is pruned, and every produce is securely and purposely placed. Everything, including the walkway, is clean and polished, even the squash and apples look so delicious. In achieving this look, work in subgroups to create the overall look you're going for. Try to keep the subgroups (e.g. stacks of hay with squash) as simple as possible so that the overall look isn't overwhelming. Try to repeat the same colors (i.e., all the squash are a shade of green) to create harmony in your décor. To make this interesting, us unexpected props (e.g. squash; apples) that are so Fall but everyone forgets it's their - not just pumpkin - season too. Just make sure everyone doesn't eat them all :)
Oh yes, I feel like I'm in south Georgia, sippin' on some sweet tea or lemonade, with a wide brimmed, floppy hat! Deep breathe in; deep breathe out. Life is good! Notice in this image - thanks Hospitality Designs - orange plants, pumpkins, and faux bark planters are used to Fall-up this relaxing porch. It is really pillows that are used to alert the change in season. To bring in style, an animal print pillow does the job! Because the print is in Fall browns, it totally matches without exactly matching. But that's ok! We still get it - its Fall! Don't be afraid to show some personality!
Have fun decorating. And remember: Joy designs homes :)