Easy Updates for Fall

As someone who loves all things beautiful I have come to the realization that a good foundation is key to a well appointed life whether we are discussing your fashion or your interior design, both of which I have spent a lot of time cultivating.  Most acquisitions are looked at as investments no matter how great or small.

Now that fall has come and temperatures are beginning to drop we look at our home and wardrobe to start the transition process from summer to winter.  First up is taking a look at small things that Gray and I have added to my home for a fall update, and to point out some of my favorite pieces that were investments at the time but that I still cherish today.

West Elm currently has some amazing offerings.  I picked up some yellow sprigs and mixed them with prickly pears and eucalyptus from the farmer's market to bring in a hint of fall without being overpowering.  These candles also from West Elm are not only adorable but smell amazing-the fox smells like cedar and balsam, and the owl of red holly berry (tip: avoid the snow leopard.  They say it smells of silver pine, but it smells awful).

Julie is lucky enough to have a fireplace of which Gray is seriously envious.  Spring and summer see floral displays on the hearth, and fires are roaring in the winter, but what to do when it isn't cold enough to warrant a fire but past prime time for peonies or hydrangeas?  Pumpkins of course.  A quick trip to ACE or Home Depot will give you all the options you need.  We used three small bales of hay and five pumpkins of varying sizes and colors for an easy and colorful fall display.

The mantles a great focal point in Julie's living room, but the ideas here are easy to translate to a shelf, windowsill or console table.  Her typical mantle displays William Yeoward hurricanes (Crate and Barrel make great options) and a Jonathan Adler hippopotamus (no alternatives for this; anything Jonathan Adler makes is amazing and a fantastic investment.  If you are on a budget check out his line for JC Penny).  To add a little color and texture we used two wheat bunches from West Elm and wrapped leather bracelets from Jayson Home over the existing twine.  Any ribbon you have works just as well, but we loved the dark leather as a contrast and for providing a great example for one of our mantras; don't be afraid to try something new and to reappropriate something you love in a way that speaks to you.  A $18 basket of assorted gourds and pumpkins from Home Depot and your home has been prepped for fall.

If you want something a little more permanent that nonetheless makes a statement, try switching out your bedding.  A darker or warmer color will help your space feel cozy during the cooler weather.  Julie switched her white cotton bedding to Restoration Hardware's amazing Belgian linen in fog, (Ikea has some great options as well, but we believe in spending a little extra for bedding because, as studies say, you spend 26 years sleeping during your life).