Saturday, October 30, 2010

Fall Decorating with Pumpkins

There's a chill in the air here at our little Jewel Box Home!  The leaves are slowly changing and some are drifting downward in the breeze.  Last weekend I tackled the dreaded Closet Chaos and brought the sweaters and long-sleeved fall wardrobe down from the attic.  There was a Harvest Moon last week and all these seasonal changes has my fingers itching to decorate my home for Autumn.

 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

This time of year makes me think of Halloween and hayrides, backyard bonfires and bowls of chili, friends and football, caramel apples and crunch leaves.  

 
 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Some of my very favorite ways to decorate my little house is to use what I have to bring the outdoors inside!  I love these carved pumpkins on this candelabra!  Instant votives to set the mood for your outdoor gathering.  
 
 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

What better floral arrangement for your table scape than a bunch of colorful Autumn leaves?  I also love the side table in the background that displays pumpkins filled with greenery, catkins and mums.  Autumn at its finest!
 
 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Of course who can resist the urge to purchase pumpkins during this festive season?  I am a sucker for the bumpy, lopsided dis-colored ones that others pass over.  They just seem to have more character to me and they are perfect for carving and poking little twinkle lights into to make vases or lanterns!
 
 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Big brambly wreaths on the front door, mums on the porch, pumpkins and gourds leaning lazily on the front steps!  Welcome Fall!
 
Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Who says only floral wreaths and greenery can grace your stoop?  This homeowner has embellished her entryway with pumpkins galore.  Even on the wreath!

 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Autumn, to me, says candlelight...table lamps as opposed to overhead lighting....fires in the fireplace...the soft glow of an oil lamp.  
 
 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Pumpkins under glass, in bowls, on shelves, displayed in baskets?  Yes, please!
 
 Photo Courtesy of Country Living

Don't forget to use old quilts as tablecloths, afghans draped over the arm of the sofa for instant snuggling, baskets of books for cozy nights indoors and a ticking clock.  

Fall essentials!

Happy Autumn!
~Amber   

Sunday, October 24, 2010

No Mess Makeover!

 Photo Courtesy of  Country Living



One thing that always annoys me about some remodeling projects featured in magazines or online is the massive construction efforts required to complete the "look" that the homeowner wanted to achieve.  I don't know about you readers, but my family isn't always up for knocking a wall down here, installing granite countertops there or re-wiring an entire upstairs level just to achieve a vision in my head.  
 Photo Courtesy of  Country Living

Living Area Before

 The thing that most attracted me to this bungalow remodel was, not only the small size of the home, but the fact that remodel was done on a (gasp) budget and there were no major renovations in the form of construction that were performed to achieve their goals. 

Photo Courtesy of  Country Living

Living Area After
With the simple addition of some paint, a rug and a few artfully placed accessories, this living area was transformed into an airy, but cozy room that welcomes each visitor into the home with open arms. 
 
 Photo Courtesy of  Country Living

Dark furniture and an abundance of wall art gave the appearance of too much clutter in the small breakfast/dining nook.

 Photo Courtesy of  Country Living

 By swapping out the old table with a new, round one that fits the area and placing it on a rug with some new light, airy window treatments, this dining area was transformed with no heavy demolition.
 Photo Courtesy of  Country Living

The guest bedroom's striking architecture went unnoticed, due to the dull wall color and outmoded linens.

 Photo Courtesy of  Country Living

With the simple addition of some wallpaper and new, inexpensive linens guests will be thrilled to spend a weekend in this charming space!
 

 Photo Courtesy of  Country Living

No room for a claw foot tub or jacuzzi?  No budget for installation of a curtains-free shower?  Not me!

 Photo Courtesy of  Country Living

This dull bathroom now has pizzazz with just a little wallpaper and the replacement of standard fixtures with some unique implements.

I'm not up for major construction.  Please...no dust and demolition and excavation and months of rebuilding!  I love the thought of a new look achieved with some fabric, new fixtures and artful re-arranging of furniture!

~Amber