Does it feel like Fall where you are? Is it still very summery? We’ve had some extremely hot weather here for the official start of Fall. But once the weather cools down, it’s basically sweaters and jackets all the time. Since it’s Fall, I’ve decorated our mantel to reflect the season and I’ve even stuck with the rich colors that nature offers on the outside.
There is something about adding seasonal touches to a home that helps one appreciate and celebrate each season. But sometimes adding too much could become a place of chaos and clutter rather than a space to enjoy. Last Fall, my decor consisted mainly of pumpkins and Fall color foliage. While it was not in abundance, I did begin to feel a tad overwhelmed by the few pumpkins (real or faux) scattered throughout the house. I ended up corralling them in bowls which was so much better. Also, I did an early Fall table setting in part so could share it on here. It’s such a blessing to have the table already set in advance for when we eat in the dining room. Plus the Fall touches are just so beautiful. But this year, I have not touched the dining room yet. I admit, I really love seeing a beautiful tablescape but there’s not a rule that necessarily says it has to be set up all before and during Fall. I am currently searching for some curtains for the window since what I had on hand was just way too short. That is my priority. The table can be set anytime for when we are ready to use it. While I love sharing small ideas with you for anyone who may want them, I also desire for readers not to feel overwhelmed by it all. But to take things slowly and create a home in the best way that you and your family will love and enjoy.
Fall Mantel: I created some visual interest by adding layers and varying heights to the mantel. The gold mirror was once grey but I just did not like the grey against the yellow painted wall. A few weeks ago, I repainted it and love the gold so much better. I did have another cloud shaped mirror in place here the square one seems to work better with the layering of the art print. The mirror and print plus faux Chinese Lanterns, tapered candles, a few tiny pumpkins and books to add some height are what make this Fall mantel. It took some playing around with other ideas but I think it finally turned out in a way that I love. And it all coordinates from one end to the other. Find the Hello Fall printable here.
The fireplace got it’s own special touch. A couple weeks ago, I found this little fur stool that I thought would look lovely here. The green pillow cover is new, too. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a green pillow or pillow cover or ever decorated with any kind of solid greens items (any little green was probably mixed in with other colors). But I thought it would be fun to try something new to go along with the color scheme of the mantel. It’s such a lovely velvety pillow cover, though.
Everything else are things we’ve had and love and others I’ve been gradually adding to our home to make it “homey”. I’ve been trying hard and making a conscious decision to bring in what we love and enjoy rather than going in a whirlwind with what is trending or what everyone else is doing. In fact, I used to be a lot conscious of the yellow paint on the walls. It’s not my favorite house color by any stretch of the imagination but I’m learning to still share areas in our home despite trending colors. It seems like there is this comparison of homes going around and “vision” of One’s home should look like. Have you seen Instagram lately? The struggle is real folks but every home is different and has to “work” for it’s occupants, right? Therefore, we must set some limits.
What I love best about this look is that it is not cluttered or too much. Simple beautiful seasonal makes it more enjoyable than the overcrowd (well, it’s what I’ve been trying to do).
If you’re wondering if the rest of the house is coordinating with the mantel, I’d say yes. While I did not necessarily decorated the whole house for Fall, some of the decor is already neutral and others sort of goes with these colors. Also, I’ve pulled out our Fall color favorite blankets and changed out just a couple pillows and added a pumpkin or two. It’s nothing worthy or having a Fall home tour. Because really the blankets are in baskets and the pillows, well you know the kids put them on the floor or think it’s fun to play with them anyway. So the mantel is what I focused on since it is such a central area in the family room. And the porch got a Fall wreath and some mums. The porch is what others see on the outside so it’s nice to make it look welcoming.
As for the entryway, I added a touch of Fall to the table which I planned to share. But I am already feeling that it looks too crowded. We’ll see. But I certainly believe that a house does not have to be overcrowded with stuff to look seasonally beautiful. BTW: Do you spy a little dust on the fan? As I was writing this post and looking at the photos, I was like, “is that shadows or is that dust?” I thought I’d just dusted – as you can see everything else is nice and clean. I’ve got to get to cleaning this fan again:)
What do you think of this version of the Fall fireplace and mantel? Are you planning to decorate fully or adding just a little touch to one area like I did?
I think your mantle is beautiful. I, too, feel overwhelmed when there’s an explosion of pumpkins everywhere. I think it has just the right touch if Fall and I love the way you styled it.
I agree – too many things just make it seem so cluttered and I want to change it immediately. Thanks so much Alli for your sweet compliment.