Fall Decorating Ideas That You Really Can Do!
Need some fall decorating ideas that you can really do ... as in this weekend?Β Ones that won't stress you out?Β Read on!
For todayβs article, we challenged interior designer Kathleen Evers, of K Evers Interiors, to give us plenty of fall decorating ideasΒ that you can incorporate into your home with gusto β¦ or just a tad. But we wanted it attainable. Thus, no drills are required. No ladders. No spray paint and no craft skills. In fact, if you use these ideas as your model, you can just repeat them in your own home this weekend with Kathleen as your expert guide! You just need a trip to the local craft supply store and the pumpkin patch or farmers market. These design ideas are perfect for the nextΒ three months (now through Thanksgiving), so no worries about decorating for just a couple of weeks and then needing to take it all down again. In fact, autumn decor continues to rise in popularity as itβs festive, pretty and you can get a whole lot of bang for your buck.
Today, we walk you through the Nashville, TN, home of Nina and David DyerΒ that Kathleen decorated for fall withΒ easy tips we can mimicβno matter where you live or what your craft skill level is!
Kathleen, when picking out mums, do you have any tips so that they last the longest?
Select mums that are not in full bloom, but have a few buds that are open. Avoid direct sunlight, as they prefer cooler weather. Do not overwater!
Are there particular items you like at each of the larger chain craft stores?
- Pier 1 Imports for βbowl fillersβ such as small acorns, pine cones and dried gourds, as well as candles of all sizes
- Hobby Lobby for artificial pumpkins, gourds and fall leaves
- Pottery Barn for clear glass vases to fill withΒ candles and βfillers,β wheat sheaths, leaf garlands and table linens
- TJ Maxx for autumn plates, bowls and platters
- Michaelβs for grapevine wreaths and garlands and a multitude of ribbon
When looking to make a big impact, where do you start?
The front door always sets the tone for a nice welcome. Use a grapevine wreath and embellish with natural elements, such as pine cones, berries and artificial pumpkins. For the interior, make a centerpiece for a dining table or coffee table. This can be as simple as a large wooden bowl or soup tureen filled withΒ gourds and mini pumpkins purchased in the produce section of your local grocery store. Fill in with magnolia leaves, pine cones or boxwood clippings from your yard.
How can this look evolve as fall comes into its own?
In early September, make the arrangement fairly simple, so that you can add seasonal items to the mix. For example, start with mini faux white pumpkins in a bowl mixed with acorn squash and gourds. Add bittersweet stems in mid- to late-September. As much as I love bittersweet, it doesnβt last but a couple of weeks when itΒ dries out and the berries drop. Hence, Iβve moved to artificial bittersweet! Note that Iβm NOTΒ an advocate of silk flowers ever. My one exception to this rule is seasonal decor, only because the look and quality has improved vastly over the past couple of years.
How do you take this look into Halloween or do you really need to do anything?
Halloween is a great time to add a little sparkle and whimsy or black for more drama. Perhaps some gold pumpkins, a witchβs hat, bats or spiders. Note that some large artificial pumpkins can be carved and are candle-safe. I fill three large glass containers, in three different heights, with candy corn, black and orange M&Ms and mellocreme pumpkins.
How about Thanksgiving?
This is when I add my wooden turkey, rattan cornucopia and pilgrim figures. Itβs a good time to introduce Indian corn from the produce section.
Tell us about your specialties as an interior designer. We know you love to βfluff homesβ like this one today, but youβre generally busy in other areas.
I have a lot of experience with high-end residential new construction, which means it is one of my specialties. However, I also work on numerous renovation projects, which can be even more challenging. With both new construction and renovation projects, I meet with the client at the beginning of the building process,Β starting with the architectural plans, to make sure the rooms flow, furniture fits and that the plans are conducive to their lifestyle. I work with the client on all interior aspects of the home, from cabinet layoutΒ andΒ design, finish selections, built-in designs, electrical, lighting, paint colors, window treatments, etc. My firm is full-service, which means that we take the client from start to finish and everything in between. We work through all phases of interior design, including the selection and procurement of furniture, window treatments, lamps, art and accessories.
And for seasonal decor, do you only work with clients you already have or do you take on new clients who want help, specifically, with fall and holiday decor β¦ fluffing their home for the season?
I help my existing clients with special events and fluffing their homes for the holidays. If there were more hours in the day, Iβd be working on seasonal decor year-round since itβs such an enjoyable aspect of what I do. However, youβd have to clone me!!
As we go into this busy time of year, do you have any tips to stay ahead of the game?
If possible, (so for next year!), start in late July by gathering your items at local chain stores. The best seasonal decor sells out fast! Labor Day weekend is a great time to put out the decor and take note of what you still need to purchase. The three months of autumn always seem to go fast β¦ so prepare early for the most enjoyment.
Thank you, Kathleen and special thanks toΒ Nina and David Dyer for sharing your home with us today!
Check out more about Kathleen Evers and her firm, K Evers Interiors, here:Β keversinteriors.com
Happy weekend!
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Liza Graves
As CEO of StyleBlueprint, Liza also regularly writes for SB. Most of her writing is now found in the recipe archives as cooking is her stress relief!