How to Bring a Dash of Autumn Into Your Florida Home
The products pictured are available at Charlotte's Grace in Sarasota. Styled by & Masters.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Fall officially started last week, which means it's time for a seasonal upgrade to your home decor. Two local interior design experts, Jennifer Masters of the design firm & Masters and Kelly Kaiser of Orange Moon Interiors, recently shared some easy ways to infuse that cozy fall feeling into our homes.
Where to Start?
Your home doesn't need a total redo, and focusing on small points of interest like candles, coasters, vases, throw pillows, blankets, plateware, trinket boxes and even the books on your shelf can make an impact.
Even little shifts like a pillow with leather piping or a leather catch-all tray, instead of the clear acrylic tray more reminiscent of summer, can show that the season is changing. And seasonal paper napkins are a quick, easy and inexpensive way to add a little whimsy, according to Masters.
One idea we love is changing out the beach and sunset photos on the shelf to photos of an apple orchard day trip, a hayride outing, a past Halloween costume or an autumn scene, Masters says.
This palette created by Kaiser shows a black and cream color that can last through the year. "We add lime green for a main pop of color and mix in some grey blues and foggy brown," she says.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Say "No" to Words
They're ubiquitous, but try to avoid trite catchphrases on walls, placemats and pillows. "Words are more useful in a book," says Masters.
Instead, evoke the season with subtle hints.
"I'll throw in a slice of fresh orange and the peel, a cinnamon stick and some clove into a pot of boiling water. It makes the house smell amazing and it's nontoxic," says Masters. "Some of your memories attached to scent are the strongest."
If you already own a scent diffuser, clove and orange essential oils are easy to find. If you don't care for the distinct scent of clove, opt for an earthy vetiver.
Think About Textiles
Accent welting, trim or edges can be little details that have big impact. Try to add in leather, horn or feathers in faux or natural colors. Throw in some patterned pillows in houndstooth, plaid and pinstripes. Switch out frames for wood finishes for a more organic feel.
This striped throw pillow, chunky knit throw and faux fur eye mask on a leather tray bring some cooler weather textiles to life. Available at Charlotte's Grace in Sarasota. Image styled by & Masters.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Bring in Natural Elements
Tired of using orange pumpkins, brooms and leaves for Thanksgiving or Halloween? Use natural elements like large carved wood trays or curly willow branches in a tall vase to create an organic touch and scale. White pumpkins are also a cute option. Kaiser likes to swap out tropicals for sunflowers, for a timeless touch that's joyful, colorful and seasonal. Put them in a vase or include them in a door wreath.
Kaiser points to fresh sunflowers as a season go-to.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Final Do's and Don'ts
Don't assume the fall palette begins and ends with orange or burgundy.
Do use sable, ochre, camel, greens, indigo or even black and white. "Don't be afraid to use black," says Kaiser. "It anchors a room and black and white is always classic."
Plus, these colors marry well with the lighter blues, crisp whites and calming grays we often already see in coastal homes, she says.
And Once Fall Turns to Winter...
"For Christmas, just add some gold, silver or red to dress up your home for an easy transition," says Kaiser.
