THE GREATEST GIFT of FALL

Fall is fleeting- some days are very warm and we call those "Indian Summer". I'm not sure whether or not this term is politically correct- but the warmest days in fall usually find me pining away for summer.

I find it difficult to say goodbye to the sunshine, the heat and the colors of summer plantings- psychedelic greens, shocking pinks and purples, obnoxious yellows and sizzling oranges. I love these colors.

But then again I love all colors and have taken a few shots of fall in my own yard in order to better appreciate the display of nature as the plantings fade away. I believe that mother nature is the ultimate artist- the landscape is always changing- if I slow down enough to really LOOK, I can fall in love... with FALL. By the way, supposedly LAVENDER is one of this season's IN colors. As an artist, I believe all colors are IN. If you look closely, you can see that these FALL shadows are a play on LAVENDER. By the time WINTER is in full swing, the shadows will change to BLUE . More on that later...

Creative Clutter

We all have STUFF. It is interesting to listen to others and find out what each and every person considers important to collect. Whether these are items that remind you of a past experience, represent access to knowledge, or was once upon a time owned by someone else and you are giving the items new life.

The real design challenge comes down to...'What do you do with your stuff?'

Do you have a room full of clutter?

Cluster the items together to create a display?

Leave them in their boxes never to be seen?

Check out these wonderful photos taken from a friend whom helped organize and display a few important items that are special to her daugther.

A Sketchy Business

When I sketch for my clients, I am sketching for myself also. It benefits both of us- just like learning a new language, you have to practice daily to improve. These sketches help people to visualize change. Computer aided design is fabulous, but hand drawings convey something else.

DON'T BE AFRAID....

The best way to give your home warmth is to inject your interiors with your personality. When your friends visit, they will love being surrounded by your colors, your fabrics and textures because they are an open expression of...YOU.

Each piece in your room should contribute to the whole and be a reflection of all that you love. I've said it before... just be yourself and your home will follow. Here's a sketch of a cozy den for a good friend who loves transitional fabrics and bright colors. I'll be posting "after photos" of the real thing soon. The best compliment I receive when I design for someone else is always "this looks just like me." That's how I know I've nailed it!

Fall is in the air!

Being an interior designer, I tend to focus on the interior of a home, but with the wonderful fall colors and cooler temps it is a relief from the hot summer air. My advice, being the inside out! Just because a 'dining' table is always seen in the 'dining' room, it is ultimately meant for good dining no matter where the location is. The fall colors and last of your garden blooms can make a beautiful backdrop. If you are saying, "I don't have a beautiful garden..." Well the easy fix is to just put a cluster of luminaries or candles in glass votive's. The twinkle of candle light can even make dirt look fabulous. Plus your friends will be wowed by the none traditional dining experience to oversee any lack of blooms. So get creative, think beyond the deck and patio furniture and decorate your lawn! You've just gained more usable real estate.

Inspiration of pumpkin

Some people are inspired by great leaders while others are inspired by a close friend. I have to admit, PUMPKIN is my inspiration! When this time of year rolls around and I start seeing the beautiful orange color popping up on porches, my creativity starts flowing. Whether it is cooking, entertaining or designing a room pumpkin finds itself being incorporated.

When starting a project, just think about what makes you happy. Is this a color, vegetable, piece of artwork, favorite necklace and figure out a way to incorporate it into the space.

Pumkin Muffin Toppers are a great welcome gift!

  

DRAPERY 101- Now you Know!