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Tag: Fall

Decorating the Home using Fall Favorites

The chill is in the air and I’m wearing a sweater today.  I’m actually lovin’ it!

How about in your neck of the woods…  Does it feel like Fall yet?

Aside from my favorite Fall things like wearing oversized cable knit sweaters, going apple picking, and Sunday football with the family, I love the changing over of blankets from light linen to heavy wool, and the swapping out of pillows from bright hues of yellow to deeper plums and emerald.

And that was exactly what I did last weekend.

Check out this living room shot I snapped & shared on Instagram

Decorating for Fall: changing over of blankets from light linen to heavy wool, and swapping out of pillows from bright hues of yellow to deeper plums and emerald

Even though I am not completely ready to say goodbye to the long, warm days of Summer, Fall has a special place in my heart. It’s the season when I got married, it’s the time of year when my daughter was born, and it’s when a routine can once be established as the kids head back to school.

Whether you love the look of warm, rich hues (all year round) or simply adore the Fall and want some inspiration for making a few seasonal updates, there are a simple ways to spruce up your home décor using Fall Favorites…

PUMPKINS, GOURDS, PINECONES, APPLES
Fall is all about nature, and layering in as many seasonal favorites amongst your everyday décor can make a simple, but big impact look.

> Pumpkins in a platter.

> Gourds on the mantel.

> Pinecones as a centerpiece.

These are all easy and beautiful ways to decorate for the season. Gathering leaves from the yard (or faux from the craft store) can be the perfect base as seasonal go-to’s are layered atop. Or after your family apple picking adventure, put together an overflowing collection of apples in a low bowl or basket that can adorn the dining table.

All simple ideas that make a big impact!

Still one of my favorites EVER… a log centerpiece with leaves + pumpkins.

DIY: Log Centerpiece - perfect for the table or mantel. More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall Favoritestutorial for >>> log centerpiece

Pumpkins, gourds, leaves on the mantel. More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall FavoritesFall mantel with feather

Pumpkin filled lantern. More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall Favorites.Lantern filled with pumpkins

DECORATE WITH NATURE
You may not need to go far or spend any money to adapt your décor for the coming season. Be inspired by your surroundings. Head outdoors to collect leaves, branches, and any natural materials that would be ideal to create an eye-catching table centerpiece or wreath. Arrange a bunch of branches with leaves of varying colors in a vase or glass mason jar and display them on a dining table or entry table vignette.

One other idea is to press your leaf findings and display them in a picture frame as I did with these ferns found in my yard.

Fall Tablescape: More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall Favorites.Fall tablescape {gourds galore}

Fern Art in a foyer. More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall Favorites.tutorial for >>> Fern Art

'leaves' in a vase. More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall Favorites.

ADORN YOUR DOOR
The front door, often thought of as the “mouth” of a home, is the perfect place to make a statement. Have little time or a small budget, focus on the areas of the home that get the most traffic. Adorning your front door with a beautiful seasonal wreath or decorating a front porch with colorful mums will truly create an inviting and welcoming first impression.

Other seasonal favorites to decorate with can be indian corn, hay bales, and varying sizes and colors of pumpkins. Adding in a plaid throw or tweed pillow can truly create the feeling of a textural cornucopia of color for the season as well as the springboard for what’s to come in the homes interior.

Fall Wreath. More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall Favoritestutorial for >>> Autumn wreath with plum + peacock accents

SEASONAL COLORS + PATTERNS
The unique and range of seasonal hues including reds, oranges, and yellows can lighten up not only your spirits but add warmth and contrast to your everyday interior. Beyond the typical warmer colors of Fall, other favorites include deep plum, emerald, mustard, and winter white – all ideal to layer in for the coming Fall season.

Fall is all about feeling cozy and warm. Swapping your everyday décor staples with ones that have more texture (like a new linen lampshade), will give an instant boost for the season. The simplest and least expensive way to update a space for Fall is to swap out those lighter, brighter throw pillows of Summer for a style that is more lush and soft. Try fabrics like velvet, wool, and flannel in hues of chocolate, golds, and warm pastels.

Another big impact look would be to introduce a new rug that will set the tone for the rest of the space. A rug can anchor a room and can instantly change the aesthetic of a space. A rug with warm hues and an interesting pattern could be the perfect change to immediately update a room.

Fall Porch. More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall Favorites.Fall Front Porch

Fall Tablescape: More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall Favorites

Fall Tablescape: More Decorating ideas for the Home using Fall FavoritesFall tablescape {gourds galore}

SMELL MATTERS
Home is not only about how it looks, but also how it feels and smells. Making a natural air freshener using cinnamon and apples can truly make for a yummy, cozy, welcoming aroma. Or try a candle that has a wood or spice scent.

3 yummy favs…

Favorite Fall candlesRetwined candle / Baies Scented CandleWoodwick Gingered Pumpkin

Autumn is truly like no other as the days turn crisp and the leaves reflect the hues of colorful candy corn. Seasonal décor doesn’t have to be elaborate or time consuming.

A few simple touches go a long way – the simpler, the better.

World Market NYC + Shop My Dining Space

Sad to say but I wasn’t able to attend the World Market event 2 weeks ago as planned.  Real life came knocking on the door and unfortunately my son came down with a stomach bug + 103 temp at THE. WORST. TIME.  Yup, can you believe it?!

World Market Party VS. caring for my sick child?  Hands down, my family comes first.  Not attending was hard to swallow as I was super excited for this amazing opportunity because I truly adore the company + I was so looking forward to seeing friends that I haven’t been with in ages.  But life throws you curveballs once in a while AND I chose what was most important.

No worries, I have pictures from the event to share + I had the chance to do a little shopping and chose to give my dining space a freshening up.  Perfect timing as we are transitioning into Fall!

THE EVENT.

Even though I was absent from the sneak peek shin-dig, I was following along with my friend Kelly of Eclectically Vintage + Diane of In My Own Style.  They schmoozed, mingled, and shopped!

The new World Market in Chelsea evokes a chic industrial rustic aesthetic with bold color + engaging texture.  The store is located at 18TH & 6TH, 620 6TH AVENUE in the heart NYC amongst many top design stores.

The sneak peek opening 2 weeks ago was filled with editors + designers + bloggers.  Also the fun & fabulous Kelly Osborne was in attendance to kick off the festivities.

World Market NYC Grand Opening sneak peek event. Store Open NOW!If you’re in the New York area, drop everything and get to this store!  Well maybe not everything, but seriously this new space is not to be missed.  The store is more furniture based (whereas their other stores have a mix of decor, jewelry, food, furniture, and more), but has lots of take & go items – pillows, dishes, lighting, etc.  The rest of what you love can easily be ordered and shipped to your home!

For me, I LOVE a great lighting fixture, so when I saw their new lighting vignette, I almost went to heaven.  They have really great hanging fixtures + lamps.  So stylish AND affordable!

World Market NYC Grand Opening sneak peek event. Store Open NOW!

World Market NYC Grand Opening sneak peek event. Store Open NOW!

With all this goodness, I couldn’t hold myself back from bringing some World Market beauty into my home.  Check out my spruced up dining space for Fall…

Fall Dining Table: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp for the Fall season @ JennaBurger.com

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

When decorating a table, it’s all about mixing the intense with the calm.

For this Fall dining table, I started with a bold, mixed-print tablecloth (there are lots of tablecloths to choose from at World Market) that has a detailed paisley pattern + a geometric, modern border.  Atop I added a large mirror with a weathered edge as a base for the centerpiece and layered on a minimal amount of simpler elements – vase, small cutting board, oil bottle, cloth napkins.

A simpler centerpiece is perfect too for when the food comes… the main course + sides can easily be added amongst the surrounding decor.

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

Any opportunity I get, I decorate with natural elements.  From the mantel to the tabletop, I love incorporating bits of nature through plants, flowers, and greenery.  For this table, I chose two natural beauties.  In the large, high vase (you always need varying heights when creating a table vignette), I clipped a few branches from a tree in my yard.  So simple AND free! The branches remind me of a fig tree and since I don’t have one (insert big ole’ pout), the beautiful limbs from this tree will do.

Honestly though, the tall vase filled with branches makes the table!

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

Here is another view of the centerpiece looking at my raspberry colored china cabinet (still one of my favorite projects ever).  I adore the fluidity and simplicity of the oversized vase looks against the striking + bold cabinet.  A space comes together when their is a balance of bold and calm, pattern and solid.

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

Simple woven chargers are the perfect separation between the strong tablecloth and the pretty patterned plates.  The simple cloth napkins atop the plates are the perfect organic layer.

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

Sometimes pattern + pattern just makes sense.  And on this dining table there is no lack of pattern! From the pillows on the chairs to the tablecloth adorning the table to the plates the food will rest on, the eye will certainly not get board…

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

… Yet, there is an overall calmness and inviting nature that this Fall table evokes.

Dining Room Revamp: freshening up the dining space for the Fall adding seasonal colors, patterns, and textures. www.jennaburger.com

I’m so happy + content at how this seasonal table resulted.  I wish it could stay like this all Fall.  I have kiddos and the reality of it looking like this tomorrow is slim…  “Mom, what’s all this stuff on the table”.

In the meantime, for the few dinner parties + occasions we will host over the coming months, I have a go-to set up.  It’s easy + simple + sophisticated and is perfect for the Fall!

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

A step back view of the overall space from the kitchen, looking into the dining space, and the living room beyond…

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com

Want to know all the details that went into this revamp for Fall?

SHOP MY SPACE.

Details for you to enjoy & shop.

Shop My Dining Space: Resources + Details for this dining room revamp @ JennaBurger.com[1] Dining Table (similar)
[2] Side Chairs (similar)
[3] Bench (similar)
[4] Mirror
[5] Dinner Plates
[6] Cloth Napkins (similar)
[7] Appetizer Plates
[8] Flatware
[9] Glasses
[10] Vase
[11] Oil Bottle
[12] Cutting Board / Cheese Cutting Board
[13] Throw Pillows

If you live or plan on visiting NYC, be sure to check out the new World Market in Chelsea.

Thanks for checking out my dining space revamp for Fall!  Are you ready for the season change? I don’t blame you…  Not so sure myself.

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST BY COST PLUS WORLD MARKET.  THEY HAVE REQUESTED I SHARE INFORMATION ON THIS STORE OPENING AND RETURN HAVE BEEN COMPENSATED FOR MY TIME.  ALL THOUGHTS + WORDS ARE 100% MY OWN.

Fall Tablescape with Gourds Galore

Howdy folks!  Fall is in full-swing in northern New York and as we’ve been enjoying the colorful foilage (did you see how we spent our weekend? I posted a peak on IG) , I’m finally feeling the urge to turn the house over for the season.   I still have my hands filled caring for my little 3 month old + transforming my latest Craigslist find, but that hasn’t stopped me from adding in a few Fall touches.  My perfect spot for the ideal seasonal setup… the dining table.

Alas, this years Fall Tablescape.

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

Filled with gourds, mums, pinecones, and a few of my go-to styling / decor favorites, my table is all set for the season and will lead us right into our Thanksgiving feast.  Don’t you just love when one thing works for multiple purposes + occasions?!

And check out the cute box.  I made it.  Details on that in a bit…

Everything on my table for Fall is from Lowes, my favorite big box store because it’s my go-to spot for everything I need to build, paint, make, and decorate.  Seriously!  When this month’s challenge came and it was focused around Fall decorating {mums + ghords}, the dining table was just the spot.  And you know I love creating a pretty centerpiece (this seasonal favorite has been pinned over 88,000 times)!

So we all know, I’m a mush for trays.  Almost every surface around my home has a tray.  Why?  Because they are easy to move.  Because they’re pretty.  Because they create the most perfect horizontal vignette.  So this years seasonal tablescape had to have a tray!  And an easy one to make, of course.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

How-To Build a Wood Tray

My cut list:

  • (2) 1″ x 4″ x 48″ long
  • (1) 1″ x 8″ 48″ long
  • (2) 1″ x 4″ x length TBD (explained in tutorial below)
  • stain (I used Minwax Special Walnut)
  • (2) cup pulls (kitchen style drawer pulls work great – I got mine for $3+ in the hardware section of Lowe’s)

1. I decided the length of my tray would be 48″ finished and I determined this according to the length of my table.  When people are sitting at the table, the tray will probably be moved, but it doesn’t have to.  At 48″ long, there is still plenty of room for people to fit around the table & have enough space at their seat.  That being said, if you want to make a similar try, it can be any size you’d like.

I made a mark for my cut and used my circular saw to cut the first piece.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

2. Then (without measuring) I layed the 1″ x 4″ x 48″ cut piece onto the uncut piece and marked where to make the cut #2.   Following that, I cut the 1″ x 8″ piece (for the bottom) the same way.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

3. Using 1″ wood nails (which have a small head), I attached the sides to the bottom.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

4. Then I measured the ends and using another 1″ x 4″ board, I cut it to size.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

5. Then nailed the ends onto the sides and the bottom.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

6. Once the box was complete, I drilled holes at each of the shorter ends for the cup pulls and screwed them in.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

One last step… stain!

7. Using Minwax Special Walnut and a lint-free cloth (an old white cotton t-shirt to be exact), I applied the stain and immediately wiped it away because I wanted to keep the look of the box a medium depth (not too dark, not too light) since the table is fairly dark.

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

The result…

DIY Tutorial - How To Make a Wood Box to display on a dining table! 20 minute, easy-to-make do it yourself project. You'll want to make lots of these boxes for all over the home.

Once the box was complete, within a few hours it was ready to fill.  The power of stain can make life quite grand!

I started off with positioning the tall white vase (a recent purchased from Joss and Main) and filled it with branches that I cut down from a tree outside (a non-fruit bearing pear tree to be exact).  I’ve been doing this all Spring, Summer, and Fall long and they make the best table centerpiece – they’re beautiful + cost nothing!!  They wilt after a few days, but who cares, they’re free.  I love the height they bring to the table.

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

A few days earlier, my kids collected a whole lotta acorns and upon putting them in a tall glass bowl, they made the next perfect addition for the wood box.

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

Then I added the pretty plum mum.  Fall = mums.  Am I right?!  I had grabbed a bunch in an array of colors for the outside porch a few weeks back and I chose the plum colored one for the box.  Deep colored purple, plum, is one of my favorite Fall hues.

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

Once I had some elements of varying heights and sizes, the base of the box needed to be filled.  The colorful gourds and the textured pinecones were the icing on the cake for this Fall Tablescape.

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

Fall Tablescape (perfect for Thanksgiving too) filled with ghords, pinecones, mums, and seasonal favorites! All in an easy-to-make handmade wood box. You'll want to make this TODAY!

8a

So pretty + colorful, right?!  I’m in love.  Now that the china cabinet is almost complete, this is the perfect addition to the dining space.  More details on the china cabinet makeover coming in the next few days.

Disclosure: I am part of the Lowe’s Creative Team and was provided with a Lowe’s gift card to purchase items for my project.  I was also compensated for my time to use the products.  No one told me what to create, what to buy, how to use the product, or what to write.  All opinions are 100% mine!

Everything FALL! {all posts in one place}

I recently had a few readers reach out asking me about seasonal Fall projects.  In all honesty, other than my front porch, I’ve done nothing to spice up my home for Fall this year.  Lack of time I guess.  BUT, I have a slew of posts from the past on decorating for the Autumn season.  It is my favorite time of year after all, so this post is dedicated (and will be updated over time as needed) with posts of mine with all things FALL…

Check out these past posts to get your excited about the season.

Autumn Log Centerpiece - the perfect addition to your Fall table or mantel - it's so easy to create!Autumn Log Centerpiece

Autumn wreath with peacock + plum accentsAutumn wreath with plum + peacock accents

DIY Ombre Halloween Pillow using RIT dye + festive stencilsOmbre Halloween Pillow

Fall mantel with feathers + greenery - simple ideas to jazz up a space for the season!Fall mantel {2013}

Fall wreath with burlap and fabric flowers {tutorial}Burlap wrapped wreath with fabric flowers

Front porch decorated with mums + seasonal Fall decor - simple, but eye-popping ways to decorate for Fall Fall Front Porch {2013}

Fall mantelFall Mantel {2011}

Lantern filled with pumpkinsLantern filled with pumpkins

Autumn Mantel decorated with pumpkins & seasonal decorAutumn Mantel {2012}

And that’s a wrap!  All the Fall (aka Autumn) projects + tutorials from the past 4 years.  I didn’t realize how much I’ve shared about this favorite season of mine.

Happy Fall Y’all!

Fall Front Porch

It’s officially Fall!

I was a bit sad to see the Summer end, but I have to say, with the kids back in school and a routine once again being established, the arrival of the season has actually been quite delightful.  The weather also has been chilly, so it just adds to the thought that Fall is in full swing.

To celebrate the new season, I had to give my front porch a new look.  After finishing it up over the weekend + photographing it yesterday, it’s ready to share + enjoy!

This seasons front porch didn’t change much.  I really just added in a few new layers of color + festive pumpkins, ghords, and mums.

Take a look…
Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, 
WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Welcome.

The entrance of a home sets the style + tone for what’s to come on the inside.  I always like to evoke an inviting, colorful, and welcoming aesthetic to my seasonal & holiday front porch creations.  With it being Fall, colorful pumpkins + mums were a must.

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, 
WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Both bring fantastic color to the porch.

I also filled my lanterns with sugar pumpkins + interesting shaped ghords.

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

The vertical pallet ‘garden‘ also got a revamp.  Down came the vines + spring flowers and in their place went colorful mums.  I planted them a few weeks ago with the kids.  It was great getting them involved and we got to use my other pallet creation that I made this past summer.

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

I never shared this on the blog (I kinda forgot with other projects going on), but the lutchens bench that sits under the pallet got a makeover at the beginning of the summer.  It used to be plain wood (natural finish with no stain) and with the desire to bring in more color to the porch, I spray painted it in a turquoise color.  It sure is an eye-catcher!

Lutchens Bench before and after by @Jenna_Burger of WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

It’s amazing how something can look brand new for under $5!

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

The other side of the front porch is just as delightful with 2 teak side chairs and a tiered table in between.  The table is from West Elm.  It’s seen better days and almost got tossed until I realized outside under the covered porch was the perfect next life for it.

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

The table is also the perfect spot to rest a cup of tea and enjoy a few treats.  Yesterday a sliced apple + an apple muffin were my treat of choice.

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Even though the front porch isn’t a large space, it’s so cozy.  Whether watching the kids on their bikes or simply enjoying a few (rare) quiet moments, I love sitting out there enjoying our home and ‘the fruits of our labor’.

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Want to see how much it’s changed?  Check out these ‘before’ photos from 2 years ago…

Quite the transformation!

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Wild flowers from the yard make the perfect centerpiece.  Not sure if it’s because they’re from our garden or because they’re free, but either way, this simple arrangement makes me so happy.

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

On my apple green front door, sits my latest wreath creation that I shared last week.  I love the plums & navy hues!

Autumn Wreath with Plum + Peacock Accents by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.net

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, WWW.JENNABURGER.COM

Thanks for visiting!  I loved having you tour my new festive Fall front porch.  I hope you enjoyed.

Fall Front Porch by @Jenna_Burger, sasinteriors.netWhat elements have you brought in to decorate your Fall front porch?

Autumn Mantel

I’ve been loving the cool temps over the past few days, have you?  For me, there’s no transition time once September hits.  A switch goes off in my head that says “Fall, Fall, Fall”.  Thankfully I haven’t dug out the sweaters yet, BUT I did gather some decor for my newest mantel for the coming season.

Autumn is almost here and after sharing a fun roundup of Fall Fireplace Mantels earlier this week, I’m ready to reveal mine.  But before we begin, I have a confession to make… I never showed you my summer mantel.  I had great intentions to, but it never happened.  No worries, because for Fall I didn’t change much and basically the reasoning is that I just love it. This years Autumn Mantel isn’t overly “themed” and actually isn’t really “fallish”.  Basically I kept it simple and added a few festive elements.  Take a look…

The change from my Summer mantel to now wasn’t that different or difficult.  Since you didn’t see the Summer mantel, this is what it looked like.  With the addition of the starfish for the warm months and the simple switchout to pumpkins and ghords for Fall, the mantel was updated in minutes.

I have to say, I’m really happy with the simplicity and monochromatic look of this year’s Fall Mantel.  For this mantel, I shopped my home for everything, except one piece – the tall white jar.  I had been on the search for something like it and when I saw this beautiful pierced ginger jar at TJ Maxx a few months, I snagged it up – it was attractive and for under $20 it was a must-have!  It’s height and detail bring so much character to the mantel.  Don’t ya think?!

All the other elements in this Fall decor were seen in last years mantel or were someplace else around the house.  The white pumkpins were a great score last year and weren’t always white.  If you recall, this is what I did…

It’s amazing what a little white craft paint can do!

In continuing my simple white aesthetic, I spray painted the candle stick white as well.  In my other mantels, it was brass, but not anymore.  Continuing, my estate sale found mason jars are still filled with lentils and beautiful, bumpy, bright orange ghords were added throughout.  I had to add some color.  right?!

Those tall glass jars are killer – loved them since the day I bought them which was a gazzillion years ago (more like 10+) from Crate and Barrel.  Ya gotta love the Crate!

The birds are another recent find that I purchased at a local home store.  They are dark brown, similar to the mantel color and almost blend right in, but they are so cute and add a whimsical touch to the mantel decor.

I think it’s so important to add varying heights and layers when creating a mantel.  Think of your mantel composition as a wave – it should go up and down as it moves across.  Need more tips on mantel decor? Check out my post on How-To Decorate a Mantel.  Looking at others mantels will also help inspire and give ideas.  That’s where my roundup comes in handy!

Here’s the overall Fall Mantel.

You might have noticed in some of the pictures that there’s somethin’ different on the wall?  Yup, that’s new.  There used to be a mirror there, but that got revamped and moved to the dining area. In it’s place is a new distressed stained sign, which was easy to create and is an awesome backdrop. Want to create something similar?  Here’s how…

Create a Distressed Stained Sign

1. Measure and cut lumber to the size desired (I used (3) 2″ x 12″ x 48″ pieces of pine)
2. Use (2) horizontonal pieces of lumber to secure the vertical pieces (I used (2) 2 x 4, but any size lumber would really work)
3. Distress the sign using a chain, hammer, nails, etc. to add as much or as little distressing as desired
4. Stain your sign.  I used the stain that I had leftover from my staircase which was Ebony, but you can use a lighter stain depending on the depth of color you want to achieve.

Pretty simple, right?!  I love how it brings height and depth to the space, yet still creates a great backdrop to the mantel decor.  And against the burnt orange wall, it really makes a statement.

Simple and Chic Autumn Mantel. Yes, I’m happy 😉

Have you started your decorating for Fall yet?  I’ve got my mums and ghords, and this weekend we’re headed to the apple orchard.  O, do I LOVE Fall!

I link my projects to some of these parties: Skip to My Lou, Dittle Dattle, Between Naps on the Porch, Today’s Creative Blog, Stories of A to Z, All Things Heart & Home, Savvy Southern Style, House of Hepworths, Finding Fabulous, Creation Corner, The Shabby Nest, Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Tip Junkie