FALL UPDATES

It's that time of year....you'll begin to close your windows to keep out the chilly air and want to warm up your spaces for winter.  My favorite things to create a cozy space that you can use seasonally:1. An area rug is the best thing to create instant warmth and ambiance. With so many discount retailers selling them - Ikea, Marshall's, Home Goods, Target and Home Depot- there is a rug in the style and price for you.  Step off the sofa or out of bed on to a warm, soft surface.  I use runners in my baths, since they look as great as they feel.  While you can place area rugs over wall-to-wall carpeting, be cautious since you'll have an elevation difference that stepping over must be considered.  Area rugs add color, texture and even define spaces beautifully.

2. Throws are easy, inexpensive, and perfect for a quick update and to add functional warmth.  West Elm has some fabulously chunky ones that are also great to give as gifts.  While I like wool best, for feel, comfort and durability, acrylic throws are very nice and often under $25.

3. With new flame-less candles, you can create instant ambience anywhere, safely.  Many have 5-6 hour timers that you flip on once, and they turn on and off for months until the batteries are depleted. I found some with remote control at Kohl's! My Sanyo batteries are rechargeable too!
4. Add drapery panels to your windows.  The fastest way to frame a view, add texture and warmth, is with fabric.  Of course you can have blinds and panels!  You'll get awesome function with your blinds, and a wonderful aesthetic with fabric drapes.  Can't do that much?  Consider a top treatment only, to dress up and conceal blind hardware. 

5. Dress up your entry.  Add a wreath - real or faux- put down a throw rug, add a narrow shelf or table and put a small lamp on top.  Hang a mirror to capture all of the light from the lamp.

5 Outdoor living ideas for the fall..

To extend your living spaces through an Indian Summer - warm enough to use through October - be sure to incorporate some of these ideas!  At Touch of Tradition - Home we stock throws, lanterns and outdoor fabrics for every style.

1) Lighting  As the days shorten, you'll need to add light to work or entertain by. With a simple outdoor extension cord, hanging string lights over trees, under the eaves of the house, wound onto a trellis or fence, and draped under an umbrella, will add enough light and are easy to do. Many big box store sell lighting for outdoors so don't hesitate to use a table or floor lamp. It will make the room feel more like indoors!


2) Lanterns There is nothing like candle-light to create a relaxing mood for a balmy outdoor evening.  An enclosed lantern with regular or flame less candles, adds an element of safety to a great architectural detail. Stand them on tables, next to chairs, hang 

them from shepherd hooks in your garden. Instant ambiance! 


3) Pillows  When the hot weather abates, you can get a cozy feel by adding pillows to your outdoor spaces.  From accent pillows on chairs to floor pillows for seating, they create a softness and invite you to spend time.

4) Area rug  Using an outdoor area rug can make an outdoor space more welcoming.  End of season sales are abundant, so take advantage and get a great rug that suits your style.

5) Throws  To ward off the chill of a late fall, drape throws over your benches and chairs so guests (and you) can keep warm while you enjoy another outdoor evening.  

Inspiration for warm fall decor.

Using several of the ideas from the blog, this room
went from summery and light to winter warm.

As we move into cooler weather, it's nice to visually warm your interior spaces.  Here are some ideas to add to your decor for fall.

1) Hang wreaths made of fall 'findings' on your doors, from shelves, and use as centerpieces on tables and kitchen islands.




2) Swap your bright table linens for rich hues of cranberry, brick, taupe or hunter green.

3) Add wall decals to a focal wall in the entry, bedroom, or bath.


4) Drape greens, leaves, and branches from your dining room light fixture for a festive fall look. 

5) Place a knitted throw on your sofa, lounge chair or bed. These from A Touch of Tradition are beautiful and cost-effective. 


6) Hang a mirror over a table or dresser to reflect light from a window or table lamp.


















7) Use area rugs in your family or living room to join seating and visually warm the space.


8) Flameless candles are safe and the new versions are waxy with realistic wicks. Add them to table-scapes, mantles, inside hurricanes filled with fall colored items, and in wall and floor-mounted candelabras.

9) Fill hurricanes or large scale apothecary urns with seasonal items including greens, gourds, acorns, leaves, and other free 'findings'. For and elegant look add moss covered balls, glass ornaments in fall colors, clear and even mercury glass.  

10) Add fabric to your windows. Even if you already have blinds, using side panels or a top treatment can add warmth and texture, and even help stop cold drafts from windows.  Simple no-sew panels from inexpensive upholstery fabric can make your rooms look elegant and dramatic.  With functional Roman Shades for spring and summer, these windows are rich and warm even with white fabric by adding a fixed panel to the sides for fall and winter. The reverse holds true as well.  If you have panels and something is missing, add a great woven blind or wood blinds in the color of your trim to add texture and dimension.