It's officially Fall, though we were surprised by autumnal weather over the last couple of weeks. With the thermometer showing cooler temperatures, our thoughts move from beach style decor to one simple word - Cozy.
Just as we now pull on the warm socks we stowed away in the spring while slipping on sandals and tees for the past few months, it’s now time to put on your home’s warm socks and sweaters. Not quite so fast, though! Let’s do this in a simple, step by step way that guarantees you a stress-free seasonal transition, and less work, so you can do the fun fall things you and your family love.
Why is a step-by-step method needed? Because it’s not just a case of plunking your plastic containerful of turkey-themed whimsy on all your home’s surfaces. You want calm, not crowded. Let’s start:
#1 Editing. It’s always about editing. In each room, gather up the lovely summery accessories you’ve been enjoying while it’s been hot. Give them a clean - perhaps just a wipe with a damp cloth then a buff, wrap them up and put them all in one place. You’ll gather everything up after your fall container is empty, wipe it out if needed, then store away summer for another year.
#2 Cleaning. I’m not endearing myself to you, am I? I know, but over the summer, with the patio doors opening and shutting almost constantly, spiders and their friends may have made themselves comfortable inside, and it’s incredible how much of the outside ends up inside.
Dust top to bottom in each room, evaluate if surfaces need more interventions by jotting down notes on each room (chipped paint on the windowsill, clean the far wall where there are liquid spill marks etc.), clean soft surfaces - with an old cat, slip overs are a lifesaver - and finish by deep cleaning your floor.
#3 Editing. Wait - I already said that. True, but after moving all the nick knacks off the tables and shelves to clean, look at them all again to see if they might work better in another spot, another room, or another house. Have an Out the Door box along with a Possibly Out the Door box. Divide the first into Donate and Trash, and the second can be stored for a season if you’re just not sure yet.
#4 Inspiration. I don’t normally see this on similar lists, but one of my favourite things to do, is to flip through magazines, Pinterest, IG and store displays (this year
online) to see what looks are fresh for the season. I might pick a colour that keeps coming up or a theme I like as a starting point. I’ll then look at what I have and what I can easily add to make things feel fun for Fall.
#5. Decorating. Finally! I challenge you to put out only your absolutely favourite items, and consider if they might look great in a new location, in a new way. Did you see any design trends that might have you grouping your faves in a space you’d not thought of? Try it! Maybe move a couple of pieces of furniture around while you’re at it. Start with bases - piles of books, tables, shelves, mantles, and work your way up.
The last step is truly the coziest part - bringing out your throws and lap quilts (you DO have lap quilts, don’t you? This quilter has enough to keep everyone toasty). Drape them behind cushions on your couch, over the backs of chairs, rolled up in wicker baskets, pulled from your cedar chest, and settle in with a cup of something warm and delicious to reward yourself for your work and creativity.
