Getting it Together

I really love decorating for fall because the colors bring such a feeling of calm to a space. I kept it simple, as simple as the ginormous mantle would let me. It was a challenge to not overfill it.

Also pictured is my new sofa table, courtesy of Craig's List. It was exactly what I was looking for. Exactly.

These fall pictures also serve as the living/dining room afters. You remember the befores, right? Gone is the green paint and the super shiny brass fireplace frame. I spray painted the existing one with high heat spray paint. May I suggest that you open the windows if you ever do this? Gah. I was coughing up black particles for over an hour.

You can't really tell from this photo, but the pining room paint color is darker than the living room. I love the way it turned out.


I did pretty much the same thing last year. I used sticks and twigs along with the dried flowers. I love the crisp, fall feel to the assortment. (Click to enlarge.) I also used fake pumpkins. Last year I used real ones and they rotten and ate away at the wood. Why did I not know that could happen?

I consider this a part of the 31 Days because this is important to me. I love to decorate and it can sometimes get pushed to the back burner.

Fall Mantel

This year I looked to the outdoors to be inspired, and inspiration was everywhere. I filled jars with sticks that I spray painted in clear coat, and leaves.

Also inspiring were the acorns. Those adorable little button tops, who can resist them? Pumpkins, and gourds, and squash! Oh, my!

I was dreading fall, and the inevitable cold weather, but now I am embracing it in all of its glory.

Changing Colors

I have begun decorating for fall and I have been inspired by my own backyard. I admit, I have not wanted to see my summer things go, they are really lovely. Every time I walk past this dresser in my living room I say, Hello gorgeous vignette. Who is the genius that put y'all together?

Not really.

OK, maybe once or twice.

The items pictured are mostly from garage sales. The two glass jars were .50 cents each, and the shells were free. The pitcher was originally an ugly orange but I loved the shape. A little bit of white semi-gloss spray paint and- voila! A lovely makeover for .75 cents. The starfish was .25 cents. My mom bought the candle snuffer for me this past Saturday when we went yard saling. I think it was .50 cents. Everything else I already had, I just shopped the house.

With fall fast approaching, I decided to get my pumpkins in a row. (waka-waka) I did not want to spend a lot of money, so I looked out my front door for inspiration. I also looked in the attic and found some great stuff that I had forgotten about. The good part of moving every year is that everything is new again.


I enlisted Joe's help and off to the woods we tramped. He is a great stick finder. I swear he is part Labrador. We found sticks in various shapes, sizes and colors. I brought them home and spray painted them with some clear coat. It made them a bit shiny and stopped the flaking-some of the sticks are very dried out.

The sticks in the jar alone appeared very...sticky, and brown. Some color was in order. I added some dried flowers and loved the effect. This is my most favorite fall decoration!

I collected acorns from the backyard and tossed some sticks in for good measure. The frame and leaf bowl were garage sale scores for .50 and .25 cents respectively.


I love fall. The bright, warm colors. The sounds of leaves crunching under our feet. The crisp, fragrant air and the clean aroma of leaves. Each season has its own distinct smell, doesn't it?


Are you decorating for fall?