Fall in the Living Room

I feel as though it's been so long since I've posted anything to do with our home or decorating, but the truth is, I'm just getting around to getting my house in order again. As I've started feeling like myself, I've began puttering around the house, eliminating some of the choas and making things feel cozy as the weather turns colder.

I started in the living room. Nothing complicated, just some pumpkins placed here and there to bring some Fall tones to the space.

I know it's all about copper pieces right now, but I still love my traditional brass candlesticks.

Now, while I know that taking a photo in this kind of evening light, with a lamp on of all things, and no tripod makes for slightly blurred, unnatural photos... but at this point, I'm just happy I got to take any photos at all! I had a quiet moment when dinner was in the oven and Jude was napping, and took the opportunity before the sun was down.

I would love it if it's sunny tomorrow and I'm able to take some photos of the different varieties of pumpkins and gourds I have this year. I found some really beautiful ones.

The First Day of Autumn

"And all at once, Summer collapsed into Fall"

Oscar Wilde

I've always been sentimental about Fall.

I love each changing of each season really, but maybe I enjoy the arrival of Autumn so much because it seems to come suddenly.

Before we realize it, it's here.

The first day of Autumn is spent decorating the house.

I couldn't have been more excited to stumble upon this local farmstand.

This is Fehrhaven Farms on Hwy 3 just outside of town. She grows the most beautiful (and grand) pumpkins I've seen at one stand.

The brilliant colours of that majestic Maple tree made it even more lovely!

I can't wait to show you what I stuffed my trunk with.

A Living Room Cabinet and Welcoming Fall

I've had this cabinet sitting in our garage for over a year now. I used it in my sale last year to hold my collection of ironstone. Originally, I had planned on using it as a cabinet to house games and books and things in the basement, but it was one single inch too tall.

I found it on Kijiji, looking much more worse for the wear, for a whole $40.

It's a very simple piece, and that's why I think I fell in love with it. It's been painted Antique White, which is a nice contrast to the white walls behind.

In keeping with the simple feel of the piece, I didn't want the shelves to be too cluttered. It took me all day to find just the right pieces to display. In the end, a few of my bird's nests, some of my Opa's books, some candles and a few natural touches were all that remained.

I had grand ambitions to include orange and red and yellow pumpkins in my Fall decorating this year, however, the most beautiful varieties of squash led me astray. 

In celebrating Fall, I love bringing in the most simple, natural things. These acorns were collected from our campsite on a recent trip to the Finger Lakes. Pine cones were gathered from the towering Pines at the cottage, and all of the nests were abandonned in our back woods.

I also found a home for my small table. I picked this up at an antique store after Christmas for $25.

I'm slowly but surely adding hints of Fall around the house.

Autumn Shelves

Autumn... It's finally here!

Oh, how I have been waiting for this wonderful season to arrive.

In celebration, I added a few pieces of brown transferware to my kitchen shelves, as well as our first pumpkin and some quince.

What are some things you look forward to in the Fall?

Inspirations - Autumn Decor

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Here are some of my current inspiration rooms.

The seasons effect my tastes so much. They have a great deal to do with my ever-evolving home. I believe that your home is never complete. I'm constantly developing my style, and tweaking it. It is being effected by my surroundings all the time. To me, it's what makes decorating fun, and what keeps it interesting.

Country Living

Obviously, rich woods paired with contrasting clean whites are always a favourite, but they seem especially Fall. I love the look of bits of nature scattered throughout a room: A small ironstone dish of collected acorns, a pumpkin or gourd tucked amongst a vignette, and maybe even a few gathered branches in a vase for a colourful arrangement.

Country Living

I find Fall to be one of my most favourite seasons to cook: Rich ingredients, comfort foods, colourful produce. This is a gorgeous pantry, perfect for housing rustic rolling pins and boards, large ironstone mixing bowls, vintage jars full of grains and flours, and baskets full of earthy carrots, potatoes and onions.

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This fireplace is breathtaking! The floors are gorgeous, and the chairs are just as charming. What a perfectly cozy setting for an intimate wedding. I also love cream pillar candles. I find I burn mine nearly each night during these months because it seems to get dark so early. They make my living space cozy and inviting - perfect for knitting or reading with my tea and knitted throw.

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This kitchen is bright and spacious, and more true to my kitchen tastes. There are a few little details in this particular one though that are my favourite.

1 - Those gorgeous old light fixtures.

2 - The collection of old rolling pins and how simple they look displayed on the wall.

3 - The collection of old bottles on the left counter. I wouldn't be able to live with them out on my counter, but they would look equally as lovely in a window.

4 - That door. How I love that door. It's perfect.

Country Living

And finally, collections of old classic literature. As I've mentioned before, I have been reading through all of Jane Austen's novels and I am enjoying myself immensely. In fact, I've been so inspired by their social calls and afternoon teas that my best friend and I have decided to go for high tea tomorrow at a historic hotel in Niagara on the Lake. I couldn't think of a lovelier way to spend a dreary Autumn afternoon than over a cup of perfectly served tea, complete with petite sandwiches and delicate pastries, warm scones with jam and Devonshire cream, and of course, good company. Later, we will "do town" and pop in and out of the quaint little shops, trying to avoid the rain. I'm so looking forward to it.

Have a lovely afternoon.

Home Tour - An Autumn-Inspiring Country Cottage

[All Photos - Country Living]

These last few days I haven't been able to shake the feeling of Fall.

I can feel it in the shortening of the summer nights and the cool, dewy mornings while the house is still quiet.  I can feel myself being drawn to all things that bring comfort and coziness.

I find myself pulling out those hearty Autumn recipes and anticipating the spicy smells of fall baking and the rich tastes of favourite soups and stews.

There is just something about Fall - and even, the anticipation of it.

As fall approaches, and so quickly it seems, my tastes change again. I find I'm drawn to more texture and pattern and a richer pallet full of natural accents.

This is a home that was featured in Country Living that lends to all things Fall in my opinion. Caroline Sheeler, the head buyer for Jayson Home & Garden, has perfectly achieved this style in her gorgeous home that just reminds me of Fall.

Enjoy.

Her home is full of texture - clean lines, rough wood, blemished brass and woven carpet.

Her colour pallet is beyond my go-to whites and lend such a sense of boldness to her rooms.

The dark antiques only add to the richness of the rooms.

The additions of natural findings and worn pieces are found all around the house and give each space personality.

This is one of my favourite bathrooms. It's timeless and classic.

Crisp white bead board is a welcomed accent to the rich walls. Her displays of family photos and findings (and even ribbons!) make her house homey and full of character.

The addition of prints and exotic pieces throughout the house are so far from my own personal tastes, but work wonderfully with her decor.

These gorgeous walls are a favourite in this home. They add warmth. The white cabinet in the back is lovely too.

The dark wall colour offsets the coldness of the marble and stainless steel.

And this beautiful front porch with that gorgeous bench. Again, the contrast just makes everything come together so nicely.

Hopefully that provided a little fall inspiration.

I've been so preoccupied this past week that I'm looking forward to sitting down in the coming days and getting started on some Autumn postings. In the meantime, it's back to photographing items for the shop for me! Luckily I've got another pot of coffee on - it's a special blend of mine: Vanilla and Hazelnut beans, freshly ground, with 1/2 tsp. of Pumpkin Spice sprinkled over the grounds per pot.

 Autumn bliss.