Monday, September 24, 2012

Welcome Autumn Into Your Home

A few weeks ago, I set aside a full weekend to prepare our home for autumn.  I had been looking forward to the "event" since fall is my favorite season.  The warm harvest color palette, smell of Pumpkin Butter candles, boots, scarves and sweaters, and of course, chai tea.
I began outside by reworking my urns with kale, fountain grasses and pansies.  I was able to salvage the dark potato vine and arborvitae evergreen.  I added birch branches for height and a colorful exterior fall bow.  Bows are an inexpensive way to add seasonal color and provide additional curb appeal.

Do you need help with the curb appeal at your house?   Did you know.... at The Cypress House we offer home decorating consultations?  We also carry fall planters, kale, hardy mums, urns, birch branches, custom bows and broom corn.  Many of the items I found helpful while working on my own home.
*TIP:  Often, bows can be reused the following year.  Simply hang them on wire hangers and store in a dark location.

My wreath for the front door was several years old, so I decided to revitalize it and relocate it to the gate door on the side of the house.  I replaced the front door wreath with a custom arrangement one of our designers made: A Harvest  Berry Wreath adorned with Black Butterflies and Wine Corks.

I added multicolored bows to our outside lamps, crows in the planters, a hanging lantern and new crow door mat.  Ahhhh...Ready to welcome Autumn inside now...

Since I had two days set aside, I decided to scrutinize my fall decorations so- one by one, I brought up all of my storage totes labeled "Autumn".  As I sifted through them, I wondered how my decorating style had changed so drastically.
*TIP: Holiday decorations don't need to take over the home.  It's nice when they blend in with everyday items.

I have a handful of absolute favorites that I can't ever imagining giving up:
No. 1 - Vintage Orange Sparrow on a Perch
No. 2 - Acorn, Pine cone and Nut Wreath
No. 3 - Bethany Lowe Witch and Calderon

This year, our designers made several arrangements with cigar boxes, wine bottles, footballs and vintage hard covered books, which I'm very fond of using as decorating accents.

One of my favorite ways to usher in the season is ... House Plants.  Crouton, Dark Rubber, Blooming Mums & Ivy to name a few.
*TIP:  Add fall leaves, moss, birch branches, cat tails, pine cones and bows to house plants to convert them into the season with little cost . Take a look around your property- you'll enjoy the time in nature.  Why not bring a little indoors to celebrate the season?

I boxed up the decorations that no longer caught my attention and I plan to make a trip to our local thrift shop to make a donation. Once you eliminate out dated items, drop by The Cypress House and take home a new wreath, arrangement or fall candle.  Just a couple of new seasonal decorations will sweep you into the season.

By the time I finished the exterior and interior fall decorating, it was time for clean up and to head to dinner.  We took a relaxing, country drive to Oregon, IL for dinner at LaVigna with friends. Its an Italian Restaurant with homemade soups, salads and authentic pastas and a perfect finish to my day.

Saturday morning, I woke up early and went for a long walk.  It certainly feels and looks like fall outside.  The corn stalks are changing colors and the squirrels are busy hunting and gathering.

I dropped by the shop (The Cypress House) for a TALL Pumpkin Spice Latte with a double shot of espresso - going to need it if I plan to tackle my closet!

I got lost in the project ... I removed all of my tired summer items, again separating out designated items to donate to our local thrift shop.   Next, I scoured through previous years' accessories, shoes and boots, sweaters and scarves, vests and coats. (Safe to say, I'm infatuated with down-filled vests)  In the past, I've arranged my closed by type of clothing and color.  This year, I decided to take a different approach.  I hung the clothing by outfit- first a sweater, then a skirt or cords to match.  If you are like me, time is precious in the morning and having my closet organized by outfits should cut down on the time it takes me to get out the door in the morning.
*TIP:  Try hanging belts, necklaces and tights with your outfits.  You will always look accessorized, even when you are short on time.

If you get in a pinch, The Cypress House is a "Fully Stocked Closet" for fall.  We are bursting with beautiful fall sweaters and jackets, affordable jeans and boots, and new trendy jewelry lines to accessorize with.  Did you know we have a layaway plan?

This year I selected a few of my favorites to take home: a couple sweaters and a new pair of leggings- along with a Mistura exotic wood watch, which I LOVE!

Conveniently, I have a mini refrigerator in our closet and coffee pot (I use the coffee pot to boil water for herbal tea) and stock the fridge with lemon water.  Having the coffee upstairs cuts down on time in the morning.  Anything you can do to keep you warm on those cool fall mornings....Tea is a great way to warm you up.  We carry a variety of Tea Forte and Yogi Teas at the shop which I know you will LOVE.  

I thoroughly enjoyed the time preparing our home for Autumn.  It created a sense of peace in this chaotic world we live in.   I feel more organized and ready for the new season.  Let us sweep you into fall this year at The Cypress House.