Fall is here! Hip Hip Hooray! I’m not exactly a summer gal (although I was born in June.) I prefer the cooler temperatures, the colorful landscape and jean weather! When the first cool day rolled into North Carolina, I was ready and waiting! But, my living room was still stuck on 4th of July (you know I’m a procrastinating decorator, right?!) I trudged up to the attic to pull down some fall décor. But, frankly, I wasn’t excited about putting the same stuff out again. I wanted a new look, something with bright colors and BLING!
Come on inside to view my Fall mantel and living room vignettes and cozy up near the hearth.
I knew upfront that I wanted to use an aqua and vermillion color scheme. I really love the bold contrast of colors.
I ordered a lantern and some faux leaves, for decorating. While I waited for them to arrive, I spent an hour building a giant canvas with scrap 2″ x 2″ pieces of lumber and cheap fabric.
The next day I created a giant abstract water painting. You’ll be thrilled to know that I’ll indulge you with a video tutorial so you can create your own!
When my order arrived, I integrated the Pottery Barn items (see if you can spot them) with several other objects that I already had. The two leaf branches I ordered weren’t enough on their own, so I grabbed a few bunches of dried leaves at the grocery store (check in the floral department.)
The brass medallions are vintage British horse bridal medallions. They are actually a gift from a friend upon her return from England. (The perks of dog sitting!)
On the hearth, I added more faux leaves and candles to further decorate the fireplace.
I also popped some gourds and pumpkins onto the hearth.
Can you spot the fakes? (If you’re having trouble, good because I have a tutorial on how to fake a fake pumpkin.)
The fabric was a last minute purchase that I made at Pier 1 Imports. It’s actually a curtain panel. The color coordinated perfectly with my painting on the mantel.
The Pottery Barn lantern fit in nicely on the other side of the hearth and added some needed height to the arrangement (it is tall despite being the small-sized lantern!) I added in my DIY PB inspired lantern for a collected look.
Do you have a drafty fireplace? If so, you’ll want to learn how to make this rustic fireplace insert to stop drafts!
No more drafty winter evenings and the insert is a beautiful backdrop instead of a big black hole.
This tray was literally a quickie makeover using an old tray I had on hand. I’ll be sure to show you this transformation in the coming weeks.
Recognize these log pillar candles from the tutorial I gave you last Christmas?
This was one of my souvenirs I brought back from our vacation in England. A printing block. I thought it was for sari printing, but I was told it was for making an impression on furniture that would then be relief carved. It was dark black until I rubbed some gold Rub n’ Buff over the raised areas.
The black bucket was a yard sale find that I spray painted with chalkboard paint and added a fun message that I designed.
Finally, I want to leave you with this little gift. Feel free to download this Autumn inspired printable to use in your own home:
Which was your favorite item or vignette? Are you on pins and needles waiting for a specific tutorial? Do tell.
