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A Take on Seasonal Decor

~ stayingindesign ~ 4 Comments

If you follow me on Instagram, or Pinterest you’ll notice the seasonal decor posts. And while that’s not my sole intention on this platform, if you’re gonna play around with seasonal decor, the fall is the time to do it!

Ok, lets talk pumpkins, Pumkin! Keep it simple and start with organic elements. Not only does it scream “It’s Fall Y”all” but, staying in season also lends benefits you may not be realizing.

  1. The volume of options makes pulling together a look easy. Mixing a variety of pumpkin and gourdes is a trend that is here to stay and offers endless opportunities for design. I have found organic elements at garden centers, craft, hardware, grocery and home decor stores. Even gas stations have options. It’s actually difficult to NOT run into organic elements this time of year.
  2. It’s low commitment. Organic elements have ripened or been dried and now sit with you in their glory. And once autumn is gone, these elements can be tossed with yard trash or composted. No need for storage and your space will instantly become clear and ready for the next season.

Now to refine your ideas. Don’t take it too seriously, just play and stare. I’m sure there’s a formal design term but all you’re doing is building interest through layering various elements. Play around with configurations. You pick the starting line- color, shape, texture and let it evolve. And, good news, your fitbit will track all the extra steps!

Design Placement. Given the color, texture and size range of pumpkins, gourdes, dried wheat, acorns, twigs, a look can be installed outdoors and indoors. When working with indoor designs, make sure to keep the outside OUT. I’m talking little bugs…… Check all gourdes/pumpkins/etc. for any holes or soft spots and keep those outside. For the rest, you can extend their indoor shelf life with a short soak (10-15 min) with 1-2tsp of bleach per gallon of water. For nuts, acorns, pine combs or to dry flowers, you can bake at 200 degrees F for 20 min. This is a step ONLY for items that you can’t confirm have already been pre-treated. It’s safe to say that the dried wheat and flowers purchased from Trader Joes or HomeGoods have already been prepared for indoor use.

Use color to create design boundaries. I’m using the orange pumpkins as a frame. (DIY ghost, click here)

What I find more appealing for indoor design is the use of containers, vases, jars, bowls…. whatever vessel you prefer. It’s pulled together, reduces any clutter and plays with light in various ways. Here are some DIY examples that I created this fall.

Mix texture to create symmetry. This design works well as a table-scape.
Use the glass bottle to reflect sunlight, which balances the visual weight of the twig arrangement and cone.
Combine similar shapes with contrasting colors.

Your priority will always be to stay within the limits of the space. So if space is tight and/or you can’t part with any existing decor or design, I hear ya and you and I will stay in our lanes!! But, there are ways to incorporate organic elements into year round designs. Take a peak!

Both the dried wheat and vases harmonize the color and tones of the season
Similar shape in various materials creates rhythm. They look related but not matchy-matchy (yes, that I word I use A LOT).
A similar color palette can speak to both the season and Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer of of 14 Years.
A more modern look with contrasting neutrals. I added this Budda for something unexpected. I have had him since college. How can you not smile when you look at him- he stays out all year round!
Hurricanes are literally great supporters of seasonal decor. Fill ’em up! Keep this design off the floor. A loss of floor space will looked cluttered quickly.

What I like about fall is smelling apples and cinnamon, feeling the sun cool throughout the day and watching leaves turn into shades of a flame. So, these are my inspirations. Think about what excites you about fall. From there, just play and stare….. and when you feel it, you’ll know…….you’re on to something!!