Best of Fall: Decorating Ideas & Inspiration

I know you’re not supposed to wish away the days but after this heat stroke of a summer in Georgia, the day following Labor Day can’t come soon enough! That week, my army of pumpkins will start making their way up from the basement and regardless of actual temperature, I will at a minimum pretend that the hoodies I will insist on wearing are necessary 😉 . I am staying true to the same base decor I used last year, but there will be some pretty big changes… I just hope they turn out as I envision them. But, I’m currently still in planning mode. I’ve started browsing Pinterest and Instagram, and stalking scoping out lots of favorite blogs for ideas and inspiration. Today, I am thrilled to be joining seven other bloggers to share our own ideas to help give a little jump start to the seasonal brainstorming. I will be sending you on to the next blog in our little loop at the bottom of this post; believe me, I will be touring and taking notes right along with you 😉 Welcome to Best of Fall: Decorating Ideas & Inspiration.

If this is your first time here, welcome and thank you for joining us today! You may not know me yet but I am a big advocate for a neutral base with optional, occasional, color incorporated. Last year was our first holiday season in our home and our seasonal decor stayed pretty true to how I decorate our home the rest of the year. I even carried the inside theme to the outside and front porch. I loved this look and was able to keep it up through Thanksgiving. Here is an earlier shot of my mums; just like my ferns in the warm weather months, I insist on getting these at Costco. They are a fantastic deal, grow to a monstrous size, and last. This year, I am planning a bit of a different look for my outside. If you change your mind as much as I do, try to purchase decor that can be used across multiple styles you may test out over the years, and use the perishable/natural decor as the place of variance.

White Neutral Fall Front Porch with White pumpkins and gourds on front Steps with White mums in black urns on either side of front door

GET THE FRONT PORCH LOOK

Inside, navy was the most prominent accent color in my living room. I brought out some of the darker grays and even a few (very few) natural browns. Are you wondering where the oranges are? Why I don’t have red woven throughout my home? Well, something else you may not know about me just yet is that I am a big believer in not decorating by what we think we are supposed to see, but by how we feel. Fall makes me think of coziness, heavier layers, and natural elements. That is how I decide on my seasonal decor. You are not obligated to use literal decor or traditional colors.

Pumpkin Quote 4

Fall Living Room Sofa Couch Sectional with Navy Pillows and Throws

I stuff baskets with throws and pillows and position them all over the house

Pottery Barn Thatcher Wing Back Chair with Pumpkin

And I don’t go easy on the sofa, either. Choose some heavier fabrics, different textures, and layer them up and you’ve got fall.

Two Story Great Room with Grays and windows for fall

GET THE LIVING ROOM LOOK

[Visit this post for full living room sources and details]

Just like I start regularly wearing hoodies, even if the AC is on blast, I also long for cozy, comforting fires. If it isn’t quite cool enough to set the fireplace ablaze, you can create a similar ambiance by using candles. These with the antique mercury glass (HERE) are my favorite.

Pumpkin Quote 3

Fall Living Room with Candles in Stacked Stone Fireplace and Pumpkins on the Hearth with Fur

Mercury Candles in Fireplace at night for ambiance

I use a lot of silver and gold during fall (ok, I use a lot of silver and gold throughout the entire year), but mixing metals on these fall tablescapes show how you can easily make it work for you.

Fall Gold and Silver Tablescape Table Setting

I created a fall garland, running down the table and switched out the centerpiece for two totally different looks. I typically like to concentrate more on the centerpiece and linens so I can use my neutral china.

Fall Table 3 2015

Fall Table Ideas with Gold Leaves and Pumpkins on Plates

GET THE DINING ROOM LOOK

[Visit this post for full dining room sources and details]

These silver leaf napkin rings are the perfect elegant accessory. You can find my china patterns HERE (dinner and bread plate) and HERE (salad plate), and the crackle wine goblets HERE.

Fall Table Setting Ideas Fall Table Setting Tablescape with White Centerpiece and Gold Leaves for Garland

Fall Table with Gold Leaves and Candles on Restoration Hardware Trestle Table

Dining Room Peek with Fall Gold Pumpkins and Leaves with Elegant Crystal Chandelier and Ikea Ritva Curtains

I concentrate most of my efforts in the common spaces but also enjoy the addition of a single, discreet pumpkin in unexpected spaces. The little mercury glass number was the only bit of fall in this guest bedroom; it was the perfect way to bring in just a hint of the season.

Guest Bedroom with Mercury Glass Fall Pumpkin

GET THE GUEST BEDROOM LOOK

[Visit this post for full guest bedroom room sources and details]

Pumpkin Quote

Just as I layer textures on my sofa, table, and bed, plush pumpkins are a great way to layer texture throughout your decor. I mix mine with metal and glass varieties. Pinecones make their way into the decor at this point also and stay through winter.

LoveFeast Gold Plush Pumpkins

The most obvious and easiest way to get a jump on fall is to start lighting those spiced anything candles. Keep those babies burning during the evenings and weekends. If you are at home during the day, get your hands on a few more and keep them going then, too.

Pumpkin Quote 2

Fall Candle Pumpkin Spice on Kitchen Island

And as of this past weekend, I’ve already started simmering slices of oranges with cinnamon and vanilla on the stove – just like Mom used to do 😉

oranges simmering on stove

Last year was the first year I really got into using sheepskin when I brought out the fur. If you missed my recent post on why you need a sheepskin, you can check that out HERE. You can do something as simple as draping one on your hearth or chair back and you’ll totally be ready for fall.

White Pumpkins and Sheepskin on Hearth

By now you can probably tell I like to set up little mini pumpkin patches all over the house. If you shop for some new pumpkins this year, try keeping a grouping of three in mind. And, if you don’t find just the color you’re looking for? Spray paint them. Last year, even though I found several white pumpkins, the orange were much cheaper in some circumstances. I brought home the less expensive varieties, taped off the stem, and spray painted them with what I had on hand.

White Pumpkins in Entry

Now that you have taken a peek into my home and the simple ways I welcome fall, I hope you are thinking about how you can decorate this year, not exclusively based on sight. If you love those traditional autumn leaf colors, bring ’em out! If those harvest colors don’t necessarily speak to your home, try something else. The only rule in seasonal decorating is- there are no rules. Give your home a feel which maximizes the joy of the season for your family.

PUMPKIN PICKS

Next, you will want to head over to Ann at On Sutton Place for some of her fabulous ideas. Here’s a little peek of what’s ahead 😉

fall thanksgiving wreath centerpiece idea

Each blog will direct you where to go next at the bottom of their posts; continue to loop because you won’t want to miss any! Just in case, here’s the rest of the awesome lineup 😉

 *post contains some affiliate links*

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40 Comments

  1. 8.23.16
    Linda Southworth said:

    Hi Kelly Nan, this is my first visit. I so appreciate your decor and love as well all mercury glass. It gives such a nice sparkle. I also liked all the pumpkin textures. When you mentioned the fall aromas and your stove top orange/cinn/vanilla I was hoping you have or will share the mix you make for this lovely aroma. Thank you so much! Linda

    • 8.23.16

      Hi, Linda! Thank you so much for stopping by! Absolutely. I just take some orange slices and cover them with water. Add a few dashes of cinnamon (or cinnamon sticks if you have them on hand), a little vanilla. Then, I bring to a bowl and take the pot down to simmer. It smells divine!

  2. 8.23.16
    Maria Herring said:

    Kelley…

    I was wondering where I could purchase the “twig” style candlestick?
    Love, love, love your style! Please keep the ideas and links coming!

    You’re the best!
    Maria

    • 8.23.16

      Hi, Maria! Unfortunately, I believe I found those at HomeGoods 🙁 If you search online, you can also search for “antler” and “stag” candle sticks. I love them and am hoping as fall arrives, similar styles will be more readily available!

  3. 8.23.16

    From one bling loving pumpkin girl to another, your home looks amazing! Time to break out my sweaters and boots!

    • 8.23.16

      Haha, thanks, Kelly! Such a fun hop and I can’t wait to dive into all the posts! Let’s go, hoodies!

  4. 8.23.16
    Summer said:

    It’s so hot I don’t even want to think about decorating for fall and yet I am ha! I love your home at fall and this all looks so beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration darling! OK now I’m excited for scarves and boots! ?????

    • 8.23.16

      HAHA! Summer! I am holding back just a little longer but I can’t wait!

  5. 8.23.16

    Oh my goodness, everything is beautiful but I LOVE that fireplace and the candles inside! I wish we could do that! I am so ready for cooler temps too…our mornings and evenings lately have given me hope. 😉

    • 8.23.16

      Sarah, thank you so much! Last night was my first sign of “hope”… let’s go, fall! 😉

  6. 8.23.16
    Jennifer said:

    Beautiful fall inspiration Kelley! xoxo

    • 8.23.16

      Jen, thank you! I am so ready for this year!

  7. 8.23.16
    Annie said:

    Kelley your tables wow me, every time! Beautiful as always and I just love the baskets placed around with blankets/throws. I can’t wait to see what you have coming this fall! xo

    • 8.23.16

      Annie, thank you! I love YOUR home- that harvest tablescape?! Girlfriend!!

  8. 8.23.16
    Brenda Mayes said:

    Beautiful decorations. I love your tours. Thanks for sharing:)

    • 8.23.16

      Brenda, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and share your sweet words! I am so ready for fall! 😉

  9. 8.23.16

    What a beautiful post Kelley! Makes me want to whip out my fall decor! xo

    • 8.23.16

      Randi, thank you!! And me too… so ready!!

      • 8.23.16
        Joni King said:

        I was still trying to hang on to summer until I saw this posting — I’m ready for fall! WOW Kelley Nan, another great example of all the ways we can enjoy a beautiful time of the year! Can’t wait to see your new posting!

        Hugs – Joni

        • 8.23.16

          Joni, you are the best! Thank you for always being such an incredible support. I am so ready!

  10. 8.23.16
    Rene said:

    Great advice about thinking about how you feel rather than what you think you should see – love that! Your home is gorgeous Kelley!

    • 8.23.16

      Rene, thank you so much! So glad we got to do this hop together!

  11. 8.23.16
    Gretchen Thomas said:

    What a wonderful post and just what I needed to rev up my mood for my favorite time of year! Your little tips are great and I know the Kelleynan brain is already planning a fabulous Fall 2017. I can’t wait!

    • 8.23.16
      Gretchen Thomas said:

      That should be…I can’t wait to see your take on Fall 2016…it will be here sooner!

      • 8.24.16

        I am so ready! We will have to talk all things “fall” when I am there very soon! xoxo

  12. 8.23.16
    Bree said:

    Just what I needed to get myself in gear for fall, Kel!! Such a beautiful post✨

    • 8.24.16

      Bree, thank you so much! I am so ready for that apple cider 😉

  13. 8.24.16
    Tamara said:

    Perfect post and words of wisdom! Especially about how we feel – I’m all about the experience!! I can’t wait to see what’s coming up! Let’s go Fall, get here already!!! Xoxo

    • 8.24.16

      Tam, thank you! I know, I am so ready. You’ll have to let me know what the temps are like in Canada right now! 😉

  14. 8.25.16
    Erin said:

    Kelley! This post has me counting down!! Can’t wait for fall decorating and you have completely inspired me! Loved your post. Getting out the pumpkin spice candle ASAP! ??

    • 8.25.16

      Erin, I am so ready! My spice candles are coming out this week, girlfriend!

  15. 8.26.16
    Shauna said:

    Such a fun tour Kelley! We have the same candle…can’t wait to light it up this year! Gorgeous photos!?
    Xo

    • 8.29.16

      Shauna, thank you! I know you have already been busy 😉

  16. 8.28.16
    cindy said:

    I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog, a lot! Your taste is impeccable. I suppose I’m a Southern girl at heart. Thank you for sharing your talent. You are an inspiration.

    • 8.29.16

      Cindy, wow! Thank you so much- your kind words are such an awesome start to my week! Have a good one and thank you for visiting with me.

  17. 9.6.16
    Valerie said:

    Gorgeous…gorgeous…gorgeous! Love the mix of metallics displayed on your dining room table! I’m looking for metallic leaf stems/garland for my table and I’m not having much luck. Where did you find yours?