Fall home decor

Project Design -Cozy Fall Home

October 7, 2021 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

It’s fall and what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Getting cozy..sweaters, fires, hot drinks, soups, blankets and boots. Bring on the hygge! I was excited to be asked to join this Project Design collaboration today on Cozy Home. What makes a home feel warm and inviting?

Start with the front porch..

This weekend Max and I did a deep clean of the front yard. You can go buy pumpkins, but if your entry has a season’s worth of dust and spiders… get out there! We took a long duster to the eaves and lanterns, hosed off the porch and shined up the windows. We even wiped down the mailbox and swept the walk, and cleaned the front door. This is something nice to do seasonally. It really made the entry shine.

Next add a few pumpkins. You can go simple with one large one or go for the stacking method which seems popular here with varying pumpkin sizes and colors. If you have a long walkway you can put them along the path which is cute. If you have containers you can remove the plants and add small pumpkins and gourds as I did here with a few yard cuttings..I also added some mums and I even left them in the black pots they came in as they blended in behind the pumpkins. I went with the burgundy color this year for a change.

Make sure your welcome mat is in good shape. Maybe this is the time to get a new one so your place is looking sharp for the holidays? Pottery Barn has a nice selection of mats. I just moved a pillow and an old wool blanket to the front bench. If you can add a bench it is a nice welcome.

Since we have a front patio as well, I added a throw to the chairs out there and a candle. It just looks inviting and and reminds me it’s a nice place to chill and watch the sunset or enjoy a sunny coffee on fall mornings.

Sprinkle seasonal accents indoors..

How does it feel when someone enters your space? Ours is very open, but I moved our large wool rug right in the entry to so you hit a warm landing as you enter and changed out the coat tree things to some scarves, jackets and hats we use in fall.

I got this cute pedestal bowl as a gift and put on my island with gourds and pumpkins. I added small mum to the kitchen counter too.

I had no flowers for my round vase, so foraged the yard and took a branch off a tree for a little greenery. A bowl of pears or apples anywhere in the kitchen smells great and says harvest season..

To help the living and family rooms feel snug, add throws, extra pillows, perhaps a candle. Fall is a good time to set up a designated space for board games, or a table with a puzzle that’s being worked on is fun if you have space for it.. A basket to your main hangout room with a few blankets and throws that are easy to grab, is a nice touch too.

I warmed up the white couch with my cream and beige pillows and throws. I like the addition of creams with whites for some warmth in the cooler months.

In dining rooms you can add a little fun the the table with pumpkins..I also added a striped and tasseled throw to the bench. On the barstools I added an older pillow from Zara Home and we moved our record player and albums to the chest here so we will play them more.

I popped one of my white pumpkins with a few other bits..

In our media room, I added some darker elements and books and a fall candle to our new bookshelf!

In the bedroom, you can add some plusher elements also.

I keep my white coverlet from Crate & Barrel on all year and layer a comforter when it gets cold at the end of the bed, but during this in between time, a faux fur throw transitions it from a summer bed without the heavy duvet and looks snuggly.

It’s really just a matter of adding in details to make your place feel homey and warm. In my own space, I like adding more wood and dark elements along with creams. I think my family does love the festive bit on the porch and also the pleasant feel of soft throws on the beds and the couches.

Have fun with this season!

If you need a few things to bring a cozy vibe to the home..

From top left, by row…

Lapin Fine Faux Fur Throw, Gingham Linen Pillow Cover, Arhaus Faux Fur Throw,

Amber Lewis Cabin Blanket, Dodie Door Mat, Woven Rattan Pedestal Bowl

Anouk Pillows, Apothecary 18 Candle, Celeste White Quilt Coverlet

Block Print Pillows (on sale!), White Pedestal Bowl , Falling Leaves Bunch.

Please visit these beautiful blogs for some fresh ideas for the fall home…

Most Lovely Things

Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home

11 Magnolia Home

Make Mine A Spritzer

Thank you for stopping by! I love to hear your feedback so please leave me a comment with any tips or thoughts.

Kim

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Life at My New Kitchen Counter with Serena & Lily

September 24, 2019 By kimwheeler 32 Comments

I’m so excited to share our home remodel with you guys and I thought I’d begin with my favorite space, the kitchen. It’s finally fall this week and I’m ready for baking and warm comfort foods! Do you all feel the same? It makes me so happy right now to spend time in here.

When I was planning this house, I used a binder to collect all my dream images, and in that were Serena & Lily catalogs that I used for inspiration. I bought some of my favorite pieces for the house from Serena & Lily, my Malibu Chandelier in my dining room, and my Capiz Scalloped Light in my entry. I am in love with both and they have made the spaces in this home look modern and stylish.

Everything they do is very light and pretty and has a California casual aesthetic, which, if you’re a frequent reader of my blog, you know I adore. I had to read my email twice when they asked me to partner on a post about Life at The Kitchen Counter. I rarely do partnerships, but this is a company I have loved for a long time. They are based in Northern California, Sausalito in fact. Their products have turned out to be the best quality pieces I chose for this remodel.

Since everyone gravitates around the kitchen, having a big island has always been a dream for me. I wanted to have room for us to spread out and for the seating to be comfy as well as stylish. I found both in these Balboa Counter Stools from Serena & Lily. The mix of the grey rattan with the brass accents is so elegant!

In the kitchen, as in the whole house, I went with my favorite materials -woods, natural stones and variations on white and grey. It’s livened up by the brass accents on these stools and my dark gold drawer pulls and knobs. The bits of gold are like jewelry for the room and give it a touch of glam and fun.

Worry not that I’ve chosen white cushions and have boys in the house! The white basketweave chair pads are made of Perennials, a stain resistant fabric that repels water and resists fading. They look chic, but they are also comfy and the guys have been hanging here and I am okay with their tacos etc… Everything just brushes right off! How cool is that?

Known for their fresh take on casual dining and home, Serena & Lily were the perfect choice for the look I was going for. They embody the California lifestyle very well with materials that are luxe and casual chic, yet never stiff or formal. Inviting is how everything feels and looks.

This Serena & Lily’s Seaview Rug is my other favorite thing in the kitchen. I wanted a long runner for the kitchen, something cool with a pattern, but that would wear well. This rug is made of recycled plastic and is water and UV resistant, yet feels like an expensive wool rug underfoot. It’s nice that you can spot clean it and also hose it off outside if you need to! Helpful with all these young guys who like to cook. So far everyone’s a fan, including the cats, who we have to step around when cooking dinner.

I like that you can flip this rug and use the other side at some point. I think this affordable rug was a smart investment and I am going to order another for our hallway.

This is the grey color of the Seaview Runner which is 2.6 x 10 feet. I also love the Turnstone Rug made of the same material.

For an open light feeling I went with open shelving on the uppers and have some of my pottery pieces from my trip to Positano here. Next to the stove I placed this cute ceramic Spinnaker Tray with rattan handles. It plays well with my mix of materials and I love that it reminds me of Hawaii with its tropical look.

The tray is handy next to the stove and holds my olive wood spoons from my travels and today these pretty Brela Napkins. I also use the tray on the island to hold more cloth napkins and bites when entertaining like below.

I am kind of a tray addict as they are a chic way of displaying your things, while keeping areas tidy. Serena & Lily has the most wonderful selection of trays in many colors and materials. This Spinnaker Tray also comes in Navy. My other favorites are this gorgeous Stonington fossilized clam shell tray (would be stunning on a bar), this Leila Bone Round tray is elegant for a bathroom or vanity counter, and I am in love with this set of three Marine Trays made of enamel and brass, so cool for a coffee table. I also have a crush on this wicker Bedford Tray and want it for an outdoor bar I hope to set up soon.

Isn’t this a fun way to set up a casual entertaining? Have everyone grab their items from a tray.

We’re loving our island for most of our meals now. I feel bad for the dining room, but it’s just so easy to cook here and set a cute meal quickly. I’ve been using cloth napkins exclusively now for years and I would never go back. They give meals a quality that paper napkins just can’t. I do one load of cloth napkins a week and never iron them, just fold them when warm.

Do you use a step-stool in the kitchen? My friend Erin came by and saw my new Teak Step Stool and flipped out about how cute it was. I think the wood and white is darling. Being on the shorter side, I’ve used it a ton already for my high cabinets and to get to my top open shelves. It’s sturdy enough that Max has has been using it for putting up bulbs and things. It is super durable teak and would be cute in a kid’s bath at the sink as well. Everyone can use one of these!

I hope you are loving the change of season as much as I am. Do you find yourself at the kitchen more as the weather turns cooler? I sure do. I’m looking forward to making soups and baking, pumpkins, pear tarts, and all the goodness that is coming. I hope this gives you a little glimpse into my new kitchen and some autumn inspiration!

Thank you to Serena & Lily for collaborating on this post and helping to sponsor the blog. As always, all opinions, writing, photos and mini-pumpkins on this blog are exclusively my own. 😉

Kim

Why I Heart Autumn . . .

November 10, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Today is probably the prettiest fall say so far here in Northern California! Every tree that can has turned the brightest colors and the winds are blowing everything around. Walks are imperative right now to fully appreciate the beauty about.

Shockingly, a few radio stations are beginning their holiday music programs next Tuesday! What? When an Instagrammer posted Rudolf and Christmas trees at a local store complaining, his responses were mostly,”Christmas is never too early,”and the like. At my local grocery and the shops the holiday tunes are already blasting…I know, I’ve already got a holiday gift list going in my head, and a card photo to take, but hold on.

Hello It’s Me

The best thing about fall is it stops you in your tracks and makes you slow down. Seriously, it is so gorgeous you can’t help pausing to take it all in. Christmas sadly, is all about hurry and tick off those boxes and jam it all in. It’s coming, but why rush it? There’s also some nice down time after Thanksgiving, time off that’s a bit of a small gift before the avalanche. No way am I spending those days shopping!

With that thought, I’m presenting you all the fall loveliness I’ve been gathering for a while. Here’s to autumn!! Christmas, you wait your turn. Don’t you know how to queue up?

I’ve heard pinecones called winter’s roses. Lovely!

Carolyne Roehm

Williams-Sonoma

Apple-buttered sweet potatoes via BH&G

Becoming Minimalist

Beautiful fall tablescape. via Anthropolgie

Found on Pinterest. Original Link here.

How fab is this look? Similar lightweight scarf in the prettiest yellow at Bloomies. I’d love to have a short tan jackets like hers. The leopard pumps are a classic and cute versions are everywhere now and Nordstrom has so many versions you should check them out.

Country Living

Ralph Lauren. Your welcome. 😉

I love this so much.

Under Spanish Moss

What they are wearing in Paris.. Collagevintage

Why is it I only see old men in velour jogging suits when I am walking?

Olivia Palermo makes me want everything she wears!

More Ralph Lauren. How darling is this?

Seersucker and Saddles. Adorable haircut.

Walnut, Parmesan and Parsley Linguine via Simple Provisions

I’m trying to include a few guys this time. I know they read too and I’m afraid they get left out.

Happy weekend. Hope you get to fully savor fall!

Kim

Images as noted and other links can be found on my Pinterest boards, I Love Fall and Thinking About Fall Already.

Orange and Black Chic

October 13, 2012 By kimwheeler No Comments

October is proving so busy. I’m happy today to be sitting at home by my fire and wearing a sweater! My first sweater outing of the season so far. This week the weather turned suddenly cold and wet and an damp chill hung all over. I dug out my boots today and am making chili tonight. I think the family will all cozy up by the fire and play a board game or watch a funny show. How I love Fridays!

Love the simplicity of the white brick + orange + yellow on my mantle.

This week I had a few friends over for a gathering and was stressing about my home. In all, a good thing because it got me in gear to get my house pulled together for Fall. I made a few new purchases, moved things around and did some deep cleaning. ( Yes popcorn is gone from under the couch cushions now!) Those dead plants and wall scuffs probably aren’t even noticed, but it’s all I focus on which is stupid.

I also hung up those pictures I had leaning on things. I guess you could say I have a hard time committing! Realizing people may be seeing my house in the warehouse mode, I grabbed a bunch of nails and started hammering items up. The thought just makes my husband shudder. Let me be clear, those 3M sticker deals ( guess whose idea) do not hold up art or baskets with plants. We learned first hand the other night when it sounded like the roof caved in. I was just about asleep. Going to bed, take two. The next day, I brought out the big guns ( large nails- yikes) and holes were made people!

The results, below are a few new items and bits added to the home. Funny thing is, I have a lot of black and orange and thus, hello Halloween! I don’t know how that happened, but I’m capitalizing on it now by adding pumpkins of all colors and sizes. I’ll tone it down later…Or as Tim Gunn would say, “Make it work.” Okay here goes…

The ivy in this pot just kicked it so Jack Be Littles work well instead. I can keep this for Thanksgiving too and add acorns, leaves and twigs perhaps?

Black has a way of making things look a bit sharper. I needed some and this Pottery Barn rug was the answer. I’m loving it in this formerly drab space.

Just in case you were wondering, it’s been cat-approved. They couldn’t wait to experience it of course. Now our chunky boy, Hobbes can camouflage! This is their Awning Stripe rug and it’s wool dhurrie. Very soft and on sale right now…

Just found this for my dining room wall. This color works nicely with the paint in there to brighten it up.

Another project I did tackle a few weeks back was painting a chalk board in my kitchen. I was inspired by this I found on Pinterest (where else?) I loved this simply because I have the same exact space.

via this blog- dijeau poage

This is my version. What do you think? I’m trying to write a quote daily and reminders on the bottom for school, etc. Was easy to do and I used the Home Depot chalkboard paint.

A few additions to my living room…

This tray was too fun to pass up for seven dollars! Found this at Beverly’s craft of all places. I brought my son there to get supplies for a school project and spied this on their Halloween display.

So going with the October theme, I’m using these pillows I had for now. I like the crazy mix. Yellow and orange is very candy corn don’t you think??

Some of my favorite books look good at this time of year with the right accessories. Vintage books just have that spooky house vibe. Nature-inspired tomes are even better!

This frame I just found and love too…

Also added a ivy to my dining room wall below. Ivy with tortoise shell, like this frame, always looks so rich together. The frame is a gift given to me long ago from my dear friend Jen.

I also unintentionally added another touch of black to my favorite kitchen corner with this print.

I hosted a Della Dress party and designer Andrea kindly brought these gorgeous sunflowers.
With these, my home really says Fall. I just can’t decide where I like them best! Thank you Andrea, I will enjoy these for a while I think!

Decorating the porch is the most fun to me. I love seeing a neighborhood with pumpkins on stoops. Aren’t the Cinderella ones cute? Trader Joes is my go to for those.

Then I’ve got to get out my special Halloween bits and bobs.

My boys want to put the cotton webs up this weekend. I’m okay with white webs. I try to wait until it’s a bit closer to the actual date. It always seems like we have at least one rain after they are up. Then they look pretty bad all stuck to my bushes. I have one rule- cute decor, no gore. I’m not into graveyard stuff or hanging guys from trees. We usually stick with webs, spiders, pumpkins and a rubber rat or two!

Irritated black cat? Check. (Marlo, who we adopted near Halloween 4 years ago.)

Have you yet or do you even decorate for Halloween?

In other news.. Northern Cal Style now has a Facebook page!!

If you like it on Facebook you’ll get notifications for new posts, and occasional fun bits. Thanks to all my faithful readers and everyone who stops by. This blog would be nothing without your support!

Have a cozy weekend everyone!

Kim