ASK THE DESIGNER: Updating for Fall

September 5, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Jean Bisnaire
Niche Decor

“I’m starting to get ready for the fall season in my home. What are some things to consider?”

For many of us, autumn is the season for change. The summer is over, the kids are back to school and we’re buckling back down at work.
There are lots of ways to celebrate this terrific season in your home but it’s important to remember that fall is about more than just changing your home’s colour palette and getting ready for the holidays. Our priorities change this season shifting from fun and relaxation to studying and more stringent routines. Here are some important things to consider when planning your fall updates/changes:

Morning Rush – Make the effort to create an organized mudroom or foyer. There are tons of multi-purpose pieces of furniture out there that are both design savvy and functional. Look for storage benches to stash scarves and backpacks in. Find a console with cupboard doors to keep umbrellas and briefcases hidden, or create cubbies to keep shoes organized. This will definitely help make things easier when you’re trying to get your kids off to school in the morning and getting yourself off to work. It will also keep your front entrance looking tidy and inviting

Enjoy the View – Living in Canada, fall is the most gorgeous time of year! We get to see the leaves turn so many beautiful colours. The days are still sunny and bright and there always seems to be a squirrel or chipmunk running across the lawn making this is a great time to update your windows and window treatments. If you live in an older home, consider replacing your windows with newer, energy-efficient ones. Not only will they look great, they’ll save you big bucks in the long run on your hydro bills. If changing out your windows is not an option, consider new window treatments. Your window treatment should act as a frame for the view out your window.

Cool Weather Entertaining – Whether we want to admit or not, the weather is changing. We’re transitioning from outdoor entertaining – backyard barbecues, beers, coolers and sunshine to cozy dinners, red wine, baguettes, and trips to the local harvest market. The two biggest seasons for entertaining are fast approaching so get ahead of the game and start thinking about these things now. You may want to spruce up the common areas in time for the arrival of your guests. Here are the top three trends we’re seeing for fall decorating this season:

Gold and Bronze- Bronze and gold tones add warmth to any space, making it feel cozier. This is the time of year that people start nesting, so consider adding warmer toned metals in your accessories and lighting or a frame over the mantle.

Layering – Add depth to your space by layering fabrics, colours and textures. Jewel tones are hot right now- try peacock blue, fuchsia or indigo. This is an easy and affordable way to update a room. Toss in some new cushions or add a chunky throw to your sofa. Mix patterns, materials and sizes for a designer look. For more tips on how to get this look, check out our “fearless mixing” article on our website.

Easy Accessory Update- This year’s must-have accessory has been the hurricane vase and its cousin, the apothecary jars/vases. In summer we saw flowers, citrus fruits and herbs displayed in these gorgeous glass pieces. Change things up for fall by using cranberries, baby pumpkins, or pears. River stones or mossy plants add a hint of seasonal texture too!

Feel free to send me your comments or questions to askjean@nichedecor.ca