Chocolate Gold Coins

Football, back to school, the changing of the leaves, these signal the advent of fall and a great time to spruce up the home front for the upcoming holidays. Here, from the floor up, we offer creative, cost effective ways to and enliven your home. Check out how rugs, throws, pillows, accents and accessories can provide a quick, easy, and best of all, inviting, makeover.

Floor Finesse

Rugs are a cost effective way to dramatically change a room's mood. By adding rich jewel tone color, in shades of burgundy, greens, navy, golds, whether over hardwood, tile, or wall to wall carpet, rugs are truly artwork for the floor! They'll add a welcome warmth taking the edge off the cooler weather due soon. Rugs also anchor groupings of furniture and provide acoustical benefits (especially in vaulted spaces). Over wall to wall carpet they can help guard against stains and dirt buildup. Always use the appropriate padding because it adds a longer lifespan to the rug. There is even a sticky-back pad, specifically for use on rugs on wall to wall carpet, to avoid the tendency to shift and "creep." One of the hottest currently on the market is a line from Egypt called Gabbeh. These are velvety underfoot, wear like iron, and are available in a host of patterns and colors.

Terrific Textures/Thrilling Throws

Once you've covered the floor, move to dressing the sofa and chairs. One suggestion is to add fluffy acrylic or velvety chenille throws for an element of cuddle to any upholstered piece. Available in plaid, paisley, floral or solid tones they invite you to curl up and get comfortable. They also offer a wonderful texture and can be fun with long fringe or made reversible for a change in mood.

Pillow Power

Pillows are a simple way to maximize your decorating dollar, get them double sided (maybe a seasonal motif on one side) for more versatility. Corded, fringed, plain or patterned, styles add personality to a room and provide an added bit of flair. A chair may only need one, a sofa three or so depending on size. Don't overdo it, because they'll wind up on the floor when you sit down!

Natural Wonders

When it comes to accessories, take advantage of natural motifs. Accents in metal, wood, glass, and ceramic depicting leaves, twigs, acorns, and animals are easy to arrange and add interest and charm. Painted metal is a hot decorating element today and can be found in a wealth of shapes. For example you could include a pineapple finial in a bookshelf, an obelisk for a cocktail table, or a pair of verdigris candleholders entwined with wrought iron leaves poised on a mantel. Combine your materials and textures to create a balance. For a more casual dynamic feeling, stick with odd numbered groupings, for more formal and elegant style use pairs of accents.

A Welcome Glow

Candles have become ever popular accent today. Look for texture like beeswax, and subtle colors ivory, gold, bronzes and coppers to add a gleam. Available in a wide range of hues, scents, shapes and sizes - you can mix and match to suit your taste. Remember to vary the heights and use odd numbered groupings for a more eclectic and festive feel. Include an array of shapes too, cylindrical, square, triangular, and round are among the most popular. Avoid placing candles on the same surface where there is a lamp - good rule of thumb is to avoid using candles where you have another light source. Use scented candles sparingly and with care so as not to compete with each other. many are made without scent, particularly for those persons who may be allergy sensitive.

On top of It

Tabletop accessorizing is no longer restricted to dining tables but now includes mantels, sofa tables, end tables, cocktail tables, and even bookcases. Nature's bounty in all its glory, can provide many interesting decorating options -- gourds, squash, Indian corn, leaves, dried mushrooms, moss, berries, even a smattering of coins -- to create a table top treasure. Cornucopias can be had in a terrific variety of materials, from basketry to metal/wire, and made to deliciously overflow atop a table or mantel. You can find delightful pieces like glass or paper maché gourds, pumpkins and peppers, mixed with fall leaves -- real or faux -- to add color and interest to any setting.

Picture This

Now that you've softened the floor, dressed the sofa, and decorated the table it's time to add inspiration to the walls. Consider creating your own works of art by taking photos of fall imagery and framing them in handsome wood or elegant metals. Most home furnishings stores carry a wide selection of framed prints -- landscapes, still lifes, Impressionist visions, abstract contemporaries, and portraits -- for every taste. Special cards and notes you have received can also make a lovely statement as a framed memento. Don't forget children's artwork to add color and whimsy. By using ready-made, standard frames you can change out the work as often as new pieces are brought from school! You can also frame up a host of non-paper elements; try a family heirloom quilt hung on a wall, or a needlepoint scene crafted over several months, elegantly framed. Perhaps you have collectibles that would benefit from shadow boxing, like tickets and programs from shows or sports memorabilia. Make it personal and flexible to suit your mood and the changing seasons.

Wrapping It Up

With the tips provided here you should have a great start on making over your home for the fall season and holidays ahead. Even just a few small changes, such as adding some new pillows, or introducing a fresh accent can transform a room. With Halloween just around the corner, get a jump start on creating inviting tabletops, welcoming seating groupings, and heart-warming picture collages, which will carry you through Thanksgiving and the holidays beyond.

© 2005 Melissa Galt

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