Simple Ways to Spruce Up for Fall

FREE IMAGES Changing decorations out for seasons is an easy way to bring the outdoors in, but sometimes it's not the most convenient. For starters, storing all these decorations can be a bit overwhelming and frustrating. Spending a huge budget on changing decor isn't always ideal either. Here's a happy balance of both that can get you on the right track!

via tameramowry

Blankets and candles are things almost all homeowners have around the house. Placing them in the right spot can really change up the decor and bring some fall loveliness in! Since these are also things that are already have around the house, you won't need to find extra storage options for them later.

via thistlewoodfarms

It's amazing what a tray of white pumpkins can do! Trays are so versatile and can be used year round in different locations, and pumpkins - although they aren't always cheap - aren't something you'll have to worry about storing! 

via herecomesthesun

Empty frames, burlap, a great jar, some old books, and that touch of outdoor fall really gives this mantel a great look. These are things you  might be able to find laying round the house that you can pick up! If you aren't interested in using pumpkins, you can always find acorns or pine cones to take their place. Using things you already have is a great budget option.

via homestoriesatoz

Here's another option for things lying around the house or outside that you might find as a great budget friendly home decor option!

via gypsypurplehome

Even decorating the outdoors can be overwhelming! For me a simple wreath can do the trick and look so elegant at the same time!

Gallery Wall In The Making

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Guest Post via The Underestimated Mom

I have always been a huge fan of gallery walls and now that I finally own a house, I have been planning and decorating each room little by little and I am finally getting to my first gallery wall. My favorite ones are the mixed media styles, with canvas, frames, wood, a letter, and a sentimental item.

via liluna

My daughter's room has been a slow work in progress. With my office/craft room being first priority so I could get back on track with working, then having a baby kind of put a wrench in Emma's room design, but it's finally here! We got all of her furniture in and put together, the paint purchased, and I've slowly been buying decorative items!

via theunderestimatedmom

My first purchase for the gallery wall was this canvas picture of my daughter. Its a large 20"x16" and I'm glad I got that size because it looks so tiny above her headboard. Now I just need to decide if I want it above her bed or her dresser. 

via theunderestimatedmom

To go with the canvas I got a wooden E, the box white frames you see above that I'm going to put black & white scrap book paper behind, and a word collage from etsy that I need a black frame for! I also have a few other pictures on standby to fill in any gaps. The one thing I'm missing is a sentimental item!

via wordsturnedintoart

Here's a closer look at the canvas I got. I am so impressed with the quality of it and plan on buying another one for Payton's room!

via theunderestimatedmom

Where do you think it should go, above the dresser or the bed?

Add A Little Interest To Your Hallway

FREE IMAGES Since hallways aren't meant for hanging out, we tend to leave them out of the decor process. Here are a few ideas to bring your hallway a little more love:

via dustjacket

Add a touch of luxury with decorative molding. It's eye catching without taking up necessary space so it's perfect for small hallways and tight corners.

via Pinterest

Add decorative corbels or moulding for some character.
via Home Stories A to Z

Add a dynamic impact to your hall by adding a chair rail and painting one half a contrasting color.
via Pinterest

via houzz

Adding some floor to ceiling curtains can make the hallway feel more luxurious and grand. A beautiful light fixture makes the space seem well thought out.

Decorating for the later years

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As we grow older, there are many things we need to consider. From what we’ll do with our time, to how we’ll stay fit and healthy, the options at our disposal are endless and that can leave us a little unsure about what to do.

In particular, how we approach decorating our homes can be a tricky thing to manage. It may seem relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things but the appearance of our home can have a profound impact on our attitudes, emotional health and general well being.

No one wants to spend their retirement staring at four unsightly walls and here we look at a few tips for decorating your home in your later years.

via houseandhome

Shelf for success

From books and ornaments to films and music, you’ll undoubtedly have a lot of need for storage in your home. Wall-mounted shelves should be at an accessible height and not contain anything too heavy. Anything you require regular access too should be stored at a comfortable height on freestanding bookshelves or display units. You can always arrange items by color for something artistic and playful.

via toddanderin

Spare a thought for cleaning and maintenance of these though. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get some help with this. For example, retirement property for sale from leading firms like McCarthy and Stone offer domestic cleaning services with some of their developments.

via shanty2chic

Get it framed

Whether you’re a proud grandparent who wants to show off pictures of their beautiful grand kids or someone looking to take a trip down memory lane through old photos, it’s important you get them framed.

There are many styles to choose from but popular favorites include collage frames which display multiple photos in a large frame or single frames arranged in a symmetrical or eclectic pattern. This set-up can also be applied to artwork as well as to personal photographs.

via lolalina

Go minimalist

Accessibility is an important buzzword as you age so make sure your decorating takes this into account. Keep walkways clear to prevent the risk of falls and embrace minimalist styles that promote clean layouts and minimal furniture. Combine natural woods with light, neutral colors for a stylish contrast.

via bhg

A New Look at Technology in Design

FREE IMAGES Sometimes it can feel like technology can get in the way of our home decor. A huge screen TV might not go along with your rustic look, but thankfully there are some clever ways of designing your space around your screens:

via Houzz

Built in cabinets are a great way to go! You can mount the TV on the wall or just place inside the cabinet and have a gorgeous space without the eye sore of screens, wires, and devices that with it!

via dwellerswithoutdecorators

A fireplace is a gorgeous focal point of a room. A TV sitting above it is not! Having this slide away piece on top of the fireplace gives you that gorgeous focal point when it's put away and functional for every day living. 

via mcinteriors

Under the stairs storage has always been a favorite of mine. Storing your TV in the under stair storage is a brilliant idea! It won't break up the flow of the room when it's put away and when you do have it out, it's in perfect view with the rest of the room! 

via Houzz

Using a large photo split in two is a brilliant way to hide the TV. I love the idea of the ceiling mount track for the pictures so you could change out the art pieces if you wanted to later.


via potterybarn

Buying a good old fashioned wall mount to set your TV in is perfect if you are looking for a quick and easy fix!


via pinterest

Don't like the thought of going through the trouble to hide your TV? Try using your it as a centerpiece for your art. Placing your pictures around the it strategically can give the wall a great look without covering up the screen. 

Announcing the winner of the set of Change of Art frames!

FREE IMAGES By a random draw, by Random.org, "The Cape on the Corner" won a set of 3 frames in her choice of brown, white, or black.  Congratulations!  PS: Check out the winner's cool blog "Cape on the Corner"

Thanks to all who entered this very popular giveaway!  If you didn't win, you should still check out Change of Art - the frames are eco-friendly, awesome, and AFFORDABLE!  I will also be announcing another great giveaway tomorrow, so stay tuned!