INSPIRATIONS {FOR AUTUMN}

Over the last few years, my appreciation for the season of Autumn has grown immensely. Before I use to dread the Fall / Winter seasons only because of the cooler weather they brought. Now however, I love the colors these seasons bring, along with the (pumpkin) food and holidays of course. And the holidays should be any interior designer's favorite time, as there are three holidays in a span of three months that give you the perfect excuse to decorate you home, THREE different times! I definitely plan to give you all my tips and inspirations this holiday season, starting with my overall inspirations for Autumn. Halloween is coming soon too, so come back to see what I've come up with for decorating tips! 

Let's start with my inspiration board.... I usually start with what's called a "inspiration board" before decorating. It is a helpful tool to use when creating an over all "look" that makes sense. (Ladies, this is the real purpose for Pinterest... Besides recipes and work-out tips.) 

How does Autumn inspire you? .... Hmmm?

Lets get on with the decorating! I'm sure that's the only reason you've come to this blog post anyway! First, I would love to point out one thing were I find most inspirational for home decor, and that is weddings. Have you ever browsed though some wedding photos and noticed how amazing the floral arrangements are, and the tables, chairs... it goes on and on, but this is a great place to start! Just thought I would mention that! 

So, I will be starting with decorating a mantle, however these tips can be used throughout your home! This is one of my favorite spots in my home to decorate, as it has always been a great focal point. Since the mantel is usually a focal point, this is the place to "go all out". Really do something amazing here!  I've found some beautiful ideas that I think are worthy to mention. See below: 

 I really love this mantle. I think it's a great example for all my tips. And everything can be changed out too; for example, you can add different flowers, change the color of the pumpkins, use a mirror instead of a wreath. It's all about mixing and matching... I do like the use of books, its a perfect way to add height.

Don't forget floral arrangements! Get creative with these. And pull some really bright flowers too. Why not mix in a little royal blue?   

(Psst... Have you ever thought you use vintage trophies for vases for your mantel? These are so fun! I'm obsessed with how these look. )

Moving on the table decor... 

I am in love with this rustic table setting. Absolutely beautiful. It's rustic, but look how they used the colored candles to bring in some pretty pops of color. Very pretty! 

I liked this arrangement because again it is rustic, perfect for fall, but I like the idea of using dark vases, and more maroon colors in the florals. See how they've mixed the maroon colors with light minty leaves? So smart, I love it! 

(Psst... Here's a cost effective tip. I am sure you might not have the vintage maroon vases/ cups in the above photograph, but however, this is something that can easily be found at your local antique market or try even Goodwill. I seriously have scored some great pieces there in the past!)

Last but not least, a pretty table setting using more whites and grey. I always love a light and airy look. And again I love the simple white roses with the soft grey leaves. (I should know what that plant is called, but I don't)

1) Flowers. I am all about beautiful florals in every room. So feminine and fresh, and colorful. I am in love!  

2) Garland. Garland isn't only for Christmas! Why not use some bright leaves, fake or real, and drape them across the top of the mantle. This is probably the most cost effective way to add that instant update. 

2) Change your artwork! Changing out artwork is a smart way to add Fall colors to your mantel. I think a rustic map or picture of leaves will be perfect. Also, I love the look of well worn and loved vintage frames empty, and layered on top of each other. I think it looks sweet.  If you don't have vintage frames, may I suggest some sand paper? Instant vintage! 

3) Use pumpkins! Gather a nice collection of pumpkins, in various colors and sizes for a natural looking mantle. I love the white pumpkins in particular... 

4) Add books, candles, and maybe a large monogram that stands for your family's name. This is how you accessorize a mantel. These details is where the fun comes in. As you can see in the above pictures, it's all about mixing and matching. I love to mix glamorous, with rustic, with vintage, with feminine, and by the end, you have an amazing unique look! 

5) Keep with a color theme. Use 3-5 colors that all go together and use that to tie in your overall look. 

Hope you've been inspired! Email or comment if you have any questions! 

HAPPY FALL-IDAYS!

Hi friends!

I am so relieved that Fall starts this weekend. How about you? I have been anxiously waiting for cooler days, warm clothes, and especially all the baking that comes with the holidays. I also am a huge fan of anything pumpkin. (Put pumpkin in anything and I will probably love it!) And I couldn't possibly wait any longer, so Ive decided to bake something this weekend. I found a recipe for pumpkin bread, which looks amazing. I will see if I can make it in a vegan version, or I just may experiment a little and do something from scratch. I can't imagine using 2 whole cups of sugar in a loaf of pumpkin bread? I always try to substitute when I can to make a recipe more healthy. Also, I am hoping my boyfriend likes pumpkin bread too! I plan to drop some off at his place so he will have a little treat while he is studying this weekend. I hope you're inspired to bake too! --It will make your home smell amazing and be the perfect way to welcome the Fall season into your home!









Here's the recipe I am planning to use. Sounds so delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups whole-wheat flour

• 3/4 cup ground flaxseed

• 1 tsp. baking soda

• 1/2 tsp. baking powder

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice

• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves

• 8 ounces canned unsweetened pumpkin

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 egg

• 1 egg white

• 1/3 cup fat-free milk (I used almond milk)   

Directions:

1). Preheat the oven to 350°. Coat a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

2). Mix the flour, flaxseed, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Whisk the pumpkin, sugars, applesauce, eggs, and milk in a medium bowl. Pour over the dry ingredients and gently stir together. If you’re using cranberries, fold them in. Pour into the loaf pan.

3). Bake about 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10-15 minutes, then remove from the pan to let it cool completely.

Ta-da!  Hopefully this is what it will look like!

With all of this fall baking, you know there is soon to be some fall decorating tips coming your way! Stay tuned! 

Happy Fall, Friends! 

xo, Tara

QUICK DESIGN TIP {LAYER YOUR ART}

Here's a quick design tip, inspired from Pinterest of course! Have you ever thought to layer your art work? If you're like me, and like effortless style, this is just the thing for you. Layering art can also be a wonderful way to express who you are when you create such a grouping! I just love the way these rooms look! Take a look! 

(Psst! Need more inspiration? You can check out the official FreeInteriors Pinterest, I've got just about the whole world of Pinterest covered.) 

DIY INSPIRATION {SHOPPING BAG ART}

Here's a fun and personal DIY I stumbled upon today:  

Have you ever thought to take those pretty designer shopping bags and use them as decor? I can't get over how fun I think they look, especially in a closet. It's a great way to show off your fashion tastes too! ;)  

STYLING AN ENTRY {IN FIVE STEPS}

Just like the way you present yourself by way of clothing, your entryway is like the "first impression" for your home. A new visiter gets a little taste of who you are, and your family, by the way you've styled your entry -and hopefully it is a great impression! I often see entryways neglected, and usually used as an extra space for keys and shoes. While I am a big fan of function, I do believe form too. And I am here to help you if you're feeling a little lost on the whole idea of styling an entry. I've broken the process down in to a few steps to help get your creative mind going! 

Step 1 

Create a focal point. This usually can come in the form of a large decorative mirror, artwork, or a collection of wall decor. See how the mirrors in each picture create a focal point for the space below

Step 2 

Ground the area with a rug! 

Step 3

Add a table! An entry table can be used for storage or can be purely decorative. Entry tables are an ideal home for keys, shoes, etc... This is also where you can have a little fun with your furniture selection. You can use a stylish chest, a small desk, and don't be afraid to go bold with color.  I like these options below: 

Step 4

If your entry space allows for the room, add a furniture piece such as a chair, or small love seat.

 Step 5

Accessorize! I recommend adding a lamp or two, and a few decorative pieces. A special box or tray to hold your keys, and a vase for some flowers is a great place to start! 

{JUST A LITTLE} EYE-CANDY!

So I came across this gorgeous home at work today, and I wanted to share it! It's beautifully done. 

Enjoy! 

I love neutral upholstery, with pops of color either in pillows, drapery, or accent pieces. This room is perfect! 

A man's area. 

I like how the wood paneling is carried through out the home, and how the wood is left unpainted here. Makes the space more masculine.  

I am loving this lucite coffee table! 

Looks a lot like my dream home! ;)

PS. Thank you friends for helping me reach over 12,000 page views! 

LOVELY PASTELS

It's finally Spring time again! 

My favorite season, next to Summer! Here's some inspiration to get you in the mood for the beautiful, breezy, bright days of Spring! Enjoy:) 

Love Lavender!

Oh so lovely! Pastels are the most feminine of colors, ever. And that's probably why I am drawn to them so much! Lace, flowers, tea, dresses, roses, YES PLEASE. 

I love how all of these beautiful pastel tones can be inspired right from nature. 

If I could, I would choose to be outdoors always. Wandering by a river, or maybe tinkering in a garden.  Oh how beautiful the world becomes during Spring with everything in bloom!

Easy, breezy and calm. I love using soft shades of blue in master bedrooms. I believe that there is no color more relaxing! 

These fun pastel colored pencils are a fun inspiration for a child's room. So playful and cheery. Usually you can get away with more colors in bigger amounts in a child's room! ;) 

Such soft tones in a room will also make your space seem much more airy and open rather than darker tones. 

Changing your throw pillows or comforter is a very simple way to brighten things up. And it can of course be done in a cost effective way! 

Feeling inspired yet? :)