Free Fallin
September 10, 2010
I was determined this month to spend very little time, and absolutely no money, bringing the feel of fall into my home.
Why should I rush to the retail stores when the autumn leaves that were starting to turn on the branches in my own backyard provided all the inspiration and free fall decor I truly needed?
Over the summer, there was a lot of unnecessary *stuff* that had accumulated around our house. I think this happens to most of us, regardless of our ‘clutter free’ intentions.
The *stuff* in my home clung to baskets, and hid in dark corners where it thought it could hide.
The *stuff* was wrong.
Several weeks ago, I purged my home of all things unnecessary in my continuing quest to live simply. I find that when my home is clutter free, organized, and clean (a rare trifecta, to be frank), the pace around here flows a lot smoother. Piles of meaningless *stuff* always overwhelms me. Taking care of the *stuff* takes me away from taking care of my family, and that I cannot stand.
As I scoured my home during the purge, I marveled at how much *stuff* seemed to find its way indoors. In a merciless two day cleansing sweep, I brought all that was meaningless to the garage, keeping only what was beautiful, sentimental, or useful.
After a successful yard sale a few weekends ago, I’ll admit, I’ve been enjoying the bliss of a decluttered home. A home filled only with the things that I love, or that I’ve collected over time. The things that are nostalgic ~ the things that I’ve treasured for years.
That includes holiday decorations from years past. I was determined this autumn season to not focus on spending. To not run out and buy accessories that I simply didn’t need. To appreciate, and use, what I already have.
This year’s fall mantel is styled simply with clear vases and viburnum leaves from our backyard. The same viburnum that gives glorious white snowballs in spring, yet also yields the prettiest early fall colors.
This year’s vignettes come from treasures and accessories from years past.
‘Tis the season for amber glass objects previously stored away for months to make their appearance yet again.
This year’s fall kitchen mantel gets enhanced with only a few vibrant branches from a ginko tree.
My bliss this week comes from free autumn leaves.
And the reminder that I don’t need to go shopping to have a home filled with beauty. I need only to steal a few clippings from nature.
Please enjoy your lovely autumn weekend.
And as much as I’d love to spend this weekend taking leisurely walks appreciating the falling leaves, I have a very dirty job to do. I am pleased to announce that the carpet on my staircase is doomed to destruction. (Cackling with glee). My hardwood steps arrive on Monday! So as you leisurely watch football on Sunday, think of me, cause I’ll be pulling a zillion carpet tacks out of plywood steps.
Cheers friends.
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Tags: autumn
Love the simplicity! I also really like the amber class pear, beautiful!
Love those candlesticks. Beautiful.
as usual…just beautiful and so simple. love it!
Visiting from the Nester! I LOVE the mirror over your mantle, and your pleated skirt slipcover on your sofa, and the beautiful twigs/leaves you have used (I have always hated using fake fall leaves), and the amber glass items you have, and and and… :) Your room has such beautiful colors and textures (and not just from your autumn items!)
Love these ideas!
Would you mind sharing with me how you keep the leaves alive and how long do these arrangements last? Did you have to spray the leaves?
Thank you,
Colleen
[...] #4: Keep it natural and simple: Centsational Girl. [...]
Leonardo da Vinci said it best: Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Your autumn decor is classic beauty, truly elegant.
Thank you for sharing.
Deborah
I absolutely love the mirror above your mantle! Would you mind emailing me and telling me where you got it? Thank you!!
ashley61985(at)gmail(dot)com
I too would love to know where that mirror is from. We’re building our home, and that would work perfect for us!
Chuck
I’m visiting via Hooked on Houses via The Inspired Room. I love your simple, elegant mantle. Thank you SO much for sharing the beautiful secret of the viburnum! I wasn’t familiar with them, but will definitely check to see if they will grow in my area.