House Calls: Autumn touches in the home

The ever-shortening days, cooling temperatures and changing landscape of Calaveras County signal the recent arrival of autumn. Fall could be considered the quiet season the perfect lull between the spontaneous activity of summer and the traditions of the upcoming holidays.

Fall is also the season of harvest, beginning with the grape crush and ending with a Thanksgiving feast. The earth, grass and leaves are in the midst of their brilliant transformations. Take time to appreciate all the variations in the seasons tones and textures, and consider how to bring natures beautiful palette into your living spaces.

After removing any last traces of summer accents, begin to introduce new seasonal items in burnt orange, light browns, shades of gold, terra cotta and variations of tan, red and purple. These colors can be added to your interiors in accessories, fabrics and natural materials.

Candles provide a quick and easy change; they immediately convey warmth, comfort and a touch of fall color. Pull out all candlesticks, candelabras or lanterns and group them by material: brass, pewter, wood or iron. Fill them with colorful candles in autumn hues and display in groups of three or five on the sideboard, entry table or mantle. Mix or match colors and materials, depending on your preference. Intertwine the base of your arrangement with small branches of fall leaves, vines or berries.

As the nights become cooler, switch out your bed linens, rugs and window coverings for some with more weight and depth of color. Consider introducing flannel sheets or a down comforter to the bed. Accent pillows, shams and window coverings in rich fabrics like velvet, chenille, tweed or felt can be added now. Change out your towels in the bath and kitchen; add a heavier rug to your entry; fold a quilt at the foot of the bed or a nubby throw over the back of your favorite reading chair.

In the dining area, a tablecloth in fall tones will add warmth and softness, with a nod to the changing season. If you prefer the look of exposed wood, add a warm table runner instead, and top it with a large bowl of apples or persimmons.

Buy a single baby pumpkin, gourd or Indian corn cob each time you visit the produce aisle, and use these fresh seasonal pieces as decorative accents. Gather them together to display on a tabletop or scatter them around the house: a trio of Indian corn on a side table, a gourd used as a bookend or a lone miniature pumpkin on the guest room bedside table.

When doing it up for all, dont forget the yard or garden. Follow the example of Northeasterners, and use this time of year to decorate your yard before the harsh weather comes. Bring fall colors into your landscape with pots of yellow, gold or burgundy mums. Introduce decorative garden art like a rusty sculpture or tall metal sunflowers. Tuck a few pumpkins and other types of squash into planted beds or flower pots. Fill an old wheelbarrow with hay or pumpkins, prop an old rake against the oak tree, and fashion a scarecrow to oversee the area.

Pause and appreciate the relative simplicity of autumn. Revel in the ease and natural bounty that the season provides us and make the most of it in and around your home this fall.

Linda Lawrence is the owner of HouseCalls for Redesign. Contact her at housecalls4redesign@ comcast.net or 728-2732, or visit housecalls4redesign.com.

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House Calls: Autumn touches in the home