When the days begin to shorten and the first cool breezes of autumn rustle the leaves, we begin to spend more time at home. Summer had me dashing out of the house after work to spend time outdoors and weekends in Montauk. But now that autumn has begun, IӪm taking stock of my home and organizing the house for winter. Not only has the d̩cor shifted to a cozy look, but there are mechanical things that need to be attended to before winter really sets in.
Among the things you should take care of prior to winter are your oil burner, chimney, windows and roof. Your gutters should be cleaned out to prevent them from getting clogged and causing leaks. Gardens should be cut back and raked and certain plants and bushes covered in burlap to prevent winter burn and deer from heavily damaging them. Meanwhile, new shrubs and flowering bulbs can be planted for a wonderful spring showing. Now”™s the time to deep clean lawn furniture and cover it, storing what you can inside while sending out whatever needs to be repaired and repainted.
At this time of year, I also try to touch up the trim on the inside of my house that has gotten chipped and refresh it for winter. And while interior design work for the holidays should have been started months ago, a smaller refresh can still be done now. Painting a room in a new color or adding some wallpaper, for instance, can bring updated style into your home.
Trending colors for fall are darker and offset an elegant mix of antiques and modern pieces to create warmer interiors. Some of my favorite colors and combinations include blues and spices, like cinnamon and saffron. I”™m also interested in greens, peaches and corals. Jewel tones are always a favorite of mine. Some of these colors when mixed in different shades can create a neutral room. Yes, even red can be considered a neutral as in an all-red room. Everyone thinks of neutrals in shades of gray, white, black, beige and brown, but this is not necessarily true.
Interior design is also trending back to textured looks with colors, patterns and artwork layered in rooms ”“ which is especially fun to try as we move into the winter months. There is nothing as comforting as a dark, layered room, a fire in the fireplace and a glass of wine or spirits in its correct crystal glass by your side as you read or watch a movie. Add a cozy, new throw made in sustainable alpaca or cashmere for that Scandinavian hygge effect.
In the fall, I prepare for the holiday entertaining ahead. I go over my china and glasses to see if some pieces need to be replaced. I look for new linens for the table and make sure I am well-stocked with candles, both pillars and tapers. Every year I host most of the holidays so I start thinking about the menus for each one early. Our holiday foods are cultural in nature, but I often like to add some new, different sides or desserts to keep my holiday menus fresh.
Whether you are entertaining or snuggling for an intimate weekend this fall, add some luxe to your life with all the elegant accessories that are available ”“ including them in your home. Maybe take a course on cooking or wine pairings and learn which glasses go with which wine or spirit. Not only will you have a great time, but you can use your new skills when entertaining. Gather a group of friends who all live close to one another and host a movable feast. Not only does this lessen the burden of entertaining, because you are only responsible for one portion of the meal, but everyone gets to visit one another”™s home and who doesn”™t love to see how their friends or neighbors decorate. It will also create some lively conversations.
Enjoy the fall season out and about as well ”“ apple and pumpkin picking, drinking cider hot or cold and eating cider donuts ”“ as you dream about cozying up indoors and designing your home for the new year.
For more on Cami Weinstein Designs LLC, call 914-447-6904 or email info@camidesigns.com.
