I have had four kids leave home in the last two weeks — everyone is heading off to college or moving into their own places. While I miss them, I’m also relieved and excited to reclaim space and get organized. After a busy summer with five kids in the house, I’m ready to slow down and settle into a more peaceful routine.
This year has been full of transitions: moving family members into homes, apartments and dorms, and helping get the church started. I’m ready to curl up with a good book and enjoy some quiet time. Most of my “nesting” has been practical — packing and moving — rather than decorative. Still, I’ve done a few small things that make the house feel like fall is really here.
I hung my apple wreath on the front porch last week and this week I filled a container with pine cones. It gives the entry a warm, autumnal greeting. I aim for a cozy, quirky cottage-by-the-sea feel in my home — a place that still feels coastal but layers in warmth for the Northwest winters. That means adding textures and cozy elements in cooler months and simplifying in summer so the house reflects the season.
I also bought a new entry mat — I dislike scruffy, worn mats — and I’m deciding whether to fill an iron kettle by the door with white pumpkins or firewood. Small updates like this instantly make the entry feel inviting.
Unpacking a few more boxes from our move last January, I found the small Bilbo Baggins quote we always hang near the front door. For now it rests on the entry table and makes me smile — a little reminder of the pleasure of staying cozy and at home.
I replaced spring branches with twiggy fall stems from Pier One. They feature small, bright green thistles that add a cheerful burst of color. Those stems will stay through Thanksgiving, then I’ll switch to sparkly bare twigs for the holidays.
I bought fall-scented candles from Target that came with small decorative buttons on stretchy string. Rather than risk leaving them on the candles, I reused one to dress up a glass entry vase with the twigs. It softened the glass and gave the arrangement a cute, personal touch.
My lighting in this photo isn’t ideal, but I swapped summer shells in a jar for bright green faux apples from Pier One. Real apples can spoil when covered, so faux works perfectly here. I also hung colorful bird plates on the wall for a playful touch.
I haven’t hung much else on the walls because if we end up living here long-term I plan to change the wall color. The current pink tone alters the look of everything I try, and I’d prefer a creamy white painted paneling to brighten the entry and give it a softer, more timeless feel.
I received adhesive chalkboard sheets from Wall Candy Arts and had a quick idea. Using an old frame and some sticky-backed picture hangers, I made a “leftovers” chalkboard to list what’s in the fridge. In the fall I cook more from scratch and often end up with odds and ends to eat; a chalkboard makes it easy to encourage family to finish leftovers. The surface is smooth and pleasant to write on.
Finally, I tackled my Procrastinator’s Project: painting. I’ve completed the undercoat and the top coat is done; sanding and a finishing coat are scheduled for tomorrow. The transformation is already dramatic compared to before. How are your projects coming along? It’s not too late to start one and make your space feel cozy for the season.