I recently sent four kids off to college or into their own homes over the course of two weeks. While I miss them, I’m also excited to reclaim space and get organized. After a busy summer with five kids at home, I’m ready to slow down, settle in, and enjoy a quieter season.
This year has been full of transitions—moving family members into apartments, dorms, and new houses, and juggling other responsibilities—so I’m especially eager to curl up with a good book and recharge. Most of my nesting has revolved around clearing out rooms rather than elaborate decorating, but I’ve made a few small changes that finally feel like fall.
I hung my apple wreath on the front porch last week and this week I filled a container with pine cones. It’s a simple, welcoming touch that makes the entry feel more autumnal.
I like my home to feel like a cozy, quirky beach cottage—warm and inviting even on a stormy night. Living in the Northwest, I try to keep a coastal vibe year-round while adding layers for the cooler months and removing them come summer. Decorating to reflect the seasons helps my home feel lived-in and comfortable.
I also replaced my entry mat with a new one; fresh mats make a big difference to the entry’s overall look. Next I’ll decide whether to fill that iron kettle by the door with white pumpkins or a stack of firewood for extra seasonal charm.
I also unpacked a few more boxes from last January and found a small Bilbo Baggins quote from The Lord of the Rings that we usually hang by the door. For now it sits on the entry table and makes me smile—perfect for someone who enjoys hibernating at home and feeling cozy and safe.
I swapped out my spring branches for twiggy fall stems I found at Pier One. They have bright green thistle-like buds that add a cheerful pop of color. I plan to keep these until after Thanksgiving, then switch to bare sparkly twigs for the holiday season.
I bought fall-scented candles from Target, and they came with small decorative buttons on elastic. Rather than leave them on the candles (I worry about fire hazards), I repurposed one to dress up a glass vase holding the twigs. It warmed the look of the glass and added a bit of personality.
To bring some autumn color indoors, I swapped shells in a jar for bright green faux apples from Pier One—real apples spoil quickly under a lid. I also hung colorful bird plates on the wall to add more visual interest.
I haven’t put much on the walls yet because I’m considering larger changes if we stay here long-term. The current pinkish tone on one entry wall makes everything read slightly pink, and while I don’t mind pink, it’s not the palette I prefer. I dream of adding creamy white painted paneling to echo the wood-paneled walls I loved in my previous home.
I also received adhesive chalkboard sheets and used one to create a “leftovers” board inside an old frame. In the fall I tend to cook more from scratch and end up with odds and ends in the fridge. Writing what’s available encourages family members to eat the leftovers, and the chalk surface is easy to write on and erase.
Lastly, I tackled a procrastinated painting project. The photo shows the undercoat; I’ve already applied the top coat and will sand and finish it tomorrow. The change is dramatic, and I’ll share more when it’s done. How are your seasonal projects coming along? It’s never too late to start.