Fall is my favorite season. I love the cozy, slow feeling of autumn and the chance to spend time at home putting things right. Lately I’ve been a little out of sorts because I haven’t had the time to fully decorate for fall the way I wanted to.
Book launch season is exciting but hectic. My new book is coming soon—Simple Gatherings releases on October 3—and the preorder season has kept me very busy. If you pre-order, there’s a limited-time offer to receive a bundle of my ebooks for free with your preorder. I appreciate all the support and enthusiasm around the launch.
Velvet pumpkins and a mirror add texture and warmth to the space.
After a busy week, I finally set aside time this weekend to cozy up a room that’s been stuck in transition for months. I dislike rooms that feel unfinished or “in limbo.” When a space isn’t settled, I often end up ignoring it, which only makes me feel worse. Instead of letting the room linger undecorated, I focused on increasing the cozy factor so it would feel inviting even if it’s not fully finalized.
That’s one of the best parts of fall: you can change the mood of a room without a full makeover. Soft textures, layered textiles, and a few seasonal accents can make a big difference quickly.
A rug, curtains, woven shades, a dip-dyed stool, and a simple daybed help anchor the space and make it feel more cohesive even while I’m still arranging the furniture and deciding on the final layout.
I was thrilled to set out a collection of velvet pumpkins. They’re soft, sculptural, and add immediate autumnal charm. My dog Jack had a hilarious reaction—he treated them like newcomers and sniffed them suspiciously, then eventually settled down and even seemed to accept one of them on the stool. He has a habit of being baffled by fuzzy objects; I’m not sure if he thinks they’re animals or toys, but his curiosity is always entertaining.
The pumpkins are even more beautiful in person than in photos. Many have genuine stems, and the mix of velvet, feathers, and unique finishes creates pieces that feel special and collectible. I found myself lingering to admire the details—the colors, the tactile richness, and the way they catch the light.
I’ll be sharing more of these velvet pumpkins on Instagram and in my stories. Some of the gray tones have quickly become favorites because they blend so well with neutral palettes while still offering a luxurious look. Expect to see them styled throughout the house as the season progresses.
Special note: a friend is offering a promo code for a limited time to make these velvet pumpkins more accessible.
USE THE PROMO CODE: 17IR15 to receive 15% off during October.
There will also be a giveaway on my Instagram where one winner can choose a Hot Skwash velvet pumpkin or receive a $200 shop credit for fall shopping. That giveaway is limited to U.S. entrants only—watch my Instagram feed and stories for details and the announcement of the winner.
Even a partial refresh made the room feel so much better. Small updates—adding a few pillows, a textured throw, a seasonal arrangement, and a few decorative pieces—helped the space move out of limbo and feel more settled and welcoming. If a room in your house is stuck between stages, try focusing first on comfort and texture. You might be surprised how quickly a space feels finished and inviting again.
Is your home ever in limbo, or am I the only one who struggles with unfinished rooms?
Pre-order Simple Gatherings before October 3 to take part in the preorder offers and to receive the ebook bundle promotion available with qualifying purchases.
