Do this for your FALL Decorating 2022

This morning when walking down the driveway I crunched a dozen fallen acorns. Grounded yellow leaves are starting to fill the yard and the cool morning dew hovers on the grass like a spooky fog. Feels like FALL!

With these changes us Midwesterners head to Farmer’s Markets, home storage to retrieve ‘FALL’ marked bins, and favorite home decorating stores to adorn, drape, and celebrate the changing season.

With this I share some fresh, fun, FALL 2022 home decorating ideas to incorporate into your Autumnal home styling: Please note** Most of the gallery photos have a connecting link for either a project, purchase, or inspiration. Enjoy!

Dried Flowers - With the Vintage Repurposed and Granny Chic style being fully embraced, dried floral is an associated trend. From floral arrangements, wall art, to crafting -this 2022 trend we all can embrace. Dried floral’s soft, muted hues, texture and beautiful form have fancy wedding florists mixing dried into fresh for spectacular arrangements. This is why “dried floral” has over  2.5 million tags on Instagram.  Be inspired by these wedding florals, be a maker and craft your own, or head out to your favorite retailer to pickup a ready made.

Botanicals - Talking about flowers... All things botanical is trending. From hanging planters, terrariums, indoor plants and botanical prints -  Were MAD about the green!  Create a fall inspired terrariums or pots with live plants that have fall color cues, decoupage a pumpkin with floral, mushroom or leaf printed tissue or paper napkins. Swap out your everyday art with art with a botanical theme framed piece. Whether outside or in, botanicals are an easy trend to incorporate.

Preppy Prints - Menswear fabrics and patterns have been trending in fashion and high-end home design.  Plaids, flannels, Hounds tooth and tweeds, as well as old school velvets, paisleys and toiles embraced.   Interpret these Preppy Prints into your home environment with fabric covered pumpkins, runners for your tables, throws and pillow covers for your furnishing. And if you are a needlework aficionado, in the gallery is a crochet project for a menswear inspired throw. Whatever your style is, these classic prints and patterns work within your home environment.

Cloche Dome Décor - Anything under a dome becomes important and a statement maker.  Fall is a perfect time for a walk in the woods, or a neighborhood stroll.  Pickup fall finds and create a natural display, house a pumpkin, colorful dried corn, floral picks , or battery operated fall inspired candles under a cloche for a wonder fall statement.  Dome décor is perfect on an entry table, a sideboard, or as part of a dining table centerpiece. Use a cake stand, stack of books or wrapped boxes to create levels.

Corn Husks! - Being in the Midwest, corn is our crop and at every big box home improvement store you can find dried corn stalks this time of year.  Beyond the basic stalk is a 2022 trend of Corn Husk décor. From wreaths to garland, this very Farmhouse look is a great way of celebrating the season. 

Join me live! I’ll be at the Hinsdale Library next week

Need more inspiration, technique and ideas? Join me next week for a Seasonal Decorating workshop at the Hinsdale Public Library - September 14th, 7pm. For more information visit my calendar or register directly at the library.

Invite us into your home for the day! Hire us.

No time? No worries - Julea and company can get your space reinvented for fall. We’ll sweep in, and make your space spectacular using what you already have. Want to refresh your stash? We can even bring in fresh new fall finds. Pick a shopping budget and we’ll style in the fresh finds with what you already have. 3 hour Makeover package

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook as I FALL decorate my own home over the next week.

Spring Things you Can do to Your Home

Well it may be snowing in Chicago today, but spring is definitely here. The Easter holiday is behind us, and if you are wondering how to refresh and restyle your home with more than just bunnies and dyed eggs - this post if for you.

The great thing about living in the Midwest is that we get to reinvent our home’s space four times a year as the seasons change. As my design mantra goes “If you change up your home, it changes up you too”. So what spring things can we do to our home?

TRY A NEW ROOM ARRANGEMENT

Give a space a new look with interior arrangement. The sun changes positions seasonally, and your Sunday reading spot that was perfect in winter now is unbearably sunny without the blinds closed. The fireplace that was your cozy cure for the blustery weather, now sits fireless as spring temperatures rise. Try repositioning that chair to a new spot. That move creates a whole new look for your favorite chair and creates the spark for a new room setting. And rather than cozying up to the fireplace - with a bit of furniture moving, you could instead have a window view of birds nesting and flowers blooming. This will give you a new daily respite to sooth your soul.

FURNITURE SWAP FROM OTHER ROOMS

The design police will not shun you if you find that your dining room hutch that houses Granny’s dusty China works much better as a bookcase or crafts storage hutch in your office. Or the kid’s dresser is the ideal entry piece for that empty wall in your foyer. Be fearless by understanding furniture can be moved and have more than one purpose.

LOOK AT YOUR ACCESSORIES IN A NEW LIGHT

My whole business is based on using what you already have, and I can tell you that after 23 years, you have plenty of accessories. Did you know the average home has 300,000 things in it? Rather than thinking you need to buy new to refresh, think how you can celebrate what is already there.

• A lamp can be up-styled by just changing out its shade. Too, by reducing or increasing the harp size (the thing that you put the shade on) you can try a new shade size.

• Rotate your art. Create a collection with a few pieces on your mantle (hang one, lean the others) or on your hall walls, Use an easel and display small art pieces on a table, in a bookcase, or just lean them as a back drop.

• Art, as well as trays, bowls, vases can be archived, and rotated in or out for the season to bring color, mood, or seasonal spirit to a space. And of course you can reinvent them. Head over to YouTube or Pinterest and be tutored on reimagining old accessories (there are a zillion options).

DO SOMETHING BIG

When I mean big, I don’t mean buy a whole new house big, I mean do something that makes a more permanent change. Paint an accent wall, your pantry door, or a piece of furniture. Wallpaper your foyer, the inside of your China hutch or the front of the drawers of a dresser. Reupholster that Sunday reading chair in your new favorite color (hopefully tangerine). These changes are a bit more permanent, but aren’t too costly, but will bring a big change to the way your home feels.

BRING THE OUTSIDE IN

The best part of spring is that everything seems shiny and new. Snip budding branches and pop them into some of your favorite large floor vases. A container of a spring flowers cheers up any counter or table. Swap out the pinecones in your display bowls for bright green moss covered balls, sport a newly made table terrarium or pop a potted plant under a cloche to celebrate the growing season. Raid your bookcases for all your gardening books for a new display collection on your living room’s coffee table.

With these changes you’ll renew your home’s feeling, create new spaces to celebrate, and enjoy the new season both inside and out.

Need expert and creative advice to shake up your spaces? Want to leave and come home to a whole new space in a day using just what you already have? We do that. Call/Text 708-543-8597 to learn more.

• Julea

Not so Fast - Thanksgiving is in-between

It may be the day after Halloween, but don't be decking the halls with red and green just yet - there is a holiday in-between, and it's called Thanksgiving!  Here are some great home decorating and hosting ideas that can ease you into the jingle jangle season.  

Container Gardens: 

As our 1st frost approaches, it's time to replace the product in our outside container gardens. Opt for mainstays of cut Evergreen greenery or even a live small Evergreen species or tree or bush as your anchor Add fall materials such preserved leaves, pods or flowers and sprayed pine cones in autumn colors. As the season turns into winter, the autumn picks can simply replaced with frosty, winter finds.

Photo: Midwest Living

Wreathes 

The timeless eucalyptus wreath can be dressed up or down with any season. The elegant, interesting, round leaves are the perfect foil for any decorating style. Add your favorite elements of the season, then swap them out when you are ready for the next - no need to reinvent the wheel with a whole new wreath. From doors, windows, table centerpieces to tiered plate stands, wreathes are a perfect elevation. This wreath is from Joann.

Photo: Joann

Simple added elements such as these fall eucalyptus stems can transition your wreathes from one season to another. Eucalyptus multi-leave stems by Michaels

Photo: Michael's

Table

Whether foyer, sofa or dining - your table will always look better dressed in fabric. This in-between time is ideal for texture and neutral color tones. Burlap, linen, jute, cheesecloth, sacking, or any natural fabric in a neutral tone will create the perfect styling veneer for your tables. Used as a runner, wrap or layer, these natural fibers will celebrate the season and give you that base to build on. Runner from Ashley Furniture

Photo Collage: Julea Joseph/Source

What to do About Pumpkin:

As cold weather, especially snow or a frost comes in - your exterior pumpkins need exit the exterior of your home or they'll be nothing but mush. Extend their use by adding them to your interior decorating, and if you are hosting Thanksgiving - those pumpkins can be a part of your holiday table too.

Photo collage: Julea Joseph/Source

With these in-between home decorating ideas, your in-between holiday, Thanksgiving will get it's highlight. Enjoy! - Julea

A Few of my Fall-orite Things. Fresh ideas for a new Season

Mornings are a bit cooler, there is a subtle fall scent in the air , and the acorns have begun to fall.  

Summer takes its toll on your home interiors.  Perhaps you have piles of papers in the dining room, a spooky dust covered living room, and the family room’s pillows have been over loved by both the kids and your dog.

A fall home re-style is the perfect remedy for your home’s summer style malaise.  It’s time to try a new furniture arrangement, an accessory shake-up, and some strategic power shopping to put a bit of fall zing into your home spaces. Here are a few of my fall-orite things.

1. Cozy Textiles. The term ‘sweater weather’ comes to mind. Nothing gives a space a fall style refresher than touchy textiles. Throws are the sweaters of home and are an easy up-style choice. Nubby mega knits either handmade or purchased, cozy cashmere blends to cuddle up with, or a vintage hand woven blanket can transform, layer and create that ultimate fall home environment. Shop your own home for more rustic pieces to give your main living area a seasonal transformation. Could you swap a leather chair from the study or flip flop the shag rug from the guest bedroom to achieve your goal?

2. Colors of the Season. Rust, indigo, mustard, ink, and pumpkin tones, - all colors of the autumn kaleidoscope. By infusing these colors into your home decor you will revive your rooms. Can you find a color thread in your art and reposition it, swap out lamps shades to set the mood of the season or re-purpose an accessory or furniture piece with paint? Shop for pillows/pillow covers in velvet, plaid, or kilim are good choices. Add a few new trendy accessories that tell the story of the new season to shake things up a bit.

3. Harvest Finds. Think fall farmer’s market. Your fall decor can come into to play here - autumn leaf, berry and nut swags, pumpkins fresh and faux and dried floral.

4. The Scent of Fall. As that weather changes, so do your senses. The simple sense of scent can bring the happiness of the season. In the powder room seasonally scented soap, on the island a big bowl of apples that evokes the thoughts of that crisp sweet scent and in the foyer, soy or bees wax scented candles greeting your guests. And yes, there is always pumpkin spice…

By changing up your home environment, you refresh not only your space, but you as well. A new seasonal chapter can wash away the staleness of yesterday and give a fresh new perspective of things to come.

-Julea

Love these ideas but just want to come home to a refreshed and seasonally changed home? We have a 3-hour seasonal refresher session special for $525. We use what you have and re-style for the season.

And we can one up that by shopping our favorite hidden haunts for just the right new pieces for you to fall in love with your home for an additional fee.

Calendar dates are limited, call/text Julea for details 708.543.8597

7 DIY Last Minute Christmas Ideas

1. CAKE PLATTER || MASON JAR CENTERPIECE -  

I have a thing for cake platters (One of my “good bones” decorating accessories) The original post featured mod podge and Epsom salt to make the frosted look.  Last minute look - pour epsom salts, sugar or fake snow into jars, add lighting.

Photo: Remodelandolacasa

2.  USE WHAT YOU HAVE!  - From empty bottles and a bit of ribbon, to food - try shopping your home for last minute decorating inspiration.

Photo: Source

3.  FANCY FOLDED NAPKINS -  Super easy and a creative way to dress up your table.

Photo: Source

 4. Orange Pomander Balls - Old school tradition, heavenly scented and read the backstory on the tradition, it will be a great conversation starter.

Orange and clove pomander. Photo by Wendy Piersall/Wikimedia Commons.

5.  LAST MINUTE APPETIZER - CRANBERRY AND BRIE CROSTINI

The original idea has you making your own cranberry compote , I’d just doctor up store bought - but the idea is just perfect.

Photo: neighborfoodblog

6.  LAST MINUTE GIFT - SPICED NUTS This one I can thank an old friend who made these for me years ago when we lived in San Francisco- we had backyard rosemary year round. I use pecans or walnuts, but feel free to use your nutty favorites, or what is in the pantry!  Perfect for a hostess gift, this tried and true recipe is easy and fail proof.

Photo: William-Sonoma

7 RECYCLED CAN DECOR - Clever idea and great tutorial.   If you don’t want to make it too complicated, just use a black sharpie and one coat of white spray paint.

Photo: lilyardo

Happy Holidays to you and yours! - Julea.

6 Best Holiday Accessories if Selling or Dwelling

Welcome to the quintessential kick off of the holiday decorating season. It starts with fall decor and wraps up after the New Year. Homeowners love to deck the halls with everything from pumpkins to mistletoes. Did you know that last year people spent 8.4 billion dollars on Halloween? An all-time record! We love our holidays!

As both a home staging and interior decorating professional, I have a dual struggle having to consult my selling clients to abbreviate their holiday decorating, yet help my dwelling clients become the perfect seasonal celebrator. Over the years I have curated a list of what I call “Good Bone” seasonal decorating accessories. These are multi-tasking accessories that can serve as both decor and entertaining pieces. They can transition from season to entertaining with just a few styling maneuvers, can easily be procured, and most importantly, be changed out with each holiday or season easily.

“Good Bone” accessories are essential for the homeowner who is selling, since the seasonal or holiday display is simplified, creating a light measure of holiday lifestyle. On the other hand, if dwelling, these accessory standards are perfect for the novice holiday decorator, the space saving downsizer, and for those who wholly celebrate the season – a rich added layer of reverie.

Julea’s “Good Bone” accessory list:

#1. Cake Stands.  Any material – glass, ceramic or silver; round or square. A cake stand gives height, lift, and a perfect flat space to create a seasonal vignette.

Photo: Source

#2. Cylinder and footed hurricane vases. Either can be filled in multiple ways from decor to food.  They can be flipped over to act like a cloche. The vases can also create a lift, topped with a platter or plate for either decorating or entertaining.

Photo: Source

#3 Silver Punch Bowls and Trays. Silver adds instant elegance and sparkle.  A bunch bowl is a vessel and can house anything.  A silver tray, with its lifted edges can serve up any contained display.  If the silver pieces are beyond polishing, can be chalk painted or sprayed – repurposed into a second life.

Photo: Source

#4 Tiered Tea Stands. These multilevel plated stands, usually in three levels come in every style and material – from China to tin.  Usually a centerpiece accessory for larger surface, such as an island, buffet or table.

Photo: Source

#5 Cloches. Originally used to keep seedlings warm in gardens, they now have moved indoors. From glass to chicken wire, cloches add an interesting element to any decor because anything under it, becomes more treasured and a curiosity. An old fashion glass cake stand cover can double as a cloche.

Photo: Source

#6  Wood Dough Bowls.  Textural, long and deep – can stand alone on a dining room table, kitchen island, family room cocktail table or fireplace hearth. These bowls be filled with just about anything and make a stunning centerpiece.

Photo: Source