I love the change of seasons! It’s so inspirational. Truth be told, its an opportunity to change things up a bit and enjoy the offerings of the season. Each season I make some adjustments to my home décor to emphasize the beauty of the season.

So this past week I’ve spent evenings searching through Pinterest getting wistful over the colors of fall leaves which lead to a freefall into gourd arrangements, and before you know it I’m blowing off obligatory book club reading and having involved talks with Pottery Barn personnel about texture, color and placements of throw pillows.

p.s. The photo below is courtesy Ms. Laura Horne who knows of my seasonal decorating and sent this lovely photo of the autumnal display at Pottery Barn Al-Khobar.

Making small adjustments to your home can make all the difference to lifting your mood and refresh your interest in coming home. Beyond seasonal baking consider a few helpful hints to embracing fall.

1. Autumn outdoor spaces - In the Middle East October and November are cooler months which are perfect for gardening. I have a potted garden for my patio. The entrance of your home should be welcoming and festive. As soon as you step into your oasis it is wonderful to have green things blooming and growing in the colors of the season. I’ve found orange and yellow marigolds, a variety of succulents that I’m not quite sure of the name of, and what I think are helenium… but they are white so I’m not sure. Autumn gardens should feature beautiful blooms in a riot of color. Don’t forget to select blooms, edging plants that can bloom in the shade as the days grow shorter.

2. Cozy living and dining room décor - Of course depending on the climate, you’ll want to choose your textiles to en-cozy, (this is a term that I’ve made up thank you very much) your parlor. Of course you don’t want to change everything because who has the time or money for that, but a few little changes can really change the mood and feeling of your home. While the weather is getting better it’s not exactly sweater weather - without the AC on full blast. I like to change just a few things in the living room.

   1. Throw blankets - I usually pick a specific palette and chose colors and textures that will compliment and cozy up the couch. Over a neutral colored couch colors pop and the changes are like a breath of fresh air. Plus if you make a batch of apple cider and partake of a hallmark movie you MUST have something to throw over your legs.

   2. Coffee table and dinning table center pieces - A center piece is really and truly important for making a difference to your space. A fetching arrangement of mini gourds, fake leaves cradled in a wood bowl are pleasing and super easy. I’m opting for cheaper arrangements this season and wooden chargers that will hold mounds of festively colored apples surrounded by thick white candles. Edible and beautiful!

   3. Throw pillows - I think that purchasing a few pillow covers make all the difference. Once you’ve interested yourself to death consider what you have and but do hold back on making the house scream Christmas prematurely. Consider a woolen knit or tapestry inspired multi-colored covers.

   4. Candles - I love scented candles! Scented candles are absolutely key for me especially when coming home from work when I haven’t the strength to cook anything the smell of harvest apple and cinnamon wafting through the house makes me sigh with content.

Take a gander at the photo gallary below for a little fall inspiration! My favorite sites to understand the trends for each season or just get some decorating inspiration include:

1. - Inspiration for fragrance, accessories and centerpieces - Aerin Lauder the stylish New York socialite and granddaughter of Estee.

2. Interior design inspiration - British-born Kathryn M. Ireland, or Helen Ballard, yes, she’s the lady who founded Ballard Designs.

3. For gardening inspiration - I am absolutely obsessed with te husband and wife team behind Floret Flowers and the American North Western mulit-generational family business behind Garden Answer (can I just say that taking garden tours via Garden Answers YouTube channel is not only instructional but SUPER informative. The Garden Answer people make me want to take up permanent residence at a well stocked garden center in plaid shirts, jeans which is NOT my general aesthetic.

Please let us know what you think of the tips above and what you’ll be doing to celebrate the glories of Autumn in your home in the comments section below.