Bring autumn indoors
By From Times staff and wire reports
Published October 18, 2003
Fall in Florida is a time to open the windows, turn off the air conditioning and heave a sigh of relief. We've made it through another sticky summer.
When the rest of the nation is putting away the porch furniture and mothballing the grill, we're looking forward to enjoying cooler weather.
It's time to tweak the interiors of our homes, exchanging the whites and pastels of summer for the richer colors, textures and aromas of fall and winter. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Think of the spices that move to the front of the shelf in the fall and winter - cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika. Their colors and scents can be a key to decorating touches.
Switch out throw-pillow covers to use warmer colors and heavier textures.
Add an area rug, even on top of wall-to-wall carpeting.
Change lampshades, choosing some in warmer colors, for a cozy look.
In the dining room, use textured placemats or tablecloths in rich autumn colors.
Use fruits and vegetables for centerpieces: gourds, squashes, apples and pears.
Bring out candles in rich earth colors and fall scents (like spiced pumpkin).
Change your mantel arrangement: Combine candles, grapevines and fruit for a natural look.
Add a cozy throw in a deep color to warm up a room (and to warm up yourself on a cool night).
Add a pot of fresh mums at the front door, or hang a swag of wheat or a wreath in autumn colors and textures on the door.
Change your summery house flag for one in autumn colors and images.
Bring out the comforters and duvets in the bedrooms.
Rotate your artwork. Replace a print or poster in summery colors and images with one in warmer colors or that depicts an autumn or winter scene.
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