The Rural Voice, 2002-10, Page 44Patti
Robertson
operates
Classic
Interiors in
tt'inghain.
By Patti Robertson
Although I regret the end of the
beautiful summer season, I find
myself excited about the arrival of the
fall and all the changes it will bring to
our homes, neighbourhoods, and our
personal lives. With the heightened
colour of the autumn leaves and
gardens. the exterior of our home
looks very different than it does in
either the spring or summer. The
structure of our gardens change.
Where all was a profusion in summer,
fall gardens provide a narrower yet
heightened vibrant colour scope that
is amazing when introduced into our
interior decors.
Start with the jeweled tones of
bittersweet oranges, harvest golds,
mossy greens and cranberry wine
autumn leaves. Use them in
combination with dusty red sedum
flowerettes, purple and white fall
asters and a sprinkling of golden rod
for a lacy effect. Add some of the
orangiest pumpkins, squash in its
many varieties and fall hues and the
multitude of rosy apple colours and
we have a dynamically strong
guideline of colours to infuse our
homes with. These are warm and
Home Decorating
I love decorating for fall
inviting colours that will work
wonders when incorporated into our
table linens, candles, toss cushions,
and guest towels for the bath and
powder rooms. These fall decorative
accents are only heightened and have
greater eye appeal when one adds
containers of fall florals to the room's
decor.
Once again, this year I personally
look forward to preparing my
pumpkin lanterns for Thanksgiving. I
get out my trusty drill and various -
sized bits and proceed to create an
"eyelet -type" pattern through the
walls of my cleaned pumpkin. Next I
insert a coloured Christmas bulb (red
or gold work best) from the bottom
end and position three of these
welcoming accents along my
verandah rail.
Of course I don't stop there (I've
got the fall decor bug!). I proceed to
add bunches of cornstalks, gathered
together with burgundy bows and
sporting clusters of fall leaves and
sunflowers.
I love scouring my neighbourhood
to see all the fall touches and ideas
neighbours have utilized and, of
course, there is plenty to see
downtown and out on the highways. I
am always truly amazed at how
uniquely talented people are in
personalizing their homes. I find there
is always an idea out there that you
can incorporate into your own scheme
of things.
To get inspired it's best to tour
one's home and look for the key focal
points that draw your attention. These
PATTI ROBERTSON'S
Unique Residential and
Commercial Interiors
135 Victoria St., WINGHAM
357-2872
• Custom-made Window
Fashions, Bedspreads
& Accessories
• Fine Domestic &
Imported Fabrics
• Select Wallcoverings
• Furnishings, Lighting
& Artwork to suit
any interior...
40 THE RURAL VOICE
are the areas that will best support
your fall touches as they are natural
points of interest. If you find you
don't appear to have strong focal
points you can add great depth and
flare by adding large and showy
accessories such as planters sporting a
bevy of fall greens and florals.
Worried about maintenance? Try
using real looking artificial florals.
Fail also is the time I rearrange our
clothes closets. I enjoy getting out my
warmer and richer -coloured garments.
I take comfort in changing our bed
linens and coverings to the cozy
fall/winter attire I dress our beds in
and although I personally do not use
flannel sheets, (1 do enjoy sleeping on
them) this is the time to -dress your
beds with these warming wonders. I
deck my bed with our fluffy duvet
and this season I'm on the search for a
couple of new accent cushions in rich
tones of sage greens and eggplant
hues to add some interest. (I change
my spread and cushions with the
seasons.)
In the fall there is nothing more
comforting than coming home to the
scent of baked apple pie and warm
mulled spices, so thankfully we can
'easily buy scented candles to add
this luscious aroma to our home.
Hearty soups, casseroles, stews
and fall•desserts are all the more
comforting when served in chunkier
earthenware platters, bowls and
tureens, so much different than the
light and airy serving pieces I choose
for summer fare. And of course fall
dinners are the perfect time to get
out the candles and candlesticks
for dinners by candlelight. And do
you know what? I truly love going for
fall walks, with all the homes gently
aglow with interior lighting, the front
porches illuminated, awaiting callers.
This effect is always best in the fall.
So this fall have some fun
incorporating "fall accents" and then
cuddle up with a cozy blanket, some
apple cider, a good book or movie,
and enjoy your homey little extras and
the sense of well being, that the fall
season can impart to each and every
one of us!O