Fall Into The Season

I love this time of the year—the start of school, football games, apple cider, and cooler weather. It's a time of change for all of us. We take out warmer clothes that are rich in texture and color. I change the shades of my makeup. The flip-flops are put away until next summer.

What can we change in our homes for fall?

Let's start with the walls. Is it time to update the color of your paint? Or how about accenting one wall with a rich, warm color?

For further warmth, consider adding one more layer of insulation to your windows. For example, if you currently use drapery panels, how about trying Duette^® Architella^® honeycomb shades with your window treatment? Offering the industry's highest level of energy efficiency, these shades will make your room warmer in cool weather or cooler in warm weather.

If you already have a Hunter Douglas product as your primary window covering, you could add custom or ready-made drapery panels. Or consider a top treatment for your window and enhance the feeling of height in your room. Another idea: Update panels, draperies, or top treatments with trim or fringe. If you are like me and don't sew, use a "no sew" product to adhere this feature.

Next let's think about floors. With the popularity of wood and tile flooring, now is the time to bring in this element of warmth or texture. Think about a sisal rug for texture or a solid or patterned wool rug for warmth. Don't forget the rug padding; it can make even an inexpensive rug feel luxurious.

Remember, you can visit The Hunter Douglas iMagine™ Design Center, where you can upload a photo of your own room and virtually try out paint colors, floorings, and Hunter Douglas products before making your purchase. You can also use the "Upload Photo" area to try on our window fashions in your own home.

For further seasonal updating, change the slipcovers of your sofa and chairs. They are readily available in a variety of colors and textures. Slipcovers could add years to your sofa, too.

How about switching up your cotton pillow to a tapestry or needlepoint? Casually toss a throw over the end of the sofa and you are ready for the football game party or a cozy night watching a movie.

Don't forget fresh floral arrangements. I'm not a faux floral snob! For a special occasion, I will add fresh flowers, but for everyday, there are great looking faux flowers for an extra touch in any room.

For a seasonal centerpiece, fill a ceramic bowl with apples, gourds, pumpkins, or hedge apples. The combination will produce incredible color and texture. Another option: Just select one kind of fruit or vegetable for instant "appeal."

In your bedroom, swap your white sheets for shades of soft green, gold, or taupe. For another accent, arrange a throw blanket at the foot of your bed.

In the bathroom, add fresh new towels and accessories for extra color. Try mixing three colors for a vibrant combination.

Another great update tip: Change your lampshade. Keep the general illumination lamps white or cream to get the most light, but include a few lamps that feature a patterned lampshade.

In my chocolate-colored bathroom, I use a cool lamp with a cheetah-patterned shade. It truly embodies a "va-va-voom" look. These new patterned lampshades can be modern, traditional, or even just fun. I love black as another shade color; it generates instant ambience to any room.

I have given you lots of ideas to help you "fall" into the season. Why not start with three ideas? They don't have to be expensive either. Just make the autumn special and create a difference for your home and yourself. As always, if you have any additional questions about finding the perfect window fashion, don't hesitate to send us an email.

- Sally