Let's Get Cozy with these simple Fall To Do's

Warm apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, and chunky knit sweaters, fall is upon us. Here are six easy ways to transition your home decor from summer to autumn.

Photo credit: Decorpad.com

Change your throw pillows.

Warm up your spaces with deep hues like burnt orange, dark reds, moss green, and gold. Don't be afraid to pair color with bold geometric designs to bring in drama and fun. Toss pillows are an easy way to change a space, add them to your bed, sofa, chairs, even your dining chairs can benefit from a small pillow.  

Photo Credit: House & Garden via Conran Shop

This year's trend? Chunky cable knit blankets. 

These are a great way to bring soft texture into your rooms. Stash them in baskets or toss over the side of a chair, ottoman, or bed.   

Photo credit: Modern 50

Stack the wood logs.

The presence of wood logs create feelings of warmth and comfort. You don't have to have a fireplace to bring this important design element into your home. Create sculptural pieces by placing logs in a large basket or an old wooden box and setting them in a corner or an entry way.

Photo Credit: Elle Decor

Add some lighting.

Shorter days mean less natural sunlight, be sure to properly light your interiors and exteriors. Combine floor lamps with table lamps. Mix lamps that cast a downward light with lamps that cast an upward light. Use small wattage lamps or wall sconces to add subtle or "mood" lighting to a room. Don't forget about using timers!

Flowers and pumpkins. 

This is the easiest way to bring in fall. Mums, gourds, and pumpkins are great for mantles, dining tables, end tables, bathrooms, etc. Buy them in different sizes and colors and place them around your home. Stack them in clear glass vases, make pumpkin garland, pair them with scented candles...the ideas are endless!

Put up the drapes.

Switch out your lightweight curtains for a heavier drape that will help keep out the cold and dress up your windows for that comfy, cozy feel we all love this time of the year. 

Oh, and be sure to flip your sofa cushions. <wink>

Eclectic Fireplace

This is a small sitting area in our farmhouse. The fireplace is 100+ years old and it works, however we rarely use it. I like this spot in our house. The chair is comfy, the table holds my "stuff", 

and it reflects my design taste... eclectic. 

Can you tell I love birds? ♥

I know, the mirror is hung too high and it should be turned so that it hangs horizontally. I won't complain though because the mirror is really heavy and my husband was kind enough to hang it for me.  :)

Now, here is the real question...should the awesome painted cow stay or go? 

This is a big debate in our house. ;-)

Industrial Rustic

The hubby and I have always daydreamed about having an old farmhouse out in the middle of nowhere, so when interest rates dropped again we captured our opportunity to make that dream come true. We placed a bid on a home that has approximately ten acres of land and our bid was accepted. Of course I  immediately began to space plan and design the new home. I'm thinking that an industrial rustic style will fit the space very well. We won't close on our new home until October. Since I can't do any designing until then, I'll share with you some industrial rustic styles from Houzz.

I ♥ these chairs! 

A most definite with my refinished dining table in the new home.

We have exposed brick in our new home, I ♥ the wooden shelves against the brick. 

The large table/island is the perfect too.

Ceiling is gorgeous! 

Barn sliding door...you have my ♥

Sliding door, white walls, and the wood beams are simply stunning.

In the master bedroom we have a wood plank wall. It is a little dark and I'm considering painting it white. Those beds are too darn cute. :)

Our fireplace is brick(from the 1860s) and I won't change that but I would like to add a surround in metal with some old reclaimed wood. 

The mix of textures and elements in this kitchen keep it interesting and warm.

♥ the open floor plan

Cute fabrics.

I adore these metal doors. 

I know I can squeeze them in my place somewhere. 

In our new kitchen we have a space that has a brick wall (the back side of the fireplace for the living room). I am determined to put a wine rack on that wall.

Reclaimed wood walls. Perfect.

Contemporary Design Phase 2

When I was writing and designing with Nest Interiors, I posted an entry here about a modern media room design for a client. Since that entry, the design has been slightly altered. Instead of using a light maple wood for the shelves and fireplace we will be using a dark cherry wood and we have decided on a natural, high polished wood plank flooring.

3D rendering of residence Buffalo, NY

3D rendering of residence Buffalo, NY

I am excited to announce that the demolition has started! Stay tuned for more pictures as the project progresses. :)

See something you ♥?

Interior Design Services available by Nicole Milley

716-560-2362
Buffalo, NY

White Orchard Home Furnishings 

4203 North Buffalo Street  Orchard Park, NY

716-667-1541   

Buffalo Loft

Imagine a loft that is upscale, glamorous, and sophisticated, all with a contemporary twist! This space is for the person who has traveled the world and now they are moving into a fabulous loft!  In March, Buffalo NY Home and Garden Show 2012 featured two downtown lofts with a roof-top garden.  Pamela Witte designed and provided the furniture for the living and dining room in the one bedroom loft. "At White Orchard Home Furniture of Orchard Park, NY, we can help you as little or as much as you want to design and furnish your home."


Pro-Fireplace of Orchard Park, NY provided the electric wall mounted fireplace.  Just mount on the wall and plug it in.  The fireplace gives a sleek, contemporary look to the loft.  It's a great way to create some ambience to a small space.

Before & After: Family Room

On a small budget, accessorize family room into a sophisticated, comfortable retreat that accommodates both his and her styles.


Total budget: 1,000.00
Finished room cost: 934.33