Gather ’round, Our Fall Home Tour 2016

Hi friend! I’m so glad you stopped by today. Come in, have a seat, and let’s talk FALL!

What inspires you this time of year? Let’s be honest, I was feeling a little overwhelmed about the whole thing. With a crazy work schedule, a busy family, and not enough hours in the day, I was wondering when I would have time to rip my entire house apart, and reinvent each area with a nod to the season. And then it hit me. The words that have been in my head for awhile now…my theme for fall, “Gather ‘Round.” I love these words because they make me think about what’s really important this time of year. Gathering with those we love most. It’s cozy nights at home in front of the fire. It’s movie night with the family and as many comfy blankets and pillows as we can find. It’s hosting family gatherings and holidays. Thinking about all of that made me WANT to decorate for fall…to create a backdrop for the memories we’ll make in the coming months.

So, come on in and I’d love to show you a few favorite spots…and how I decided to go back to my farm-girl roots, using what I already had, mixed with a few side-of-the-road finds.

Oh, hello fall entryway. I don’t know why, but this combo makes my heart sing. The “Pacific Crest Trail” sign is borrowed from the upstairs TV room, and I think it likes its new place of honor, over this divinely rustic gate. Is that a word? Divinely. Well, it is. I think I want to marry this gate. The “A” pumpkin is just your run-of-the-mill orange faux pumpkin, spray painted white, and stenciled. I made it a few years ago, and I was surprised I liked it here…but that’s always the fun part. Just when you think something is headed to the garage sale box…you fall in love with it again! (*Ahem*, remember? Women change their minds a lot.)

I took this pic from inside my office (obviously), and it’s not really decorated for fall. But look! I cleaned for you! (Every square inch of carpet is usually covered in bags and items going to client’s homes…you’re welcome.) 😉

See that old white gate on the mantel? It’s holding my absolute FAVORITE thing this year. Rose hips. Here’s why. A couple weeks ago, my hubby and I were out in the country junking, when all of a sudden, I saw them. At 60 mph. ROSE HIPS in the most glorious orangey red color. “PULL OVER! WE HAVE TO STOP!” I told him. He looked so confused, and the poor guy had NO IDEA what rose hips were, but he stopped, God bless him. He scrambled down into a deep ditch as I stood up by the road “instructing” him on which ones to cut, ha ha…my husband. He is the BEST sport. And hey, FREE decor!

The rest of the mantel is kept pretty simple, so the beauty of the road-side rose hips can be appreciated. Here’s a close-up.

DON’T YOU LOVE THEM? Ok, don’t tell the gate by the front door, but now I want to marry THESE rose hips.

The hutch got a fun little remix on top: clean, simple, and white. This “Farmer’s Market” sign, made by my sweet friend Jolia @farmfreshhomestead, has been alllllll over the house…but I’m loving it HERE for now! And a bucket full of beautiful Oregon hops is a fun pop of greenery.

I must say, coming downstairs to a completely restyled house this morning was such a treat! It all feels new again! It’s weird, because often times I cringe at the thought of breaking up a vignette I really like…but ya know what? I NEVER regret it! There’s something wonderful about letting your eyes take in a fresh new look.

This table was desperate for a change-up, and every time I walk by, it makes me smile. The screen across the back almost makes it feel like a potting bench, and the little white crate was found at an estate sale last spring for $1…someone else’s trash is MY treasure!

The dining table was kept pretty simple, with this fun old galvanized box, “grateful” sign by my sweet friend Caroline @vineandbranchestx, a beautiful pumpkin from Bauman Farms in Gervais, Oregon, some hops, and of course, the road-side rose hips!

The ladder in the corner holds this cute Union Pacific sign, a birthday gift from my hubby, and more beautiful rose hips.

A rusty old mailbox filled with hops = perfect farmhouse kitchen vignette. Right? 😉

I shouldn’t tell you this, but my sink is full of dishes here. I just made sure none were showing in the pic. 😉 Hey, we were late for church and I was trying to finish photographing! The “Fall” sign is a board I may have “salvaged” from a builder’s trash pile…what can I say, I like FREE! 😉

The chalkboard reflects our theme, of course…and the simplicity of it is just what I was envisioning from the moment we found those rose hips. A subtle backdrop to a season of soaking up every moment of family, loved ones, and life.

Thanks for stopping by. It was so much fun chatting with you, and taking a minute to “Gather ‘Round!”