It finally happened: we got a little rain and it has started to really feel like fall in northeast Wisconsin. Generally, our current temps (70s/50s) would have already started, but like most, it's been so hot and dry this summer. The lack of 'normal' rain was depressing and the constant watering was exhausting - we've all been there and done that this summer; and,.to add insult to injury, I am currently hosting a horrible sinus/cold/crud kind of thing and am ready for it to leave immediately! OK--enough whining!
So...like almost everyone else, I'm looking forward to autumn! I'm going to start my decorating inside...with the mantel. Here it is with it's fresh face and no makeup!
The shelf is way too shallow for my liking, but it does have an outlet for lamps, and I adore lamps on a mantle!! Twisting his arm Convincing the Headmaster to replace that shelf with something a little deeper takes time, you know!!
The Headmaster had begun to renovate this, his childhood home (in the south, it would be his 'ancestral' home!!!) before I came into the picture. Though I would have made a number of few suggestions, he did a fabulous job, and with few exceptions, did every single bit of it himself...while actually 'living' in the house! Not sure I would have survived that; no, I'm sure: I would NOT have survived!
One thing I did chime in on was keeping the hardwood floor. It is a beautiful maple, and its honeyed hue just screams autumn! All of the floors, except the kitchen and bathroom, are this maple, but sadly they are covered with carpet (hence, part of the blame for the crud I'm hosting). But...I digress.
There are two chairs that flank the fireplace. And those walls: I didn't realize how BARE they looked until I took all the summer stuff down today! We do love the wall color; looks a little bright in the photos, but it is really like a Wedgewood blue. I really do like incorporating blue into the fall palette!
Some of you may remember the blue needlepoint chair from this post earlier in the summer. Though shabby, it has all the colors I love...look at the blue with all those gorgeous fall oranges and reds and golds (think bittersweet, Chinese lanterns, pumpkins, etc)! Those drapes are a beautiful champagne colored silk...(my idea!!) There are matching ceiling to floor drapes on the big picture window (the best feature of the house); I'll maybe do an 'after' shot to include it as well.
I did manage to spend a little time in the chicken coop and the basement (again,no wonder I'm sick!) rummaging through my stuff to see what was usable this season. Any other year, I would have just 'thrown' stuff up there, but now that I have this blog and am posting for all the world some folks to see, I have to be juuuust a little more particular! Thanks to all of you for that!
I'll be sharing this with some folks below, and might finally have something to post on the Met Monday party next week (no, not tomorrow)!
Have a wonderful week, everyone, and thank you for spending some time here today!
Table Top Tuesday ~ A Stroll Thru Life
Savvy Southern Style ~Wow Us Wednesdaywww.savvysouthernstyle.net
Ivy and Elephants ~ What's It Wednesday
2805 ~ Potpourri Party
Ivy and Elephants ~ What's It Wednesday
2805 ~ Potpourri Party
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
What a gorgeous FP. Your chair looks right at home too. Thanks for sharing with my party.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to have a "blank slate" to start with. You have the freedom to create whatever your heart desires. Visiting from Debbidos.....
ReplyDeleteI love the color of the walls. Your needlepoint chair looks great in there.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon!
Pam
What a beautiful space. The colors of the chair and the floor complement each other. I hope a raven or two will come to visit soon! A mantel with an outlet!?! What a dream come true.
ReplyDeleteRavens flying in as we speak!
Delete~N
Hi Nancy, I compiled my Fall decor yesterday and am planning on removing my Summer items today. Thankfully, we had a little drop in temperature here. Blessings, Tammy
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy!
ReplyDeleteJust popping in to say hi. Last time I was here you were packing up to leave.
Feel better ! See you soon!
Thanks for visiting, Kathleen! Getting rid of the FILTH and dust in this house (!!!) and feeling much better!
Delete~N
Your fireplace is wonderful and any mantel is better than none. I love it and I think you will have a fabulous time decorating it. Hope you are feeling better soon. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Marty; feeling better and hoping to get the decorating done soon!
Delete~N
I love the tapestry chair, so nice and colorful. I tried to find one but had to order an imitation one. Love your wall color too. take care, Darlene
ReplyDeleteThanks, Darlene, for visiting and commenting! I picked up the chair at a fabulous resale shop. Not sure yet if it's genuine or machined, but whichever, I love it! Shabby but great!
Delete~N
You're ahead of me then! Looks like you're making some good progress with Fall decorating despite having a dreadful cold. I hate those! Somehow, I have escaped that so far. I'm sure your mantel decor is going to be pretty. That needlepoint chair is a great jumping off point for it too!
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate the inspiration you share at Potpourri Friday!
ReplyDeleteHi darling, I sure hope this finds you feeling better, there's nothing worse than sinus, Allegra to the rescue for me. Didn't know I even had allergy's until a couple of years ago. I love the beautiful chair! It is gorgeous! Can't wait to see what you share with us, I know it's going to be beautiful. hugs ~lynne~
ReplyDelete