Ochre oranges and vibrant reds have started to peek out through the lush monochrome greens of our abundant foliage here in town.  It’s crisp out and the leaves are ready to be crunched under foot while sipping a pumpkin flavored coffee beverage. 

Autumn is a great time of year to indulge in the warm colors and the last ditch displays of nature before trees and grasses descend into full hibernation mode for the season.  Ambers and golds, burnt siennas and gingers frame city streets and park sidewalks, and while nature is changing its palette, it got me thinking how great it would be to bring similar colors inside to revitalize a home’s tired color scheme.

I like paint colors that are visibly inspired by the hallmarks of autumn.  For example, Valspar has created an entire line around the warm hues of fall just for the home.  Giving your home a fall painting makeover is a festive way to warm up your kitchen’s feel in anticipation of the cool weather and shorter days.  It may also cheer your spirits as the mornings hide within the horizon longer, and the evenings get sucked away too soon into the winter dark. 

Not quite feeling inspired yet? 

See for yourself:
http://www.valsparatlowes.com/explore-colors/color-by-nature/Autumn%20Leaves%20Colors.html

Let us know if you’re ready to renew your home with some fall colored energy!

Ah Halloween: it’s the season of sugar rushes, repurposed white sheets, and humiliated pumpkins.  Aside from all the fun things there are to do to get ready for the spookiest night of the year, it’s a good idea to take quick stock of your home’s porch and walkway areas. 

If you’re expecting little goblins and Bob-the-Builders to arrive at your door come the evening of the 31st, you’d better be ready to receive them in safety, and style.  If you’ve ever been a kid, you remember how excited you got at Halloween, and having to scramble around in a floor length sheet? Add to the mix that you were probably already a little bit clumsy, and then add large amounts of sugar… forget about it…it was a small miracle I managed to get anywhere on Halloween as a kid. 

Photo Credit: Superstock.com

When Your Porch Takes Center Stage

Parents and kids alike are sure to be appreciative if you’ve spent just a little time clearing your walk of fall leaves, and any other debris that could potentially prove slippery.  Also double check for cracks in the pavement or cement and patch them if you can.  If you’ve got steps up to your door, clear and inspect these as well so the sugared-up little Cinderellas and Spidermen don’t wipe out on your doorstep. 

Remember also that lighting is crucial to make your home’s exterior inviting and safe.  (It’s also a good way to improve curb appeal so you can enjoy the benefits long after the toilet paper has been removed from your trees.)  Line your walk and porch in solar powered garden lights, and you’ll be ready to warmly welcome family and friends for all the coming holidays.