No Pumpkin Fall Decorating
We’ve all seen those over-the-top inspirational photos of fall porches overflowing with 195 pumpkins and mums. While those images are incredibly beautiful, they’re not attainable for most people (including myself). Last year, I sold or donated most of my fall decor and I’ve been focusing on using what I have instead of running out and buying new stuff every season. Instead of taking the obvious route of using pumpkin theme everything, it’s fun to think outside the gourd and do some no pumpkin fall decorating using mostly vintage finds.
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The secret to a beautiful and easily changeable gallery wall? Picture ledges!
Slow Decorating
Decorating takes time! This collection of vintage landscapes took me decades to accumulate. Believe it or not, these are not all of them!
Don’t Be So Literal!
Instead of buying things that can only be used during the fall season (a pumpkin pillow for example), I like to focus on using things that evoke a fall feeling. This can be achieved by using “fall colors”.
It’s All About the Mix
Wood, clay, brass, feathers, baskets and an autumnal painting all mix well together to create a beautiful fall mantel without a pumpkin or mum in sight.
I am going back to my roots and pulling out some of my favorite things, mostly vintage or thrifted and playing around with them to warm up my house to give it a cozy fall feel.
Let’s take a look at some of my favorite decorating ideas from falls past.
Sushi really loved when I did this mantel using even more vintage landscapes set against my huge old chalkboard. She thinks they pair nicely with a collection of vintage green demijohn bottles.
One of my thrifting unicorns was this huge crewel artwork! I could not believe it was only $30.
Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
Don’t feel pressured to buy new stuff every season. I promise you that if you simply move things around from year to year, you will have a new and fresh look.
Notice that I decorate using a lot of the same things over and over but in different rooms or in unexpected ways.
Growing up, the appliances in my kitchen were avocado green (it was the 70’s after all)! The color of these thrifted plates remind me of those days.
The secret to perfectly styled shelves is layering. Just keep playing around until you are happy with the look.
Think Outside the Planter
A collection always looks best when grouped together and the mixed metals of my antique loving cups filled with feathers are perfectly fall.
Got plants? Try changing out your planters seasonally.
Who remembers the Charles Chips delivery man? The chips are long gone but it’s now the perfect planter.
My dads old leather bound books help to create dimension and varying height to a coffee table display.
The mid-century Danish teak ice bucket is missing it’s lid so it became the perfect vase for a big bouquet of feathers.
Sorry kids but fall means it’s time to hit the books again!
This old metal Slow School sign and a big bunch of Limelight hydrangeas clipped from my garden is all my kitchen needs for a fall update.
How to Make a Hydrangea Wreath Here
What’s better than buying something new? Making something like this HUGE statement making hydrangea wreath!
The wire pumpkins were from a few years ago and have since been sold.
There is one place I do believe in using real pumpkins and that is outside. I usually get a few for my front porch but I wish I had a picket fence so I could do what my neighbor does.
I look forward to seeing her pumpkins perched on a picket fence (say that 3 times fast!) every fall.
It’s simple but still a show stopper!
If you want to see some over the top and very inspirational fall front porches, don’t miss this post …
10 Beautiful Fall Porches here
I bought some new pillows in shades of brown (and leopard print!) and I’m excited to change things up for fall this year.
One thing that won’t change … there will be lots of vintage involved!
love the post. So glad to see your ideas again! the couch is out of this world. love it if I buy a new one I am getting that. Thanks for the post enjoyed it.
Beautiful and inspiring ideas!! Thank you!
Thanks Julie – fall is the best season!
I love how you decorate and that’s what I am going to do, except I don’t have Sushi to admire it. Thanks for all these great ideas.
Sushi can come over and help … and by help, I mean she will demand treats and nap all day!
This looks very nice, the colors are warm and inviting and of course a little dog adds the best look of all in every season! I am already putting out the warm fall tone decor in hopes of pushing the hot end of summer at altitude along. We do have a lot of pumpkin witchy sort of things we enjoy too.
My dog Sushi is the best accessory Jillian! Enjoy decorating for fall!
Hi Kelly. I use old leather bound books to put vases, etc. on. I like the look of varying heights. Your love of vintage items warms my heart.
There is nothing like an old leather book Kelly!
I love that you used your Dad’s book and I love your approach to reusing items and decorating so uniquely.