By Ann Hance
As the temperature drops, the leaves change, and we anticipate the holiday season, many of us turn our attention inward: spending time hosting family and friends for Sunday night football games and Thanksgiving dinners. How can our homes reflect the new, crisp season without spending a fortune? Here are some simple ways to transform your space and enjoy the time spent at home.
First impressions matter
Your front entry can make a memorable impression to visitors. Start with the door. Perhaps it could benefit from a fresh, new paint color (aubergine, kiwi green and burnt orange are popular). A new welcome mat and ornamental plantings can be transforming. A wreath of simple greenery can be modified as autumn turns to winter, by changing out pumpkins and apples and replacing them with pinecones and small berries.
Let there be light
As days grow shorter and rooms can feel dark, take a look at your window treatments. Are they blocking out the natural light? Sometimes removing heavy drapery can make a room appear larger. Open the blinds and let the light in. During the winter months, you may find it beneficial to increase to 75 or 100 watt bulbs in your main living spaces.
At the table
An inexpensive way to freshen the look of your dining room is to add decorative plates that highlight the season. An accent color of orange, deep red or wine can coordinate with many neutral shades and give your entertaining spaces a current look.
Cozy touches
Changing a pillowcase on a throw pillow can add a burst of color and seasonality to your family room. Without replacing art work, one can change the matting around a picture frame to convey the current season and bring color to a room.
Outdoor oasis
Just because the summer garden may be ending doesn’t mean your landscaping can’t reflect the spirit of the season. Paint a few pumpkins in your favorite color scheme. They can add a frivolous dimension to your gardens. If you have a porch or patio, add new seat pillows and fleece throw blankets for outdoor gatherings to extend the season.
A restful sanctuary
Our bedrooms should be minimalistic. Keep your bedside table free of clutter—a favorite photo or fresh flower with seasonal herbs will brighten your mood when you wake. If guests are coming for the holidays, now is a great time to update bedding and add some festivity to their space.
Big black bag
My favorite accessory for the change of seasons is the big black garbage bag. Invite a friend to help you go through your closets and say goodbye to anything you haven’t used or worn. Fall is a great time to give away winter coats, hats, gloves to those less fortunate. Fall cleaning is great therapy and your closets will thank you, as will the local charities.
On another note, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s offices across Long Island are conducting a coat drive throughout the month of October to benefit neighbors in need. Coats can be dropped off at any Daniel Gale Sotheby’s office during business hours or you can call 516-660-1680 to arrange for a pick up.
Enjoy this beautiful season.
Ann Hance is a Gold Circle of Excellence real estate salesperson with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s Manhasset office.
