Getting Personal
My husband and I searched the market for quite a long time for our home. I had taken every car nap opportunity to ride around the neighborhood for two years waiting for the right home to come on the market. One night we were sitting at dinner with our children when an open house alert popped up on my phone. My husbands reaction was instantly no but I insisted on seeing it the next day. It has been a little over six years since that night and one ginormous renovation later - we now live and love every inch of our home. I spend so much of my time in your homes, showing you other peoples homes...it is my turn to get a littler personal. All of us hunt for a house. All of us work hard to create a home. All of those homes are a constant work in progress. My hope is to use this blog to share with you everything we have learned, the fantastic resources we had available and everything in between.
Crafting a Cozy Transition into Fall at Home
Interior Design Tips for Fall Embrace Warm Colors Incorporate the rich colors of autumn into your home decor. Think deep oranges, burnt siennas, warm yellows, and earthy browns. These hues can be introduced through throw pillows, blankets, area rugs, and even wall art. A few strategically placed items can make a significant impact on the ambiance of a room. The Engel & Völkers color palette is perfect for fall. If you’re looking to go bold and paint rooms in a warmer tone, look at Sherwin Williams Pompeii Red, Egret White, & Nearly Brown. Layer Textures Adding layers of different textures is an excellent way to create a cozy atmosphere. Combine soft fabrics like cashmere, wool, and faux fur with rougher textures such as wood and metal. Drape a chunky knit blanket over your sofa, place a wool rug underfoot, or add velvet cushions to your seating area. Want to learn more about combining textures? Take a look at our 2024 Design Guide. Update Lighting As days become shorter, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Swap out harsh, bright lights for softer, warmer options. Consider adding floor lamps or table lamps with warm-toned bulbs to create a soothing glow. Candles are also a wonderful way to add warmth and a pleasant aroma to your home. Home Improvement Projects for Fall Enhance Your Entryway The entryway sets the tone for your home. Add a fall-themed doormat, and consider updating your front door with a fresh coat of paint in a warm, inviting color. Incorporate seasonal decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, and a wreath made of autumn leaves. Insulate and Weatherproof Prepare your home for cooler temperatures by ensuring it's well-insulated and weatherproofed. Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal any gaps. Adding weather stripping can help keep the cold air out and the warm air in, making your home more energy-efficient. Click here to learn more about preparing your home for the colder months. Fireplace Makeover If you have a fireplace, give it some attention. Clean the chimney to ensure it's safe to use, and consider updating the mantel with fall decorations. Even if you don't use the fireplace for heat, it can still serve as a focal point for seasonal decor. Little Fall Tips A Fresh Start to Your Morning For many of us, fall means back to work, school, and the early morning grind. Ensuring you have an early start to your day can set you up for success and the best day to do that is with a seasonal, pumpkin spice latte. Our partnership with Delonghi ensures you embrace the cozy comforts of fall with the perfect cup of coffee. Delonghi's state-of-the-art coffee makers can help you create a delightful and seasonal pumpkin spice latte at home. Here's a simple recipe to get you started: Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe Ingredients: 2 cups milk of your choice 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso Whipped cream and additional pumpkin pie spice for topping Instructions: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Heat until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and whisk until frothy. Pour coffee or espresso into a mug and add the milk mixture. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Don’t forget to pair your latte with a sweet treat from Wolferman's Bakery. Their premium English muffins, decadent pastries, and gourmet breakfast assortments are perfect for cozy autumn mornings. Whether you're hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet weekend at home, Wolferman's Bakery offers a range of delightful options that can bring the flavors of the season right to your table. Bring Nature Indoors Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, acorns, and autumn leaves into your decor. These can be arranged in bowls, vases, or as part of a centerpiece. Houseplants can also add a touch of greenery and help purify the air as you spend more time indoors. Cozy Reading Nook Create a cozy reading nook where you can relax with a good book. Choose a comfortable chair, add a soft throw blanket, and place a small table nearby for your favorite warm beverage. This dedicated space can become a personal retreat during the cooler months. Seasonal Scents Infuse your home with the scents of fall. Use essential oils, candles, or diffusers with fragrances like cinnamon, clove, vanilla, or apple. These scents can evoke the feeling of autumn and make your home feel even more inviting. By embracing these interior design tips, home improvement projects, and little fall touches, you can create a warm and welcoming environment that celebrates the beauty of the season. Enjoy the cozy comforts of your home as you transition into fall.
From Fall Beginnings to Holiday Magic: Seamlessly Transition Your Home Decor
all is here, and before you know it, the holiday season will be upon us. Planning ahead can help you determine how to transition your space from one season to the next. Follow these tips to personalize your space and make the most of each season: Consider Your Color Palette Starting with a neutral color palette for your walls, floors, and furniture sets the stage for effortless seasonal updates with vibrant accent pieces. Not only does this approach provide a versatile backdrop for your evolving style, but it also broadens your home's appeal if you decide to put it on the market. Neutral tones create a canvas that appeals to a wide range of potential buyers, making your home a more attractive option. Note: For more tips on staging your home for sale, check out the Engel & Völkers home staging guide. Style Your Home with the Rule of Threes Style your luxurious space by following the "rule of threes." Thread similar colors, textures, or patterns in three different places throughout a room. This will bring everything together for a balanced look. For the fall season, you might use warm autumn tones like deep reds, oranges, or gold across your decor by placing these colors in the form of pillows, throws, or table decor. Once past Thanksgiving, consider introducing gold, silver, or emerald green. Thread the color around the room in three distinct areas for a subtle but impactful seasonal shift. For example, consider a green plant or coffee table book if you have green throw pillows. A minimalist approach ensures everything feels refined and tasteful. As a rule of thumb, be selective—sometimes, less truly is more. Following this rule year-round will make your home more appealing for guests and potential home buyers as well. Create an Immersive Experience As the days grow cooler, you begin to layer up before heading outside. Your home deserves the same cozy treatment! Picture walking into a room filled with layers of texture, from a faux fur rug to soft velvet pillows. What comes to mind? Cozy? Inviting? The perfect place to curl up in your favorite chair in front of the fire? Layering different textures not only adds to the room's visual appeal but also adds to the feel of the room and how you and your guests will experience it. From Pumpkins to Pine Cones Biophilic design is all about bringing the outdoors in, a trend that’s gained momentum in recent years as more people seek to strengthen their connection with nature. Read more about this topic in the Engel & Völkers Home Design Trends Guide. One of the best ways to celebrate the changing seasons is by bringing natural elements indoors. In the fall, incorporate pumpkins, gourds, and pine cones into your decor. Be sure to inspect and clean them before you bring them into your home; you don’t want any uninvited guests! Use neutral-colored pumpkins and gourds. Group white pumpkins artfully to create a stylish seasonal touch. Pine cones transition beautifully from fall to winter, and there are so many ways to display them; create an elegant wreath with pine cones and fall foliage to enhance your curb appeal, put them in a bowl with other outdoor finds for a centerpiece, use them as an accent piece, or display them on a mantel with spruce branches in the winter. For rooms with high ceilings, you can bring balance by getting a tall glass jar and adding branches. Add a touch of warmth to your kitchen by arranging seasonal apples or harvest vegetables in a tray or glass bowl. This simple touch adds an inviting feel that celebrates the season's beauty. Light Up Your Life Yes, something as simple as a light bulb can impact your experience in the room. You should look for warm white lights in kitchens and bathrooms, but consider switching to soft white lights in the living room, dining room, and bedrooms in the fall and winter months. You can also change lampshades during the seasons or install a dimmer switch, which allows you to quickly change the ambience of a room. One caveat: if your home is on the market, make sure each room is brightly lit for showings and photos. Gather in Style Fall and winter bring plenty of reasons to gather around the dining table. For fall, create a seasonal tablescape using warm, rustic elements and centerpieces with pumpkins, candles, or seasonal fruits. As the winter holidays get closer, replace your centerpiece with evergreens or metallic accents, such as a bowl of silver and gold ornaments. Spice Up Your Space—Mindfully Don't underestimate the power of scent. It can transform your home, especially during fall and winter. Consider natural fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin spice. You can put on a slow cooker and add oranges, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and cloves. Keep it on warm in the background, but be sure to monitor it and avoid leaving it unattended for long periods. Use scented candles to add hints of peppermint, pine, or warm spices to the atmosphere. If your home is on the market and is open to buyers, comforting scents are best. But use them sparingly; you don’t want to overpower visitors. A little inspiration can go a long way. Changing seasons is the perfect time to refresh your space. Remember to incorporate the rule of three, bring the outdoors in, and play with colors and textures to create your own magic. Whether hosting guests, showing your home to potential homebuyers, or simply enjoying your home, these tips will help ensure your space stays stylish and inviting. AmericasEngel & VölkersLuxuryHomes
Categories
