The leaves are turning, and countless farmers markets dot the landscape selling their wares of pumpkins, richly colored mums, impossible to resist donuts and hot apple cider.
Here in New England, Fall is celebrated in a big way, and I’m pretty sure when it comes to homes that lend themselves to Fall decorating, log cabins are at the top of the food chain. Their rustic vibe, earthy colors and texture to spare have an inherent warmth that don’t need a lot of bells and whistles to make them ready for Autumn.
But…when Brenda asked me to join in the Fall Tour, I hesitated.
Why?
Because I don’t do a lot of seasonal decorating.
Yes, I change the mantel with the seasons, maybe a pillow or two is switched out, and definitely the dining table has different looks, but not much else.
But I figured after blogging for more than three years, it was time ;). And yes, you could safely say I’m a late bloomer.
So I used what I had, picked up a few items (wait till you see the deals I got!), and borrowed from the best decorator there is, Mother Nature.
Hopefully, I made the cabin worthy of being included in the Fall Tour, but you be the judge. 😉
Now, come on in for a visit…
In the living room one of the changes I made that I’m really happy about is the drapes. Earlier this year I raised the curtain rod and that made a big difference in the look and feel of the space.
Tip #1
High ceilings demand tall drapes. Go ahead and purchase ready made drapes and if you need to add to the length, get some trim or contrasting fabric and iron it on with stitch witchery if you don’t sew (or even if you do!).
I switched out the sheers and found inexpensive drapes that were the perfect color at HomeGoods for only $17 a pair, and they immediately warmed up the space.
The leaf ‘painting’ above the fireplace is nothing more than a poster that we diy’d onto some inexpensive board for a fraction of what a regular painting would have cost. We keep it up all year round, but I think it shines best this time of year. Can you see that throw in the left hand corner? I purchased it a couple of weeks ago at a tag sale for $6. It’s hand made by someone who clearly knew what they were doing, so it’s a great find!
Tip #2
Throws are a perfect way to change the look of a chair in seconds, add softness and color to a room and provide a convenient cover for chilly nights.
One of the challenges of traditional log cabins is darker colors get lost in the sea of brown that exists everywhere, so I love it when I find accents like these to brighten things up.
The wheat stems are great for adding much needed height on the mantel, and I wrapped them in burlap and ribbon and pinned on a button for extra interest.
Tip #3
Not everything has to be glued or sewn. It’s so much easier to pin something that you might not want to be permanent than to grab your hot glue gun and risk getting burned or worse, ruin your mani, right?
I’ve always said Mother Nature is a wonderful decorator, but even though lots of leaves are turning, these are fake. I just added some Queen Anne’s Lace into the mix for a little brightness and contrast.
Tip #4
Who says you can’t mix real flowers with fake? I do it all the time when I can’t find what I need or it’s just too expensive to do an entire bouquet with flowers from the florist.
The vase I purchased at Ikea a couple of years ago and dressed it up with some ribbon and a button (are you seeing a theme here?). The leaves surrounding the vase at the base are fake, and is simply a garland that typically is used on mantels or staircases, but I like the way it anchors the arrangement.
(And here’s a closer look at the tag sale throw in the background.)
Tip #5
Items don’t always have to be used for their intended purpose. Think outside the box, and you’ll get more mileage from your possessions and you won’t tire of them as quickly.
Now, I know nothing about this piano bar is ‘nature inspired’, but every girl needs a little bling now and then. This piano was left at our house when we purchased it by the previous owners, and we literally couldn’t give it away so we converted it into a little bar and it has served us well. You can see the before/afters here.
Tip #6
See Tip #5 😉
Tip #7
Don’t be afraid to mix rustic elements with formal, contemporary with antiques, traditional with bohemian, modern with vintage. The unexpected is much more interesting.
I love big arrangements. I think a couple of big ones make much more of a statement than lots of little ones, and this is really all the kitchen needed to get it ready for its close up. The kitchen island base used to be a simple hickory panel, but a few years ago we covered it in airstone and it’s one of the best things we’ve done to enhance the space. You can see that project here.
Tip #8
Sometimes, less is more, and that’s never more true than floral design. Keep it simple, but impactful.
The day before I took the pictures for this post, Fisherman and I went out scouring the area and found more than we needed to create this stunning arrangement. Thank you Mother Nature!
Tip #9
Take a walk outside with some clippers and get to work. This arrangement probably would cost more than $50 at the florist. I’d say I done good :).
For the table, I went to Pier I and purchased a new table runner (they have the best anywhere), and a couple of new plates and mugs.
Tip #10
If you find plates you love but don’t want to purchase an entire set, sometimes you can just get place settings for two and mix things up. It makes a table interesting to have different elements anyway, and it’s a great way to still get the look you want for half the price, plus you won’t have to store as much.
I love plaid, so when I saw these chargers at Michael’s I knew they were coming home with me, plus it didn’t hurt that they were less than $3 each! Be prepared to see these in future tablescapes :).
If you follow Brenda, you might remember a couple of weeks ago she shared a cute craft project involving candles. I totally copied her and I had such fun dressing a few candles in some Fall attire with items I already had on hand.
And I don’t think there’s a chair around that wouldn’t benefit from a cute little bow.
Had enough of the dining area?
Me too. Let’s move on.
Here’s our bedroom, and as you can see it’s not large, but it’s comfy. This is pretty much the way it looks all the time, but I did add one special element that I really love, which you’ll see in a bit. (Hint: it’s on my nightstand).
The lampshades on the sconces were a fun and easy project I did a while back and I love the way they look at night when they’re on. For the ‘how-to’, click here. The bolster pillow is a recent sewing project, which I shared here.
Tip #11
To keep things simple and avoid having to take off tons of pillows every night from your bed, try a bolster pillow instead. They come in handy if you like to read in bed also.
And here’s what’s on my nightstand. My last post showcased some decorated pumpkins and my favorite was the one turned into a vase so I gave it a try. So easy to do!
Would you believe this ‘tree wall’ was the first project I did when we purchased the house 10 years ago and one of the first projects I posted on the blog over three years ago? Yup, I guess you can say I don’t change things up that much!
Here’s a few more of the candles I copied from Brenda…
The screened in porch is one of my favorite rooms! It’s where you’ll find me, weather permitting, first thing in the morning drinking my coffee and checking emails.
A few weeks ago I placed a blueberry smoothie on the wooden trunk and it fell on the rug, splashing onto the slipcover also (I shared that debacle here). It ended up leaving stains that were impossible to remove, so I reluctantly threw away the rug I was so fond of, and found one that looks almost identical to the old one. In fact, if I don’t say anything no one even notices it’s a different rug!
Tip #12
Stay away from blueberry smoothies!
Sharing at
Cyn says
I think it all looks beautiful, and most definitely ‘blogworthy’!! It all looks so warm, cozy and vibrant with all the right touches. Great job, Doreen!
Doreen says
Hi Cyn! Thanks for stopping by. Your support means a lot! xxx
kathy says
Everything is so beautiful! Your home is so warm, and cozy! I love your beautiful kitchen! Well, i love it all!
Kathy
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Doreen, you may be a late bloomer, but WOW, you came out of the gate like gangbusters! Love it all, every last touch, but especially have you’ve given “piano bar” new meaning!
Cecilia says
Doreen, I love all your Fall touches. The pumpkin turned vase is a favorite as well as the outdoor display. Love your found chair! Pretty color that really pops! The sunflowers and goldenrod are gorgeous too. Oh no about your rug! I think I’ll be sure to drink my blueberry smoothies in the kitchen! Hm, although I’d love to get rid of the carpet and put in wood look floors. 😉 lol.have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Cecilia
Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction says
Your home is SO lovely and the piano bar is fabulous! Blessings, Cecilia
Sandy says
Wow Doreen! Your home looks wonderful, warm and cozy! I love the New England states! Haven’t been to Massachusetts in a long time though. For someone who doesn’t do fall decorating you sure knocked it out of the ballpark. isn’t Brenda from Cozy Little House wonderful? I’ve really enjoyed all her series but this fall home decor once has been so ispiring. I’ll be back to your blog for another visit because it looks so interesting and full of inspiring ideas.
Doreen says
Thanks so much Sandy, and yes, Brenda is fabulous! I hope you come back and visit again!! xxx
Julie says
Wow is right! I love your home and how you have decorated it so beautifully for fall. I really like the candles and the pretty flowers.
It must be so beautiful in your area where you live during the fall season.
Thanks so much for the fall home tour. I really enjoyed it.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Julie xo
Jemma says
Good Morning Doreen,
Your cabin retreat nestled gently amongst the forest, in the New England landscape is the quintessential Fall home!
You have incorporated beautiful, elegant and natural elements all around and I love your touch of whimsy as well.
Love, your piano bar! Smitten with your arrangements and pumpkins. Everything is inviting and magazine material.
You are always a lovely inspiration and your home tour combined with these useful tips is outstanding.
Thank you for inviting us to your home, wish I could visit you in person:)
xo
Jemma
Poppy says
For a girl who doesn’t do too much seasonal decorating, you’ve definitely outdone yourself, Doreen! How genius to have actually created a bar out of a piano? A toast: to your thinking-outside-the-box brilliance! Your fall foliage bouquets, autumn themed candles, and use of extra textures, both in accessories like the pears, as well as the sofa slipcover add that seasonal layering of coziness. Like you, I adore plaid and the new chargers are a charming touch to your pretty table, which looks very inviting. You are, without a doubt, ready for some serious cocooning when the cooler weather arrives in your cozy cabin in the countryside!
Happy weekend!
xoxo
Poppy
Stacey says
Doreen, fall looks amazing in your cabin!! It fits right in and I love it all.
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
Well, my dear friend, I’d say you knocked it out of the ball park! Love all that you did. And the tips are quite useful. I have always wanted two things: a log cabin and a screened-in porch. Never had either, but I love to look at yours, and a girl can dream.
Brenda
Cindy says
Love your fall touches. Your home is charming and the fireplace…amazing!
Blessings,
Cindy
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
over the top gorgeous and amazing! but you had me with the silly little pumpkin right from the beginning 🙂
tammy j says
“and who doesn’t love sunflowers?”
i don’t love sunflowers! they have always kind of creeped me out for some reason. i don’t even know why. LOL.
but I LOVE the cabin.
the cabin in the woods that fairly SINGS with the fine hand of love from house honey.
the draperies in the living room have simply MADE that room. it’s elegant. it’s inviting. it’s quirky… the piano bar…
oh my.
not enough superlatives. the cabin is majestic and natural. just as mother nature intended. she feels at home there.
XOXOXO♥
Leslie says
Such pretty fall touches in each room. As a piano teacher, the piano bar is fantastic. I’m in love!!
Benita says
Doreen, it all looks absolutely gorgeous! I especially love that piano that you have re-loved into a bar!! It is so exquisite and what a marvelous idea!! Beautiful home!!
karla nathan says
I enjoyed your helpful tips! Please pass my “hellos” along to Mo, Larry, and Curly.
Kim says
I absolutely love it all Doreen!! The cabin itself is just stunning. Your fall touches are perfect and that white pumpkin vase is gorgeous. After I read your post the other day, I went out and bought a faux white one to whip one up myself. I am in process!! I hope it turns out as lovely as yours did!
SharonFromMichigan says
Oh Doreen, You’re house is absolutely gorgeous! You are definitely ready for the fall tour. Thanks for the inspiration, I’m going to have to start decorating around my house. I love the look of goldenrod, but I sneeze just looking at pictures of it (hay fever). I have to admit that next to Christmas, Fall is definitely my favorite time of year. Thanks for the uglysofa website info, I’ll have to check them out. XO Sharon
Doreen says
Hi Sharon! Thanks so much and as always, it’s great to hear from you. Hope retirement is all you hoped it would be!
Jennifer says
Your cabin is so pretty! That “piano bar” is genius!
Jamie says
Your log cabin is gorgeous!! I love the way you decorated it for fall with those gorgeous flowers.
Hugs, Jamie
Julie says
So enjoyed the tour of your beautiful cabin! We would all like to visit… 🙂 ~julie
Pam @ House of Hawthornes says
Your home is gorgeous! Thanks for the tips!!!
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says
I do love a log cabin…and yours is charming! Everything is decorated so nicely for fall…I really love that whimsical piano bar!
Thanks for sharing with us!
Gail says
Love all the real flora, even when mixed in with the faux. The 3 owls add a nice bit of whimsy. I like everything you did. I’m going to scroll back up and look again.
Doreen says
Thanks so much Gail, and I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and comment! Hope to see you again :). xxx
Emily says
I think your log cabin is decorated and magazine worthy and absolutely gorgeous! I love everything about the fireplace and mantel. The light colored accents and the burlap wrapped wheat, the arrangement all perfection. You did find some great steals shopping and you definitely know how to put a fall arrangement together. I enjoyed the tour and learned a lot. I am going into the woods and start gathering!
Happy weekend Doreen………
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage says
You don’t have to worry about being worry…cross that off your checklist. Everything looks so pretty, warm and inviting. I do think from now on your should decorate for the seasons since you are so good at it!
Linda Chapman says
SO totally ‘Fall Worthy!!!’ Thank you for the tour! I loved every room!!
Cindi says
Oh WOW!!!
I LOVE this tour!
I had no idea how bright and light your cabin is!
Just beautiful.
I loved EVERYTHING.
Especially the leaf “painting” idea.
The piano “bar”
and your ‘to die for’ kitchen island!
Thanks for the tour!
Fabulous.
xoxo
Jane says
Your cabin home looks so festive—yes, nature is the way to go. I love haystacks and pumpkins and Indian corn! The candles are darling- I saw Brenda’s but you added your own spin and that’s cool. Pretty tablescape, I love it! I liked seeing your kitchen and bedroom, have I missed a lot? 🙁
Happy fall…great post!
Jane x
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, your house is so lovely decorated in all the colors of the Autumn season. Everything looks so nice. I loved the little white pumpkin with the face, the sweet owls, and the roses in assorted colors. The glass pumpkins are so elegant and pretty. I’ve been to a few of the Fall tours, and I have to tell you that this one was one of my favorites. Your home is so festive for the season and it says “welcome” to all to enter.
~Sheri
Doreen says
That’s so sweet of you to say Sheri! It means a lot coming from you. I was at your blog earlier but the connection was so poor (we’re traveling) I couldn’t comment on your daughter’s post. I’ll be by as soon as I can. xxx
Angela says
Oh Doreen, it looks so wonderful! Looks like cabin life is agreeing with you!!! Hope all is well!! ~~Angela
Doreen says
Hello there stranger! Hope you’re well too and yes, all is good in our neck of the woods. I see you’ve stopped blogging :(. Miss you!
kim says
You’ve ‘done good’ all right, Doreen! I like especially how you have taken advantage of natures free Fall decorations.
I love the Three Stooges too, did you make them? There is really too much I liked to name it all. I do know seeing your log home makes me miss mine all the more…..
Doreen says
Thanks so much Kim! No, I didn’t make the stooges, they’re from Michael’s. Hope you’re doing well! I’ll be by soon to check up on you (we’re rv’ing now with iffy wifi). xxx
Vickie says
Thank you so much for taking us along on a tour of your charming log vacation home! Your piano bar is absolutely amazing! I love your new curtains and the pretty thrifted throw you found. And your floral arrangements bring a festive flair to your cabin!
susan says
You did a spectacular job, Doreen. Everything really looks lovely – you outdid yourself once again!
kelly says
Are you kidding? Of course your house deserves to be on this Fall tour! It looks great! I think your log cabin style looks like it was MADE for Fall décor. The rustic logs look perfect with the Fall colors and displays from nature. You’ve done a great job making your home both pretty and cozy. I love how you decorated your mantel. The leaf picture above really sets the tone for the whole room.
Debbie-Dabble says
Thanks so much for stopping by!! Beautifyl Fall decorating and lots of great tips!! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home with us!!
Hugs,
Deb
Linda @ It All Started With Paint says
Doreen,
What a cozy and comfortable and warm retreat of a home! It’s so lovely dressed for fall!
🙂 Linda
Dewena says
A log cabin definitely becomes a shining star in autumn and at Christmas and I was so glad to see more of your beautiful cabin, Doreen. I’d say you did a humdinger of a fall tour! So many beautiful touches and I love that so much of it is by courtesy of Mother Nature. You could be a florist, by the way! And then to find that fabulous piano bar with its bling–I went back to read about it and now I understand how I missed it, it was posted before we met. Is that on Pinterest? What a beautiful project it ended up being!
Doreen, it’s a family thing to say “You done good” in my mother’s side of the family as that’s what my great-grandfather used to say. He would have a paper sack of shiny silver dollars he got from the bank whenever my sisters and I came to visit and he would ask how we were doing in school. Then he would say, “You done good” and let us fish in the bag for our own silver dollar. I hadn’t thought of that in years, so thank’s for the memory!
Now your house is all set for fall and you don’t have to do a thing until time for Christmas decor!
Dewena
Doreen says
I do believe it is on Pinterest, but back then I had about three followers, so maybe I should repin it ;).
Glad I stirred up some happy memories for your sweet lady!
xxx
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I really enjoyed the tour and I think you did a lot of seasonal decorating for this fall!
rue says
I just love your home, Doreen. It’s cozy, comfy, warm, beautiful with a dash of humor. Those owls are so stinkin’ cute. Did you make them?
All your fall arrangements are gorgeous and that table setting… lovely, especially the bows on the chairs. Lots of inspiration, even for those of us that don’t have a log cabin 😉
xo,
rue
Doreen says
Oh, but you DO have a log cabin. Mi casa su casa. 🙂
The only thing I made regarding those owls was a trip to Michaels. lol
Linda says
So, so lovely! There is nothing like a log home for comfy, cozy, fall decor! You have done a wonderful job here! Loved all your photos!
Linda
mysewwhatblog
handmade by amalia says
Looks lovely. Thanks for showing us around.
Amalia
xo
Feral Turtle says
Wow your home is beautiful. Love all of your fall touches Doreen. Thanks for an amazing tour! Cheers and happy Fall!!
Patti says
The cabin looks amazing! My favorite is the piano bar and the tree, so creative! I love it all!
Hugs,
Patti
Amy @ StowandTellU says
So many beautiful touches, Doreen. That table setting is gorgeous. I agree, log cabins win the grand prize in Fall decorating. Thanks for the tour!!
Mary-In the boondocks says
Doreen, youlied when you said you did not do much decorating. Your cabin is gorgeous. Such lovely details and a very personal style to boot.The piano bar is something that anyone would want.
Bev says
Lovely vignettes! Great tips, and I love those chargers. Great table…
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
OH Doreen – everything looks amazing!! And you’re so right that a log cabin style house is so cozily perfect for Autumn accents!!
I love absolutely everything – outside and in! 😉
That arrangement you made is incredible! Great job Lady (& Mother Nature). And I love how you’ve used your piano! That white pumpkin arrangement by your bedside is so pretty. And those owls have stolen my heart (I might have a thing for owls). So happy you joined the tour. Truly beautiful!
xoxo
Valerie Roberts says
Gorgeous! You are one talented woman. Your attention to all the details is incredible. Perfection. How warm and welcoming. Thanks for sharing. Valerie
Doreen says
Thank you Valerie (that’s my sister’s name too). I appreciate your stopping by and commenting, and your sweet words made my day!
Linda says
I have to tell you that a log cabin is one of my dreams.What you’ve done for your house tour is perfect, very warm and inviting which is my kind of style. It appears you left no detail to chance and the end result is delightful. Enjoy admiring your handiwork.
Regality (aka The Quing) says
A Piano Bar! Brilliant!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hello Doreen! The cabin looks lovely all decked-out for fall. You have to do a tutorial on how you did the “Tree Wall” and the pumpkin vase. Pretty please! Everything looks great! 😀
Doreen says
Hi Vashti! Thanks so much sweet lady! I was thinking about you the other day and I guess the universe told you so ’cause here you are!
The tree was the first project that I did on my blog back in May of 2012. Here’s the link http://foxdenrd.com/a-tree-that-will-never-die/
Unfortunately, I lost a lot of my pictures of the tutorial but I think the instructions are clear enough.
The pumpkin was so easy it would be embarrassing to do a tutorial lol. Just cut off about 1/3 of the pumpkin, clean it out, place a container of water inside (I used a plastic container. The kind you get when you order a pound of coleslaw at the deli) and arrange your flowers. So easy!!
I promise I’ll be by this week to say hi and see what you’ve been up to. Right now I gotta get outside and take some photos of the eclipse!
xxx
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Thanks for the link and the instructions. I can’t wait to try it. Last night was misty and although I did get to see the Earth’s shadow on the moon I wish it would have been clearer. If you get any good pictures please post them. 😉
franki says
I, too, live in a log cabin…it’s a challenge, however, since my husband built it from scratch you gotta do whatcha gotta do! LUV the piano bar!!! Your home is certainly dressed for Autumn…lovely!! franki
Doreen says
Wow! Your hubby built your home? I’d love to see it!
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting franki!
Marsha says
Hi Doreen,
I found your blog after a bit of searching! It is so wonderful to see pictures of your log cabin. It is beautiful! (I guess log cabins are built further away from a major city since I also have a half hour drive to a major city to shop. And yes, I once lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, so I was used to getting everything I needed after work on my way home or on the weekends. Stores were popping up in the suburbs everywhere before I moved out of the city. Now I am in “cow country” and it takes some getting use to, but I really love the peacefulness since we retired. I hope we can keep in touch and I subscribed to your newsletter. It is a challenge to decorate when living in a log home, but I love your ideas. It is so wonderful to meet a new friend. All the best…….Marsha
Doreen says
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Marsha, and yes, I hope we keep in touch too! For sure I’ll be visiting and seeing what you’re up to in your ‘neck of the woods’ (and I mean that quite literally) lol. I know what you mean about the peacefulness, but I’m as much a city mouse as a country mouse, so once in a while I need my Manhattan fix. I’m due soon ;). xxx