Tips for finding comfort at home for fall

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Oct. 2, 2021

Fall arrived quietly a few days ago and in Southwest Florida and we’re anxiously awaiting a cool morning breeze, an evening that makes us look through our closet for a jacket and any signs that a new season has arrived.

And while our northern neighbors are covering the pool and bringing in the patio furniture, we’re looking forward to heading outdoors after a long, sizzling summer. And it only takes a few news reports of snow storms to realize again, how lucky we are to live in this tropical paradise.

But until then, we dream of fall.

As the sun is sets on summer, there are lots of color palettes and ideas from Kravet to welcome the fall season to your home. Photo: Kravet

Just as the trees shed their beautiful leaves, we’re reminded that it’s important to let go of what no longer serves us or supports us. And that’s what fall is all about. Letting go. Hope. Comfort. Change. In our lives and especially in our homes.

And even though there are only subtle changes, it’s important to acknowledge the season. Especially now as we continue to navigate through challenging times.

As a Fort Myers Interior decorator, I believe adding little things that give us comfort in our homes and making small changes to mark the coming season. Some of my favorites include:

• Start with a good decluttering. Say goodbye to anything that no longer makes you happy or supports your lifestyle.

• Go to your closet, bring the long sleeves and jackets and boots to the front.

• In the pantry, clean out all of the old spices and make room for the new as we get ready for the coming holidays.

• Visit fall art shows and flea markets to invest in a new piece of art or an accent piece.

• With shorter days, now is a good time to take a look at your lighting and perhaps add a new lamp or two.

• The change in seasons is a perfect time to invest in new linens, towels, throws, blankets.

• Freshen up a room or outdoor space by adding a new rug.

• For an outdoor space, add string lights. They are cheerful and add atmosphere to an outdoor dinner.

• Change your fireplace mantel or tablescape with creamy neutrals accented with seasonal tones, gourds, pumpkins, leaves, baskets, accents.

• As you spend more time outdoors, add some new pillows and throws (for chilly nights) to your chairs.

• Start at the front door with mums, a new welcome mat, wreath and faux pumpkins (Tip: spray paint the pumpkins to reflect your color scheme).

• While you’re at the front door, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. Think about some yummy seasonal colors from Benjamin Moore: Peach Cider, Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Seeds, Autumn Cover and Witching Hour. Check here for tips on painting a front door.

• On the first cool morning: open all of the windows and let the fresh air into your home and breathe it in.

Happy fall!

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solves decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information, visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog