John Donne in the Autmnal said “No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one

Some people dread the sign of summer’s end and while it was fun and we love summer, we welcome the chance to embrace fall.  The beautiful blue of a sky with fluffy white clouds and the wind with a little chill in it making the colorful leaves dance on the ground brings a smile to our faces.  Coming in from a walk in the brisk air and snuggling up under a comfy throw in front of the fire with a mug of apple cider is just about too much to resist.  At Simply Vintage Décor, we’ve run across many people who are afraid of color and they’re not sure how to use it or which one’s go together.  We always say look to nature to determine what will work.  Every color of the rainbow is there and what better inspiration for a color palette than a stunning fall day.  From gorgeous leaves that start out green and turn to yellow, orange and red only to end up in a pretty shade of brown, to the brilliant colors of the fruit and vegetables we harvest, nature is sending us directions every day.

Our best advice at this time of year is to celebrate the season!  Bring a bit of nature indoors.  Add leaves, fruit, nuts and pinecones to bowls and baskets.  Use them to decorate a tablescape.  Bedeck the mantel with a beautiful garland of fall leaves.  Southern Living recently posted 64 Fabulous Fall Decorating Ideas that are just lovely.  We’re sure you will find some inspired design tips here. 

Be sure to decorate your outdoor spaces as well.  Yes, adding the corn husks to the lamp post and displaying pots of mums and pumpkins is a great idea and one that will say welcome to family and friends but also consider creating an outdoor room that you can stop and enjoy the season for a bit in.  Adding some chairs and a bit of décor as suggested by Country Living in a post entitled 3 Beautiful Ways to Decorate Your Porch for Fall will create a space to enjoy the season in all its glory.

We also encourage you to think outside the box a little.  Look to rustic pieces to hold your finds from nature and use them in a way they may not have been intended for.  An old grain scoop filled with

All polished and sparkling new is not the mantra for vintage style.  Instead, you’d hear something like a little rough around the edges, worn to a patina or even aged to perfection.  You may find many definitions for vintage décor but really, it boils down to your personal style.  You may prefer the shabby chic look or something a little more polished and refined like comfortable European.  You may love rustic country or the woodsy cabin look.  All of these styles reflect the essence of vintage décor.

Simply Vintage Decor believes what it truly boils down to is décor that is timeless and lived in. Jenny Bohatch, author of 10 Vintage Looks for Your Home in Woman’s Day says “a home adorned with vintage objects exudes a sense of comfort and charm.”  We couldn’t agree more.  We feel like in vintage style, imperfection is treasured and your home will look like the items have been accumulated over time, not purchased yesterday from the hip and trendy shop on the corner.  This is not to say however that vintage décor isn’t hip and trendy – it has become very popular in recent years. 

Vintage décor is very eco-friendly.  Why?  You’ll find many items from furniture pieces to even linens that have been reused and/or repurposed.  It is a great way to protect the environment and it is an extremely practical way to decorate when you have kids or pets.  Another scuff or scratch will only add to the character of the piece. 

You’ll more than likely find that most of the pictures are similar and if they’re not and are all quite different – don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you don’t know what you want, it just means you love the eclectic look.  Eclectic is a combination of multiple styles.  This exercise is important if you’re not sure which way to go.  It will give you confidence about what you like.  Now look at the pictures again – do you see a common color?  Here’s another clue you can use to your benefit.  Are you drawn to the all-white and pastel look of shabby chic and romantic styles or do you like the warmer colors found in country French and country décor? 

Because vintage style encompasses so many different types of décor, we often find most people love vintage in some form or another.  Whether it is mid-century modern or industrial – most decorating styles take advantage of vintage décor.  Even brand new pieces can be considered vintage when the style and design of the piece is most definitely a nod to the past.  You can shop new or you can find wonderful pieces at flea markets and antique stores to repurpose on your own or shop from boutiques that specialize in vintage décor.  So much flexibility – we just love it and we believe you will too!