Fall Outside: Autumn Decor

Season-less decorating, or at least the kind that does not require major transformation from season to season is always, in my book, more desirable. An environment that easily switches with a few quick changes here and there easily moves from spring, to summer, to fall and winter. 

Nevertheless, like snagging a few key wardrobe pieces to welcome the new season, some fresh changes are sometimes inevitable. However, in this new global economy, more thought must come into every purchase. Even in decor, financial and ecological factors must be considered.

Although fall is about harvest, there are fresher ways to decorate that do not include turkeys and gourds. Still taking cues from nature, my prescription for Fall 2010 is inspired by the still ongoing flirty floral fashion trend embodied by this Vivienne Westwood Fall 2010 floral dress, worn by Sarah Jessica Parker.

Botanicals--leaves and flowers, in subdued colors set against a palette of earthy neutrals are a refreshing and more modern alternative to the predictable and tired orange and red hues.

Target on cue: On September 5, New York designer John Derian's collection premiers at Target. This collection of housewares and home decor will include pieces accented with vintage botanical prints.

Above: Melamine ware by John Derian for Target, www.target.com

Quiet down your color palette. Try colors of straw, hay, oat, and wheat as a variation to the usual jewel tones. Pillows is an easy and inexpensive way to add or change color in a room. The on trend yet timeless way to go? Opt for stylized flowers executed in a painterly fashion.

Below: Lavender pillow cover, www.potterybarn.com, Carafe pillow, www.pier1.com, Boho pillow, www.westelm.com

Botanical art and prints are seasonless. The modern way to do this is to select subtle interpretations that go outside the box. 

Below: Shades of Green print, www.zgallerie.com, Bronze Bird  wall art, www.potterybarn.com, Manzanita wall art, www.westelm.com, Patch NYC print, www.westelm.com