Summertime Blues

Lately, when I water my plants on the patio each morning, I can just begin to feel fall creeping in.  Sure, it’s mid-August and the temperature hovers in the 90s by afternoon, but there are subtle changes beginning to take place in central Texas.  This time of year, I begin to long for the shorter days and cooler evenings that come with autumn, even if we won’t see them until late October or early November.  I like to mix things up a little inside my house each season as my way of celebrating the changes happening outside.

West Elm had a sale recently, and I took advantage of my Design Dollars to feather my nest for fall.

(Soft, earthy colors for late summer.)

I threw off the summer slipcovers in favor of warmer, cozier colors for the coming months, and I added some pillows in different colors and textures, too.  As the temperature drops, I’ll switch the pillow covers to darker colors, but for late summer, I’m craving soft blues and natural hues.

(Late summer pillows.)

My favorite Studded Velvet Pillow Covers in Dusty Blue look interesting paired with the Solid Silk Hand Loomed Covers in Natural, which are ethically-made in India by a women’s cooperative.

(My late summer table.)

I also traded my coral placemats for the softer, more natural tones of the Branch Print Placemats, which work well with my curtains and small chandelier shades, too.

(Branch Print Placemats from West Elm.)

After using navy or pink mats all year, the quiet colors are a welcome change.

(West Elm’s Hill Block-Printed Cotton Dhurrie.)

And, for a bit of subtle color, I chose the smallest size of West Elm’s Hill Block-Printed Cotton Dhurrie, a beautiful rug made by Indian artisans.  I originally planned to put it on the floor in front of the kitchen sink, but since it can transfer color when wet, I thought it might work better under the boys’ play table.  They love it, and I like the contrasting shades of blue.

My living room feels warm and cozy as we wait for fall to officially arrive.  Are you making any changes with the seasons?