Monday, October 12, 2015

Layer Upon Layer


The other day we were kayaking in the late afternoon


 and for the first time in months, I was not stripped down to my bathing suit, but dressed in layers (I had even thrown in a sweatshirt "just in case")


and it got me thinking about how fall is all about layers.


Our days are still warm, but the night comes earlier and the evenings are cooler so both my clothing and decor get layers at this time of year.


In summer, I want uncluttered surfaces, but this time of year I frequently use a tablecloth and even my centerpieces are layered for color and texture.


In the summer, when Steve takes a nap, he uses this throw beneath him to catch errant sand,


but when fall arrives, we use it at night to keep our legs warm when we sit by the fire.


The mantel is another spot that is layered this season.


I usually keep vignettes off to the sides, but my latest design has dried branches strewn across the mantel.


Leaves, candles, books, clocks, etc. are layered to add height and interest.


My little red ladder is layered


with fall decor


as is my garden ladder.


This ladder was in the guest room, but it got booted outside when I found a shorter one and I love it in the garden because it allows for color at different heights.


 An extra quilt is added to the bed and a throw rug covers the now cold floors.


In the summer, I don't have time for crafts, but with the sun setting earlier I need something to keep my hands busy when watching movies


so my craft supplies become part of the decor.


I add layers to cozy up my house -


what's your fall decorating trick?

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65 comments:

  1. Same as you: layers. I love that table cloth. I love your whole place! It's still hot here, a little cooler in the evening. Like how you have a way to carry your crafts to another room.
    Brenda

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  2. You're so smart! Making your crafts cute and part of the decor is the way to go. Honestly, the crafty mess is part of the reason I'm not a craftier person. Need to follow your lead. You look so cute in that boat!

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  3. It all looks so comfy and cozy!! I'm loving your fall layers!
    We had record highs at the end of last week (90*!) ~
    Today it hasn't yet hit 70*!!

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  4. Everything is so pretty and I love visiting you and all your color!

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  5. I change the cushions and swap the rugs around so that the warmer colours are in the lounge. It must have been strange taking an extra layer out on the kayak after it being so warm for so many months! Sarah x

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  6. Me too Carol,
    Layers of comfort (faux throws and yummy pillows) and tactile warmth, along with visual points of interest that reflect the season and add rustic charm are my chosen autumn enhancements, I love your cottage always makes me feel happy with a visit,
    xoxo,
    Vera

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  7. As always I 'love' your home and your decorating style.

    Have a great week ~ FlowerLady

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  8. We have had a warm week here in Ontario, but the nights are still cool...a cozy throw is just what you need...always a pleasure to visit your house!

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  9. Just like you, I start layering. I take away some summer florals and bring in autumn tones and bits and pieces. I also do quite a bit in our yard to make Fall a real treat for the times the kids come here. They love it and I love watching them love it.

    Your ladders are just so cute. I am missing the one I BOUGHT to use that SOMEONE took to the dump because it was just "some old useless ladder". (sad face here).

    Hope you have a great night. xo Diana

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  10. I like how you layered your house with things that are pretty for Fall and necessary for the cooler temps. The weather here in Ga is ever changing. Some days are hot and others are cool. Hard to know how to dress.

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  11. Layers are the order of the day around here come fall, too. And candles. I love lighting a candle in the evening, or in the morning if the weather is dull and rainy. Your autumn layers are really lovely. Enjoy!

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  12. I love your comment that Fall is about layers. I bring out throws and warmer colors in the house. A few pumpkins and mums and I'm feeling cozier as the days grow shorter!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  13. your home is sooooooo warm, cozy and inviting, it is the perfect cottage. i have never been kayaking but i definitely need to change that and i think now is the perfect kayaking weather.....not too hot!!!!!

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  14. Your home always looks cozy no matter what the season is and also very welcoming. I love the taller ladder in the garden.

    My decorating trick is to read blogs of some of my most favorite and creative blog buddies ;) i get tons of inspiration from your posts.

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  15. I've said it before... I LOVE your style! The extra layers are the perfect addition. Cozy & colourful!

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  16. Layers ~ One of my favorite terms for dressing myself or our home. I think it is the layers in our lives that make life so interesting. Great post, Carol. I like the way you think!
    Beautiful shots of your home and garden ~ always!

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  17. I have also layered my bed and have brought out my throws. Unfortunately,
    our weather has been in the triple digits so it doesn't cool off at night.
    Love how you have layered your cottage.
    Have a great week, Carol.
    Mary

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  18. Carol, I love all your cute ladders. I like to change out throws on my furniture..and more and more I am using fake flowers in the life plants on the porch..It's been working great. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie

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  19. I've got my fireplace going when I'm relaxing in the evenings to take the chill out of the air and I try to change my accessories to earth tones to warm everything up. My winter coat will be making its appearance soon!

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  20. I never thought about it that way...layering your home like we layer our clothing for the cooler days. I like it.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  21. Hi Carol, I do the same here. Layers upon layers of decor in all the rooms. It just seems to be the time to settle in and cozy up with throws and tablecloths, quilts and more.
    Your home is beautifully layered in autumn goodness. You look so cute in that kayak. Have a great week. cm

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  22. We like to burn things….candles and wood in the two fireplaces. I guess I made us sound like pyromaniacs, but we really aren't! ;P

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  23. My fall trick is pulling the furniture into a cozier seating arrangement, away from the windows but closer to the fire. I also like to burn things. I love the scent of cinnamon or pumpkin (though it seems over done now days) Candles... rugs and throws!
    Your place looks wonderfully dressed no matter what the season!

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  24. What a welcoming and cozy visit today. Thank you.

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  25. Good morning dear friend! WOW. You have a keen eye and sense of decorating and the practice you've had to find what works is the trick. I am still finding what works for me, but I have to say that my fall décor is pleasing me lately. I am using only natural elements, and of course, muted colors with a POP of unexpecting colors, such as the orange and white pumpkins with PINK flowers! I would have never, ever thought those combos would work, but it's working for me! And yet again, branches, birch bark in my fireplace and pine cones, it is all lovely, and I am happy.

    ENJOY YOUR DAY!

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  26. You do that layering thing so well, Carol! It's always a pleasure to see your cheerful home.

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  27. Love the ladders with pumpkins, so cute! Yes - I love to layer too but try to use all natural elements throughout my home for decorating! It is getting a little cooler at nights now here in NC, so I always have a couple extra throws around to keep me cozy. Can't wait to use the fireplace since we never used it on the coast of SC.

    Have a great week.

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  28. Loving all your fall layers Carol. Looks so cozy. Love little LuLu on the bench by the table. So adorable.
    Kris

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  29. Carol your home is so inviting!
    Love all the colour!

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  30. I also add layers and change the throws and tablecloths . I use darker colours and make my center pieces using pine cones, twigs and pomegranates. I use candles in orange and meuve , lilac and put wildflowers in similar colours in simple glass vases.
    Carol, I just want to add here that I sent you the wreath you won in my giveaway, about 10-12 days ago and I hope it reaches you, soon. I think it will look good in your cosy and pretty home. Please let me know when you receive it.

    Best regards
    Tina :)

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  31. I think layers ~ runners, tablecloths, rugs, extra blankets ~ are a wonderful way of cozying up the house for the cooler months. Everything you've done is just so pretty and artistic.

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  32. Charming!

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  33. We definitely add layers to our decor and our bodies too, now that the chillier weather has arrived. ;) Our days are a mix of cold, rain, sun, and unseasonable warmth so layers are a good thing. I like the fall layers around your home. I see you enjoy colouring. I'm thinking about getting a book and pencils to get creative. I just haven't found a book I like yet. Have a great day!

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  34. Carol, I love your layers for fall. It's my favorite season. I love decorating for. Be posting my home tour of fall soon

    Cindy

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  35. Ingenious idea to call this layers! Love that about you. Nice to see Lulu getting cozy and all the nice touches around your home.

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  36. Carol, your home is always so lovely. I enjoy your blog very much. That red spread on your bed is wonderful, it really makes the room look warm and cozy without even turning up the heat. I liked seeing that you enjoy zentangle, too. Isn't it relaxing and fun?
    Here's wishing you a wonderful week.
    Connie :)

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  37. I love this Carol! The picture of you in the kayak is great! I think my favorite thing here is the triangular tray filed with goodies. I have never thought to use my crafty things as decor like that, but I love the idea and will of course be stealing it...lol! Is that a coloring book I spy? I am wanting to order one myself. I heard on the radio this morning that coloring is the new way for adults to destress. I have always loved to color! They also mentioned that out of the top 20 book sales on Amazon recently, 7 of them were coloring books! Too cool! Anywho, just thought you might like that random fact. :) Have a great Wednesday!

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  38. I noticed the tray of creativity on your bed. I'm planning to have something similar next to the sofa. A stack of books will soon appear in the same location. I enjoy planning my winter reading although I never get through the entire list.

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  39. I just love visiting you and your lovely home! It's still warm here during the days - upper 90's this week! - but the nights are certainly getting cooler!

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  40. LOVE your cozy home Carol!! It's looking perfect in all of your layers:)

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and linking yours up sweets!

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  42. I love your idea to create layers even in decor for fall. I'm surprised you say that the days are shorter even for you. When I visited San Diego in summer I had that feeling taht days were as long as nights... It was a long time ago, maybe I don't remember well.

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  43. I agree, Carol. I layer it all on around the house until spring. Then it's a clean sweep until fall again when the layers of decor return! Your place looks lovely, as always!

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  44. Your house looks so beautiful in all the layers. I really love your kitchen nook and you fall mantle. So pretty. Enjoy the cooler weather.

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  45. Weren't you hot over the weekend? I heard Camarillo was record breaking at 108.

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  46. I must say that you sure know how to do layers. I haven't had time to do any layering or fall decorating yet, I'm still hoping to get to it soon. Hard to believe that it's mid-October with all the summer-like temperatures we've been experiencing in California.

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  47. I can't help but feel so increasingly amazed at how active you and Steve are...walking and cycling, kayaking. You really LIVE life and I applaud you. And then you still have the energy to play with your home! lol!

    I love the layers in your home, I have too many 'objects' all over and I decided that I'm going to eliminate some clutter today. I have a spare bedroom that I keep all of my accessories and seasonal decor stuff in and it's such a mess...I need to organize that before I do anything. Your fireplace looks beautiful as does your cozy bedroom. Enjoy the nesting season! :)

    Jane x

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  48. I just checked our weekend forecast and I think my fall trick will include a lot of layering..going down to the 30's at night then

    Love your cozy home photos as always : )

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  49. Love all the layers! I think layers add extra coziness around the house during the fall and winter months. My favorite is super cozy and pretty throws just about everywhere there is a place to sit. Great post!

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  50. Carol,
    Yes, I add layers for the fall and winter months. I add a blanket to my bed and am looking for a lightweight duvet to add, too. The one I have is too hot for my house, but I would like a lighter weight one for this winter. We also layer with throws in the living room that we use both inside and outside on the deck.

    Adorable kayaking photo!

    Judith

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  51. Oh I so love seeing such creativity. We are back in our Greek Stone House on the Hill and the decorating needs are so many that I am overwhelmed. Sadly we are in an area with few stores catering to decorating so I continue to pace through the house thinking of what could be! Keep the ideas coming!

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  52. Everything looks so pretty :) It's hard to imagine you needing a sweatshirt already. Now for me Im hauling out the long johns to wear, lol. It's even frosted here already.

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  53. Such coziness in your colourful layers, setting the scene for long nights of cocooning! Adorable mantel and ladder!

    Poppy

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  54. Hi Carol,
    I can identify with the feeling of surprise at wearing something besides a bathing suit. I wore one all summer long and found it strange when I had to put it away to visit Cape Cod in September. It kind of helped with the transition though. We will get a frost any night now and I have brought all the houseplants in. You know I'm one of your biggest fans and I love your place and how you style it! Your windows are just sparkling and I love your prim ladders and wire baskets...thanks for all of the fun ideas. Talk to you on IG soon.
    Marilou

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  55. Everything look so pretty for Fall. I layer for Fall and Winter too. I love adding blankets to the chairs and sofa in the living room and quilt to the bed room.
    ~Cindy

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  56. Well, it is still hot here when fall starts and our leaves are just beginning to turn. I did bring out all my fall decorations and put them out. I have some autumn leaf shaped place mats on the dining table. I love metal decorations so have a couple metal pumpkins on the table, too. I do love fall.

    Your decorating is so pretty.

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  57. This year, with my little hospital vacay and all that is going on in my life, I'm not sure I have any fall decor tips, but I sure do enjoy visiting your place! You have everything layered so beautifully! Thank you for your comments and prayers while I was away! Blessings, Cindy

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  58. You're so right Carol. Fall is all about layers, although I haven't been adding any to my body lately. My god it's been so hot and muggy around here. Our neighbor teases us about bringing the hot weather with us from Sacto! Honestly, I can't believe how uncomfortable it's been and we're so close to the water too. Not used to being without air conditioner hahaha I'm such a wimp. Is that you in the kayak? If so I'm so jealous. :)
    xo
    Leslie

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  59. I love your ladder and the pumpkins. Fall/Autumn is a lovely time of year and I don't mind the cooler mornings and evenings.

    All the best Jan

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  61. I lack in the seasonal decorating area. If I got graded I'd get an 'F'. LOL but I love that little red ladder. I might need to convince David we need something like that on our porch or a chair. something. I have a shelf unit out there but not much is on it. I can't figure out what to put on it. It has to be heavy or it might blow away. The wind seems to blow quite a bit. It kept blowing over my living Christmas tree. I'll figure it all out about the time we move to the farm. LOL

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  62. Your place is cute and the idea of kayaking sounds fantastic. I'm loving everything you've created here.

    Carole @ Garden Up Green

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  63. I have a little short ladder much like your red one. Could you tell me how to paint it to look adorable, like yours...? I want mine red, too, because I'm SUCH a copy cat when I find something so delightful. :)

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  64. You inspired me to bring an old ladder down from the attic and lean it in the corner of the dining room. I might paint it... I haven't decided yet. I love all of your layers of pretty! I like layers too. and piles.. and stacks.. and collections.. way more interesting to me than just one thing. More is more :)

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  65. I love your little cottage! It is so beautiful! I have been thinking of taking up Kayaking now that we have a little lakehouse...any tips?

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