School started last week, which heralds the end of summer for us. The days here in Northern California are still hot with temps reaching the triple digits. The weather still feels like summer but I’m sure many of you, like us, are transitioning from your more relaxed summer routines, into a more structured school routine.
I am clinging to the last few weeks of summer while it lasts, it’s my favorite season! I’m trying to make time in the evenings to relax and sip a glass of wine on the patio; enjoying the remaining warm summer evenings while they last.
Like it or not, fall is on its way and that means crisp, cool evenings, cozy sweaters, boots, leaves crunching underfoot, and pumpkin spice everything! But pulling out all the pumpkins right now seems a bit premature when it doesn’t feel like fall yet and temps are in the triple digits.
Today I want to share some simple ideas for what you can do to start transitioning the décor in your home from summer to fall with a few simple changes that won’t require a ton of time or energy to accomplish.
Take an inventory of what you currently have displayed.
Take a look around your home to identify those items that are summer inspired. For me it’s most evident in the vignette’s I have around my home. The coffee table, family room side table, kitchen island, and dining room table are the spots where I like to display elements that give a nod to the season.
What are your favorite spots in your home to create and display vignettes?
Summer inspired vignette. 
Late summer vignette.
A few simple changes will take a summer vignette and transition it towards fall without going all out with pumpkins and harvest themed items. As you can see in the photos above, swapping out the beach grass, coral, and starfish adorned candle with a bowl of acorns, a dark toned lantern and leafy foliage easily transformed the look of this vignette.
Once you understand the formula for creating a vignette, it’s so easy to change them up to reflect the current season.
Not sure how to create a vignette? Maybe you don’t even know what a vignette is? No need to panic, I got your back. You can read about how you can easily create one here. Once you master the formula, creating them is a piece of cake! I promise!
What about the pillows on your sofa. The throw for the sofa? Maybe you didn’t have one out for the summer. Now is the time to think about pulling one out of the closet in preparation of the cooler evenings that are coming soon. Changing out just the throw pillows with one’s that have a more fall vibe will completely change the feeling in your room and is a very inexpensive way to change up the look of the room and bring in a little seasonal interest.
Shop your house.
Take a look at what you already own. I’m betting you have plenty of items that you can use to create a transitional late summer vignette. Do you save the corks when you open bottle of wine? They have a wonderful earthy, textural quality to them and look beautiful displayed a glass jar.
It really isn’t necessary to make a run to the nearest home decor store for items. It’s time to get creative and use what you already have and use what Mother Nature has to offer!
Adding a small bowl filled with acorns will add a touch of fall to your summer vignettes, but just a tiny nod.
Setting out a bowl of apples on your kitchen counter will not only give a nod to fall and add a pop of color, but its also a healthy after school snack that your kids can easily grab!
Add some pinecones to your vignettes. They aren’t just for winter decor, they have a wonderful textural quality to them and make a beautiful addition to a transitional vignette.
Not sure what items to use for a late summer transitional vignette? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Pinecones
- Acorns
- Wheat stalks
- Corks
- Pussywillow branches
- Burlap
- Apples
- Driftwood
- Candles
- Wooden clothes pins
It’s not quite fall yet but it’s a good time to start thinking about transitioning from lighter tones and fabrics and bringing out deeper warmer tones. Even tough it doesn’t feel like it yet, it’s going to be snuggle up with a blankie time before you know it.