Fall and the Five Senses

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite season. There’s something truly magical about watching the leaves change color as the nights get cooler and the days get shorter. The fall months somehow ignite my spirit, capture my heart, and inspire my interior design work in a way that no other time of year can.

Designing with a reference to the five senses is a wonderful way to encapsulate everything this special season has to offer:

SEE

– Decorating with fall colors is a no-brainer, but deserves a mention. Bring the autumnal hues indoors with red pillows, orange feature walls, and yellow throws. Changing the color of your towels and bed linen is a quick, and inexpensive way, to change things up.

– Now that Halloween is over, swap out those jack-o-lanterns for some ornamental gourds. Group in odd numbers and be sure to include a variety of sizes, colors and textures (hint: nine is an auspicious number in Feng Shui)!

TOUCH

– Fall is a time to get warm and cozy. Clean out your fireplace and light a fire when the nights get cold.

– No fireplace? No problem. Blankets made from natural fibers are just as toasty.

TASTE

– With Thanksgiving just around the corner, November is the perfect time to start experimenting some of those Thanksgiving recipes. Go for anything hearty and aromatic. Remember, the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home – be sure to fill it with seasonal, organic produce that tastes good and will nourish you from the inside out.

– A simmering pot of masala chai tea (with plenty of cinnamon, ginger and cardamom) not only tastes amazing, but will make the house smell delicious too. Using your stove daily is a great way to invite life-affirming energy into your kitchen. Fire on the stove acts to DOUBLE your wealth!

HEAR

– We don’t often think about sounds within the context of interior design, but the soundscape of our home can have a big effect on our energy and happiness. Be sure to turn off televisions while they’re not in use.

– Hosting a dinner party? You can’t go wrong with classic jazz (think Billie Holiday or Frank Sinatra) or ambient lounge music to create a festive mood for entertaining.

SMELL

– Scented candles and room sprays are a quick and effective way to harness the power of the invisible architect ­– scent! In the fall, go for fragrances with a wood, tobacco or spicy base.

– Nothing brightens up your home for the season like vases filled with fall flowers. Sunflowers and alstroemeria are great choices because they’ll remain beautiful for up to a week.

– In her book '108 Ways to Create Holistic Spaces' Angie Cho reminds us that a fresh bowl of oranges adds happiness and brightness to any room. You’ve got to love that life-affirming Yang energy!

Wanting to integrate some Fall Feng Shui too? Check out my previous blog: Welcoming the Fall with Feng Shui.

Happy Leaf Peeping!