Sometimes in the warmer climates of Southern California we need to be reminded that the seasons are changing, but there is still a sense that summer is over and we're moving into that transition time before winter. We begin to make changes to our lifestyle, our eating habits, and reflect the season in our home decor as we decorate for fall.



These changes don't have to be drastic or expensive, there are lots of simple decorating ideas you can use to convey that autumn feel.

Cooler months convey cozy and warm, and this means warming up the colors in your home. Bring out the darker cushions and patterns; try adding throw rugs or draping an afghan over the sofa or an easy chair.

Pick-up some accent pieces to spread the autumn flavor, such as new coasters, lamps, a vase or piece of artwork.

Add some life with a new plant, real or artificial. It's also a great way to hide empty spaces or unsightly stains.

Open your mind to new ideas and try rearranging your furniture. It's so easy to get yourself into a rut with the same room settings, and you'll be surprised at the difference it can make. I remember having a dining room table that was placed parallel to a large window. It took up most of the room, but I couldn't imagine it any other way. A friend stopped in one day and suggested I change the position of the table so that it was placed vertically in front of the window. I was horrified, stating, "It would never work".

She convinced me to try it; grabbing the table and moving it quickly, before I could change my mind. Once the table was in place, the whole area opened up. The extra space allowed me to add a couple of extra pieces of furniture on both sides and a big comfy chair; suddenly I had a new room.

Along the same lines, rearranging may mean removing a piece of furniture from an overcrowded room. You may be accustomed to seeing things designed a certain way, but it doesn't mean they have to stay that way.

Don't restrict your changes to the indoors; nothing is more welcoming than a harvest wreath hanging on the front door or a big basket of fresh mums on the porch.

For a Halloween feel, fill a black basket with bright orange sunflowers.

Take all those summer decorating items and store them in a box, so that they'll be handy for the spring decorating season. Nothing freshens up a house more, than change; be bold, be fearless and enjoy!