Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed – ‘Simplified Laundry Room Organization‘ from Nora Noorsirrat and this week we create a welcoming Autumnal entryway in your home. Shelley Harcas who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room gives you ideas for using fall colors, textures and decor to brighten your foyer or entryway.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #34

‘A Welcoming Autumnal Entryway ’ –  Shelley Harcar

Autumn is a season which signals glorious change, shorter days and chilly nights. Mother Nature’s extravagant adornments showcased against the brilliant sunlight and framed by a deep blue sky are some of my favorite things about autumn.

Autumn is an ideal time to incorporate some of Mother Nature’s glorious changes into your home décor. Since you never get a second chance to make a first impression, the entryway of your home is a great place to start your autumn decorating.

Refreshing your entryway need not be costly or difficult. Much of the beauty found in autumn décor comes from natural or nature inspired pieces.

Autumnal themed ideas

Pumpkins, gourds, nuts, and berries blend seamlessly with vivid leaves and flowers, creating a large impact that is still budget- friendly.

The wood tones already present in the entryway, are a wonderful background for an autumn extravaganza. The hall tree, bench, stairway, and French doors all take on fresh life with the addition of some key pieces.

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For this entryway I added a bit of whimsy including the scarecrow family, squirrel, and autumn themed pillows on the bench. Two large pots of colorful flowers placed in baskets create a dramatic topiary for the corner. Vibrant garlands of leaves and flowers, as well as a brilliantly colored floral wreath continue the autumn theme in a natural way.

Decorating with natural autumn elements

The natural beauty of the tree root table is enhanced by a simple basket filled with gourds. Colorful mums highlighting the rich plump pumpkins which also double as planters.

The existing mirror gets update with the application of an autumnal themed decal. Smaller touches such as gourds, pumpkins, and other coordinating pieces dotted throughout the entryway give a finished, yet still casual look.

In addition to beauty and affordability, the items I chose also possess longevity.

I begin my own autumn decorating immediately after Labor Day, and I have found the autumn décor I place in September combines effortlessly with the Halloween and Thanksgiving items which will be placed and then removed accordingly.

A multitude of autumn themed pieces are readily available in specialty shops, craft stores and large retailers, to help make your entry way a brilliant testimony to the beauty of the season of change and to give your guests the warmest of welcomes.

About Shelley Harcar

I am a lifelong Ohioan and presently live in Stow with my family. I am a graduate of Youngstown State University, where I studied Social Work and Psychology.  I am currently employed as a substitute teacher within my local school district. I also do freelance writing. My designing interest began over 20 years ago when I became a floral designer. In addition to making floral designs, we were invited into customer’s homes to assist with holiday and seasonal decorating.

I discovered Olio Board through a friend, and I quickly became caught up in the fun of the Olioboard Fan Room. It is a great escape from everyday life and I find a great deal of satisfaction in taking a blank screen and turning it into something lovely. When I’m not designing, I enjoy watching sports with my son, shopping, writing, and spending time with friends & family.

You can view more of my designs on Olioboard and read more of my writing here.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last week you enjoyed – ‘Autumn Color Dining Room Inspiration‘ from Sammi Holloway and this week it’s time to add autumn inspiration to your fireplace mantle. Lisa Ketz who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room shows you ways to create a welcoming and cozy fireplace mantle for traditional and modern design styles. Perfect for the cooler nights this season!

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #32

‘Cozy Autumn Fireplace Mantle Ideas ’ –  Lisa Ketz

I was excited to be asked to present some fall mantle décor ideas to the many Stagetecture readers out there. I had a fireplace in my last home and really miss it especially during the Holidays. The fireplace is a major focal point in any home so decorating it is a must.

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Traditional Fireplace Decorating Ideas

When one thinks about fall mantles most would agree that we think of the traditional fireplace and the warm fall colors of the changing leaves. The stone fireplace I chose to decorate for you couldn’t be more traditional. Here I have decorated the mantle with orange and white pumpkins, an orange candle and a basket of baby gourds spilled over to each side of a large mirror. The mantle is draped in a garland of maple leaves, berries and acorns.

If your fireplace has a raised hearth, don’t forget to decorate it too. Here I have simply flanked the firebox with rust colored mums. Of course, while the fire is blazing you may need to move these out. If you have built-ins or windows with a ledge beside your fireplace, feel free to extend your décor beyond the fireplace. I think the addition of wreaths on the windows and jack o’ lanterns sitting on a bed of maple leaves below adds just the right touch here.

Contemporary Fireplace Decorating Ideas

Now what if you have a more modern fireplace without a mantle? Does that mean you can’t decorate your fireplace for the holidays? As I have shown here that is not the case at all. Maybe you even want to decorate with less traditional colors. Go for it. Here I have hung a purple wreath and flanked it with white ceramic candle sconces. Again, modern fireplaces don’t generally have a raised hearth but the area in front is still game. Here I placed tall vertical flower arrangements on either side of the firebox and added some less traditional white pumpkins to tie it all together. That is enough here as simple and minimal fits the modern aesthetic best.

So whatever your style, color preferences, or fireplace type there is a place for fall décor in your home.

About Lisa Ketz

I am mom to one grown son and grandma to a beautiful 4 year old little girl. I live in Binghamton, New York with my boyfriend of 12 years. I started my own Home Staging business called Added Charm Home Staging several years ago. I also hold down a full time job in the finance industry. When I am not working I am on Olioboard. It is a great creative outlet. I love to design and shop and Olioboard allows me to enjoy my passions in its virtual environment.

I also enjoy sharing design inspiration with other like minded individuals through the Olioboard Fan Room on Facebook. If you want to learn more about me, check out my blog at www.addedcharmdecor.blogspot.com or my website at AddedCharm.net. You can also follow me on Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/LKetz. To view my design boards on Olioboard search for them under Addedcharm.