Once upon a time I started a blog and, in a way, began sharing my home with friends both online and in real life. When I first began blogging I felt pressure to decorate for each season ridiculously early—think Christmas decor arriving in early October. Over the years I’ve gotten a bit wiser and discovered that life with family deserves priority over rushing to put out every holiday item.
This year I found myself well into October with almost no evergreens in sight. Instead I finally finished my fall decorating and decided to enjoy it for a couple of weeks before I bring out any Christmas items. I’m sharing my kitchen shelves and entryway this autumn, as I do most years, both as a record for myself and in hopes it might spark ideas for you next season.
I’ve always enjoyed looking back at previous years to see how my taste has shifted. For the past five-plus years I’ve photographed and shared each seasonal change, and this year’s mix is a bit different: I skipped orange entirely. Instead I leaned into blues, greens, navy, turquoise and soft blush tones—no fiery reds or traditional fall orange here.
In previous years when I tried to go neutral, I often felt like something was missing and ended up adding color. This season I was content with the navy, turquoise and blush palette. It felt cohesive and calm—maybe my preferences are changing, or maybe I simply appreciate this softer take on fall.
I’m really pleased with how the kitchen shelves came together this year. The lamb’s ear, eucalyptus and cotton stems on the top shelf echo the arrangement on my living room mantel, creating a gentle flow between rooms. For Thanksgiving or Christmas I’ll likely tuck in a few red berry sprigs and call it done—I’m embracing simpler decor and enjoying the ease of keeping things understated.
Get the “Come Thou Fount” free printable mentioned in my seasonal projects as a tasteful addition to fall displays.
One small detail I adore this year is the tiny embroidery hoop art tucked into the top corner of the shelf. When I made a pillow using a free printable and iron-on transfer paper, I tested the design on a scrap of drop cloth and cut out just the floral portion. It turned out so sweet that I couldn’t discard it, so I stretched it into an embroidery hoop and it became a charming accent.
That little pop of pink brings a fresh, feminine touch to the blues and greens on the shelves. It’s an easy DIY detail you can recreate from a leftover printable or fabric scrap.
The entryway is simpler than the kitchen display. My goal there was to highlight a favorite piece of art—the Cinderella pumpkin print—so I arranged a handful of faux pumpkins and minimal accents so the print could be the star. I kept the vignette light and focused so the colors read together without competing for attention.
I’ve had that Cinderella pumpkin print for a few years, and I still love it—partly because of the color but mostly because it feels whimsical and fitting for fall. Keeping the entry simple makes the artwork stand out and sets a welcoming tone as guests enter.
See what I mean about the subtle, cohesive color story? The muted blues and greens carry through both spaces and create a calm, inviting fall look without relying on traditional orange hues.
If you’re still putting together your fall decor, I hope this inspires you to try a nontraditional palette or to simplify one focal area rather than outfitting the whole house at once. We’re finally getting cooler air here in Alabama, so I’m looking forward to enjoying these autumn touches while the weather matches the mood inside.
Have a wonderful day!
Sources:
- DIY “Blessed” Pillow (project referenced)
- Faux pumpkins — from past craft supplies
- “Come Thou Fount” free printable (printable used in decor)
- Cinderella Pumpkin art print (favorite seasonal print)
- DIY farmhouse kitchen shelves (shelf project used for displays)
- DIY painted dresser with chalk paint (home project referenced)
- Embroidery hoop art tutorial and iron-on transfer technique (DIY method used)