Hello friends! I’m so excited to again be part of these Fall Home Tours always hosted so beautifully by Marty from A Stroll Thru Life. This particular tour, however, is different.
Marty and her husband both contracted Covid-19 this summer, and although Marty recovered, her husband, sadly, lost his battle. I know many virtual arms immediately wrapped around her because she has impacted so very many people through the years in such a positive way.
She wanted these tours to go forward, and the icing on the cake will be her tour at the end of the week. So be sure to check out all the tours each day, and go by and give Marty a big virtual hug on Friday. I’d also like to thank Linda at It All Started With Paint for stepping up to host this season’s tours.
I’m leading off today’s tours with my kitchen and dining area, so be ready for some color because fall is not neutral in these parts friends😊
I’m a firm believer that fall cannot be found in the aisles of a store. For me, it’s crisp air, Carolina blue skies, farmers’ markets, corn shocks and scarecrows and so much more. When the leaves finally turn here, the mountains will come alive with a symphony of color that leaves one breathless. I want the inside to reflect that, and I do it with color – fabrics, rugs, dishes and anything I can find outside.
(For some background and info on our home and why I’m doing what I’m doing here, click to read this post on the old house.)
We took out a large island last year and moved our dining table into the kitchen and couldn’t be happier with that decision. We really enjoy meals here as well as time spent just talking or having a cup of coffee.
I brought out the vintage Hull and McCoy Brown Drip dinnerware because that earthy brown is just the perfect base for fall color. The International Americana Golden Scroll flatware is vintage and was an eBay find several years ago.
I love red and orange together, and so does nature so we’re good. These cloth napkins, which we actually use for everyday, set the tone, and the antique Fondeville NY fruit plates add some color to the Brown Drip.
I layered paisley fabric over a red velvet runner to break up the brown of the wormy chestnut table. An inherited early 1900s Cherokee river cane egg basket is filled with hydrangeas from the garden.
My mother found the oil lamps that had been stored from the old house, and daddy helped me clean them up and replace the wicks.
Vintage Tiara Sandwich glass in amber adds a gold glow to the table.
Our kitchen is filled with things we have made, recycled and reclaimed and with items that have been passed down. Everything means something to me. Even the beadboard on the walls was in the old house, and I restored and installed it last summer. We made the wormy chestnut countertops, and I made the sink skirt and curtains.
More Brown Drip is accessible for everyday use on the open shelves as well as orange/peach Carnival glass and a Cherokee breadboard and woven mat.
My grandfather framed this beautiful print August 28, 1935 and thankfully wrote that info on the back of the wood frame. That’s the kind of thing that makes me smile and think of him when I look at it.
Goldenrod and the first red maple leaves, found on a walk through the woods here, add some fall color in an old pitcher.
When I first made this table about 15 years ago, I had ladder back chairs but gave them away after moving. I finally found these on Marketplace – all 8 for $15😂 I thought it was some kind of mistake, but it was not, and they immediately came home with me. I painted them black because they were not antique, and I really wanted to break up the wood tones. I really do love how they look with the iron base on my table.
You will notice I have a comfy chair in my kitchen. Every kitchen needs a comfy chair in my opinion. We all use that chair so much, and it’s a great place for someone to sit while I’m cooking or doing something in the kitchen.
This kilim rug was a last-minute addition, but when I remembered it was in a closet, I knew it would be perfect for this season. It brings all the red, orange, gold and green together in a non-floral pattern that grounds all the paisleys and florals.
I made the towels after not finding something that had the right colors. With the stove black, which I love, I always like to add a cute seasonal kitchen towel – or two or three — to the oven handle.
Vintage framed needlepoints inherited from a family friend stay here year-round, but I especially love them for fall. The cutting board came from grandaddy’s store.
I never blogged when I changed out the gray trim for this chestnut trim or that I painted this wall with some leftover gold paint from about 13 years ago😂 Time got away from me I guess. If you remember, I had installed the gray trim from the little house, but after finding all the door and window trim from the old house and installing it throughout, I just felt I should also carry it around to this door. I was ecstatic to also find plinth blocks and all the original rosettes. (I’ll install the gray trim in the girls’ bedroom.)
If only this old wood could talk…
I found the coffee can here and imagine it was something granddaddy sold at his store.
I love styling this inherited buffet for every season, but especially for fall. I bring out all the old books that belonged to my great grandparents and grandfather. There’s something about knowing these books were in their hands that makes me feel closer to them. I especially love to open them up and find notes in their handwriting from more than 100 years ago. I also enjoyed growing an assortment of gourds and pumpkins in the garden this year.
The painting is by my late uncle.
As you can see, fall is really about just making my home cozy for my family using the things I have around or can gather from outside. Or at my parents’ house next door😊
Our home is small, but that just makes it more cozy – especially this time of year. But what I really want more than anything – is for this to be a safe haven filled with love — and coffee. Of course😉
Especially now.
We all need homes to be nurturing and safe because what we put into our families at home is what we send out into the world.
And in my opinion, that’s just about the most important thing there is because it’s the foundation for everything else.
As far as making your home cozy and ready for the fall season, though, my philosophy is pretty simple.
Use what you have, and make it special.
Thank you so much for stopping by here! Next up on the tour is Jennifer at Town & Country Living, and you’ll just love her beautiful home!
Monday
It All Started With Paint / Inspiration for Moms / Modern Glam / Southern State of Mind / Decor to Adore / Clean and Scentsible
Tuesday
Far Above Rubies / Town and Country Living / Thrifty and Chic / StoneGable / Setting for Four / Making it in the Mountains
Wednesday
Seeking Lavender Lane / The Wood Grain Cottage / Duke Manor Farm / 11 Magnolia Lane / Life on Cedar Lane
Thursday
Thistlewood Farm / Hymns and Verses / Follow The Yellow Brick Home / Our Southern Home / Remodelando la Casa / Pink Peppermint Design
Friday
Worthing Court / CitrineLiving / Cherished Bliss / Delightful Order / A Stroll Thru Life
Absolutely gorgeous!! I adore your kitchen with all the stunning wood and use of deep rich red!! Simply stunning!! So warm and inviting!! I could not wait to see your post for this Fall Blog Hop because I knew it would be my favorite and it did not disappoint and is my favorite!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thank you so much Debbie!!
Love your old home and all the memories it holds. I especially love all the Native American prints you have throughout your home. Whenever I am in an old house, I think the same thing about “if only these walls could talk.” Thanks for sharing your cozy kitchen.
Thank you so much Connie!
Your home really shines in the fall! I adore all of the cozy touches. So happy to be on tour with you!
Thanks so much Laura!!
I love how you embrace natures full hue of fall colors in your home! And your handcrafted kitchen is perfection! And you bring so much family history into your home which is heartwarming!!! And oh how I wish I could fit a comfy chair in my kitchen!!! 🙂
Thanks so much Linda, and thanks for all the hard work getting everything together for the tours!
Anita, your home is full of love and wonderful memories from your ancestors that you share with the world. What a special treat it is to see your home and learn about all the treasures you salvaged from the past. Such a wonderful home you have created.
Thank you so much Marty! So happy just to see you around blogland and praying for your continued healing!
Oh, Anita. No one in blogdom does an old-school colorful memory-filled autumn like you do! I may not be visiting as much as I once was able to – but golly molly I sure do appreciate and respect your love of your home and of your family and friends. It shows in everything you do and write. You have such a beautiful way with words and I always feel blessed after getting a glimpse of your world.
You know I am a neutral allergic-to-color girl, but you are spot on right about the rich jewel tones of autumn being the right ones. Somehow my white pumpkins soothe my nerves well……………but in no way invoke the luscious fall colors of my youth.
Praying for Mother Earth to heal herself soon, and hoping against all hope it isn't too late for us to right the damage we've done to her. Best wishes for a healthy and peaceful autumn. Stay well.
PS
Did I ever mention I used to date a fella who used to completely refurbish old Indian Motorcycles? Oh his hobby was his passion, and he was SO good at it. I smiled at the memory seeing that sign you have up. : – )
Thank you so very much for those kind words Michele! There are some neutral lovers who can't appreciate what I do, but like you, I can certainly appreciate many different styles and approaches:-)
My daddy started with Indian Motorcycles back in the 1950s and made that sign many years ago:-) What a small world!
I always love seeing your home in the Autumn, and your beautiful photography and writing. You are so blessed to have your family history as a strong foundation in your life. Thanks for sharing. Happy, healthy Autumn to you and your family!
Christine
New Hampshire
Thank you so much Christine!! It means so much to me:-) I wish the same to you and your family, and I'm sure fall will be amazing there as well!!
Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you Mother, and thanks for letting me borrow all the things from you:-)
Anita,
Your kitchen always makes me swoon, but this is perhaps the most beautiful look! I feel like I'm transformed to a home owned by Ralph Lauren himself!
Christy, I'm so humbled by that comment I don't know how to respond:-) Thank you so very much!!
Oh, the joy of having a table in the kitchen. You have such a lovely kitchen filled with warmth and wonderful memories.
We have fallen in love with having it there, and I don't even miss the space the island had:-) Thank you so much!!
your beautiful home never disappoints…Enjoy the upcoming fall season.
Laura thank you so very much!!
Your comments, and your home, reflect peace and goodwill. God bless you.
I appreciate that so much, Michele! Thank you!!
It's always such a treat for me touring your pretty home! Your kitchen exudes warmth year round, during autumn even some more.
Thank you Cristina!! I cannot wait to see what magic you have made in your beautiful home!
Oh the COLORS! Your home is the BEST! In a sea of boring white and grey, your home stands out and is so REAL. Each season has its own color and you make the most of each one. Thank you for the inspiration you provide to those of us that are brave enough to stand out and resist the trend.
Thank you so very much for appreciating my love of color!! So many do not, so it means a lot to me:-)
Absolutely beautiful! You have done a fabulous job and I love those glasses. I am on the hunt for some gold/amber glasses. It's so hard right now to get out and thrift and shop! Again, this is so inviting!
Thank you so much!! I found those on eBay a few years ago and just love them, so maybe try there instead of going out:-)
Beautiful! Everything is so warm, cozy, and inviting! Love the comfy chair idea in the kitchen – wish we had somewhere for that. Happy Fall!
Thank you so much Jenn!! We sure love having it there, and it gets lots of use:-)
Wow, Anita, Wow! I am so glad I found your blog. After looking at white and grey home interiors, I finally found your home with color, style and warmth! Thank you for being you.
Oh Marcia, that just makes my day! Thank you so much for appreciating my style:-)
Oh my goodness, you're home is SO lovely! Everything looks so warm + inviting.
Thank you so much!!
Thank goodness, Someone finally used lots of color for Fall decorating! I get so tired of seeing all the neutral Fall decorations on so many of these blogs. Autumn is bursting with color and should be celebrated accordingly. Bravo to you for your use of the vibrant hues Of the season!
Thank you for appreciating that and understanding my love of color – especially for this very vibrant season:-)
A most beautiful post! Your writing here and explanation of all that you shared really kept my interest. Love that orange and red. The beautiful warm glow of oil lanterns and candles with the pretty amber glass ware, love it! Cozy chair is what my mom always had in the kitchen. We had to do our homework in it while she did dishes and watch each of us do it. You certainly can put things together. I am still trying to get up curtains at my door way like you have. Can't stay out of the yard work it seems.
Thank you so much Betsy!! Those sound like wonderful memories and exactly the kind I hope my children will have:-)
This table is so warm and wonderful and thanks for taking the time to give us the history. Love the print and the painting and the color red is used in an inviting way, perfect for the season. I don't know if you know the California blog My Soulful Home but she has a comfortable kitchen chair that she tried to move but her family talked her out of it. Your photographs are sweet.
Love, love your home. So rich, so inviting. You are gifted and talented.
Marilyn
You've done it again! I always love to tour your home and all the stunning rich colors! I could literally linger for hours – it is truly such a visual treat! Happy Fall!
Anita, I love how you embrace color and richly pair them together. So inviting!
Anita, I love color and am thrilled to find a kindred spirit when decorating for fall. Your home is beautifully decorated. I get tired of the neutral decor on all the other blogs. Your fall home tour is definitely my favorite.
Gorgeous! I love your basket of hydrangeas centerpiece and all of your lovely textiles!
Hello Anita,
Thank you for the glimpse into your beautiful home. I love that you embrace the past and bring it into the future. Your philosophy is also mine. Our heritage does not die if we keep it alive. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I absolutely love how this room looks.
I do think it's interesting how we tend to go back to past generations & try to copy the feelings they give us. My kitchen has spring apple green walls & white cabinets with light wood because that was my grandmother's kitchen. I want my home to feel the way I felt when I was at her house even though when I knew her she had been widowed & had to leave the family farm. I only remember two little city apartments but her home still felt old fashioned & country/farm-like to me.
I read your post about your dream home. It's true that we can create the atmosphere we want without exact replicas or locations or even size. That dream changes over time as our family grows & makes more memories.
Thanks for sharing!
New here today, so pretty. Loved seeing the red floral/fruit fabric in your kitchen. I also had that in my kitchen for many years and still love it. We remodeled a few years ago, I wish I had kept the fabric to make some things with. I hope it found a loving home such as yours 🙂
New here today, so pretty. Loved seeing the red floral/fruit fabric in your kitchen. I also had that in my kitchen for many years and still love it. We remodeled a few years ago, I wish I had kept the fabric to make some things with. I hope it found a loving home such as yours 🙂
New here today, so pretty. Loved seeing the red floral/fruit fabric in your kitchen. I also had that in my kitchen for many years and still love it. We remodeled a few years ago, I wish I had kept the fabric to make some things with. I hope it found a loving home such as yours 🙂
Thank you so much🙂 I had no idea the Kaufmann Queensland had been around so long until people started telling me they also had it. I bought it new online as it is still on the market🙂