Reining In The Soft Light of Autumn
By: Karen Pfeiffer Bush, CEO
Fall is collection time. It’s when we evaluate the nest to determine its stores and condition before we settle in for Winter. We collect and compile the flashes of ideas and dreams sprouted during the invigorating summer. It’s time to gather supplies needed for the new school year and embark on new systems, new ventures, new roles. Board meetings start up again after a summer break. Sports teams and clubs distribute calendars and phone lists. Like busy squirrels collecting nuts to store for Winter, we scurry around collecting schedules, supplies, and hopefully our thoughts and goals.
For many it’s a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s also a time to regain balance. Around the autumnal equinox, when the day and nighttime hours are equal, many people, consciously or not, assess and seek balance in their homes and lives.
Interior designers and professional organizers receive many calls from prospective new clients in the Fall. The chaos of Summer has passed and suddenly people look around their homes at the things they’ve avoided by remaining outside and on the go for much of the summer.
The Autumn light is softer and gentler but allows us to see a little better than in the bright hot light of Summer. I am a Summer girl, but I can definitely see more clearly in the Fall. I’ve never lost the student mind-set that Fall is an exciting time filled with new things: a time to regroup and “rein it all in.”
The above excerpt was adapted from The Imperfect Perfectionist, Seasonal Secrets for a Happy Balanced Life, by Michelle Babb, Wendy Lomme, Karen Pfeiffer Bush and Chieko Watanabe.
Some favorite things for Fall Nesting:
Apps and tools for organizing and displaying those summer photos:
I created a family photo wall in our stairwell using Mixtiles.
I love my Meural digital wall art. I curate it with a combination of revolving family photos and interesting artwork from Netgear’s huge collection.
Apps and tools for organizing and sharing family schedules:
When my kids were younger, Cozi.com was a great tool for organizing their busy schedules and sharing it with other family members and caregivers. Shared grocery lists and calendars make it easy to keep the family organized and in the loop.
Even in this digital world, some people prefer a tactile calendar. It can be a fun tool for family discussions around upcoming schedules and responsibilities.
Check out this great calendar from Wayfair!
Create storage and catch-all spaces that are fun AND functional.
Check out this in our curated collection!
Here are some fun storage solutions for storing your winter blankets for cozy winter nights with loved ones.
Baskets are always an easy solution that look great in any room and can fit just about anywhere!
If you have a tight room, but have a bit of wall space you can utilize, go vertical with a unique decorative ladder that you can drape your blankets on. Bonus, it also acts as an art piece!