How to Decorate the Home for Fall

Ever since moving into the new place I have been on the hunt for the perfect pieces to complement the home and both Brandon and mine's taste pallets. Sometimes it's a no-brainer and the pieces just scream "us",  but it's also been a bit of a struggle at times. Trying to find the "perfect" piece, when in reality there never will be a "perfect" piece. I am always thinking "oh, what if I find something I like more", and end up regretting not buying the item in the first place. I've been coming to terms with the fact that I need to be less hard on the decisions I make regarding decor. After all, it's who I share the home with that matters. Not whether or not the books on the shelf are colour coordinated.

One thing I've been focusing on is making the house more "homey". Little knickknacks and photos make all the difference, and just looking up at our new bookshelf makes me smile. Fall is the perfect time to incorporate more warm, homey pieces into your decor, especially since it's the season for cuddling on the couch with a cup of tea, some thrilling books, and over-sized blankets. I love switching up decor for the seasons and right now I am all about incorporating more design elements to really give off these warm, cozy feelings of fall. Here's a few tips on how to really up the autumn at home.




1. Change up the scent. Candles are some of my favourite decorating pieces. They are beautiful to look at when placed in clusters, and can really make you feel luxurious with their scents. I recently stocked up on some white pillar candles from IKEA and have been placing them in groups on the dining table, atop the mantle and on shelves. They give off such moody and warm feelings that just make you want to get cozy! Also, try switching out the summery fruit and floral fragrances for more moody scents like wild fig, spiced cinnamon, or woods. It really sets the tone for a cozy night in, all you need to add is a glass of wine. I'm obsessed with this one right now.

2. Bring the outdoors in. The natural elements of autumn make perfect decorating items, and I love that you can scour all these pieces on the cheap or for free! Go for a walk and bring a bag with you. Stock up on branches, leaves, pine cones, wooden pieces, and anything else that sparks your imagination. I've been filling jars with crab apples for the dining table, filling vases with real wheat and branches, and placing little white pumpkins around the house. Bringing the harvest in from the outdoors adds such a nice rustic and natural touch to the home for fall.

3. DIY. You don't need to break the bank to incorporate fall into your decorations for fall. A simple piece of lace from Value Village glued over a pumpkin makes all the difference. Or, did you catch my latest DIY I posted to Snapchat (username: @gabpacifico)? Take a few glass jars and tape some burlap, or wrap some rope around the sides. They make perfect candlestick holders!

4. Accent switch up. Light throws are getting put away, and large cable knit blankets and faux fur pillows and throws are getting placed on the couch for warmth and a nice added touch of fall decor. Tribal patterns, plaid and autumnal colours are also all great additions. The sofa really is the focal point of any room so you want it to be inviting, appealing and most importantly comfortable! I've been getting a few inquires about where I got my neutral sectional sofa, and I recently discovered a site that is just full of them! Check out these stunning sectional sofas from Arhaus (I can't get enough of this pink one)!

I'd love to see and hear how you decorate the home for autumn! Let me know!


**Side note: currently reading "Beware That Girl" by Theresa Toten. So Gossip Girl meets Gone Girl right now. Social climbing, Upper East Side and a dark past. I'll keep you posted!

Around Town

I can't believe the beautiful weather we have been experiencing here in Toronto! Aside from today, this week has been predominately sunny and warm every day, which is perfect for bustling around the city and taking in all that's going on. I wanted to make sure you take full advantage of the events happening, so check out my little list and have yourself a great weekend! 

1. The AGO is hosting the Davis Bowie is exhibit, which came straight from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, until November 7th. I went last weekend and was actually amazed! What an icon. It was pretty cool to get a glimpse into his mind, and see firsthand some of his personal objects. The man can literally do it all- act, sing, write and even paint! I really enjoyed seeing all his costumes on display, and the way the AGO carried his music throughout the exhibit. While I was there I also noticed the AGO is hosting the Ai Weiwei exhibit. I am actually so intrigued by this man! His works, that promote basic truths and the freedom of expression, have raised so much social criticism that he has been stripped of his passport by the Chinese government.  Two must see exhibits! 

2. While we are on the topic of art, Toronto's Nuit Blanche will be held this Saturday, October 5th. I am already seeing preparations for the event around the city, and they seem very interesting. I love that the exhibits can be found all around the city, and that it literally goes all night. Bonus- TTC will run all night!

3. Last month I fell in love with Dlish Cupcakes' limited edition S'mores cupcake (pictured above). It was everything I ever thought it would be, and more! Sadly you can't bask in it's beautifully crafted graham cracker base, chocolate ganache centre, or marshmallow topping this month. But, they are featuring a Salted Caramel Mocha cupcake! Since they are only available on Wednesdays and Sundays I recommend getting there early as they tend to sell out.

4. As I mentioned above- the weather has been perfect, especially for brunch! Last week I tried the belgian waffles at School in Liberty Village, and they were phenomenal! Just looking at their brunch menu will make you hungry.  Also, they have two secluded patios and the vibe is so fun- upscale decor and even cartoons playing on the big screens! Not so conventional of a menu, but their combinations are seriously good! Check it out. 

5. If you are in the mood for a spook, Halloween Haunt at Canada's Wonderland kicks off this weekend! Why not check off maze and haunted house from the fallidays list? Equally exciting- most rides and roller coasters are open! Inquire online for discounted tickets. 

Fallidays

Now that October has officially begun I am trying to embrace fall fully. September graced us with some surprisingly pleasant weather so I have been half reluctant to jump into the new season.  If you are (or have ever been) a student I'm sure you can agree that October can become overwhelmingly busy- we have Thanksgiving, Halloween, and I am already starting mid-terms this week! In hopes of embracing this fast paced month, and since I truly love the beginning of fall (when it's not too cold and you can still enjoy the crisp, clean air), I have created a large list of classic, fun fall activities. Starting with a new haircut, I am excited the list is getting smaller and I'm making progress. Here is what I'm still looking forward to doing over the next few weeks.  

{images via pinterest}

Are there any activities that truly make the season for you? What are they!