Homemaking
Autumn Retreat Home Tour
September 17, 2015
I was delighted when Brenda from Cozy Little House invited me to join a Fall home tour. Initially I was not certain if I would have much to share as we are presently in between homes.
We are currently living in our third story apartment while our French Country Home is being built. Most of our household goods are in storage, and that has been odd in itself.
But along the journey of creating an Autumn retreat I have discovered something about myself~
Wherever or whatever my home might be - I know that I will be decorating!
So please come on in to our Autumn Retreat.
I have made this Autumn wreath for our front door to welcome you.
This wreath is a repurposed wreath, I make many wreaths and if I can find a way to reuse them I will. Saving a penny here and there is a good thing.
For this wreath I used more subdued Fall tones, with just a pop of color.
Tradition speaks to me when I decorate for the seasons, and even though I enjoy the more gentle tones, I could never ever give up entirely on a adding a whisper of orange.
In our previous home we had a family, and formal living room.
We felt that for our apartment we would need just a few pieces from our family room.
Naturally, I just had to pick up a few accessories along the way...smile.
My daughter Samantha from Crafty Texas Girls joined me in my search for a luxe throw,
and a few accent pillows. Love, love Pier 1.
Love a pillow cover with a zipper too.
You know how it is when you pack, you think you've packed everything that you will need.
Only to discover that you didn't pack the lamp shades that go with the lamps..hum..
Make do shade...
Our apartment is very neutral, so by adding a few accent pieces it enriches our space, and makes it feel more like home - not quite so generic.
I enjoy the earthy essence that a few bundles of wheat bring to a Fall vignette.
I always incorporate wheat into my Fall decor. whether it is a centerpiece on our dining room
table or baskets on the kitchen island.
I found these rustic, wobbly, metal pots at a little eclectic shop, filled them with acorns that I found on my morning walk, then tucked in these mini pumpkins.
I have missed many things from our home that are now packed away.
The china that was my Mother's, keepsakes from the children, my books, and my Art.
These items infuse our home with warmth, memories, and style.
I have collected Art for years, in fact we had an artist rent out the old homestead in the Summers to paint the landscape along the rivers edge.
Many of my pieces are of the mountains and the trips which I have taken, so they are very meaningful to me.
My walls are so bare without my art, the husband was very adamant about not having any holes in the walls.
They are naked and stark and beg to host a frame or two.
So, I console myself that soon we will be in our new home...soon...
Adding color where I can, was just one of the many reasons I was so impatient for Fall to arrive.
A golden velvet pumpkin here, a few rosy red apples there aw... the vibrancy, the color.
The texture, design and interest.
I enjoy all the colors of Fall from whites to browns, and of course my orange...you know I
love my orange.
I suppose I love orange because of my childhood-I grew up near the Rocky Mountains in the Upper Snake River Valley, where we had the most glorious, vibrant deep oranges, reds and yellows all along the river bank...sweet memories.
Thank you for joining me today, I enjoyed sharing our Autumn Apartment Retreat with you.
Next year, we will sit on our back porch, watch an armadillo mosey on by or maybe we will even see a deer or two.
But this year we did a Home Tour Apartment style, and I found out some things along the way.
Home is where the heart is.
We are currently living in our third story apartment while our French Country Home is being built. Most of our household goods are in storage, and that has been odd in itself.
But along the journey of creating an Autumn retreat I have discovered something about myself~
Wherever or whatever my home might be - I know that I will be decorating!
So please come on in to our Autumn Retreat.
I have made this Autumn wreath for our front door to welcome you.
This wreath is a repurposed wreath, I make many wreaths and if I can find a way to reuse them I will. Saving a penny here and there is a good thing.
For this wreath I used more subdued Fall tones, with just a pop of color.
Tradition speaks to me when I decorate for the seasons, and even though I enjoy the more gentle tones, I could never ever give up entirely on a adding a whisper of orange.
In our previous home we had a family, and formal living room.
We felt that for our apartment we would need just a few pieces from our family room.
Naturally, I just had to pick up a few accessories along the way...smile.
My daughter Samantha from Crafty Texas Girls joined me in my search for a luxe throw,
and a few accent pillows. Love, love Pier 1.
Love a pillow cover with a zipper too.
You know how it is when you pack, you think you've packed everything that you will need.
Only to discover that you didn't pack the lamp shades that go with the lamps..hum..
Make do shade...
Our apartment is very neutral, so by adding a few accent pieces it enriches our space, and makes it feel more like home - not quite so generic.
I enjoy the earthy essence that a few bundles of wheat bring to a Fall vignette.
I always incorporate wheat into my Fall decor. whether it is a centerpiece on our dining room
table or baskets on the kitchen island.
I found these rustic, wobbly, metal pots at a little eclectic shop, filled them with acorns that I found on my morning walk, then tucked in these mini pumpkins.
I have missed many things from our home that are now packed away.
The china that was my Mother's, keepsakes from the children, my books, and my Art.
These items infuse our home with warmth, memories, and style.
I have collected Art for years, in fact we had an artist rent out the old homestead in the Summers to paint the landscape along the rivers edge.
Many of my pieces are of the mountains and the trips which I have taken, so they are very meaningful to me.
My walls are so bare without my art, the husband was very adamant about not having any holes in the walls.
They are naked and stark and beg to host a frame or two.
So, I console myself that soon we will be in our new home...soon...
Adding color where I can, was just one of the many reasons I was so impatient for Fall to arrive.
A golden velvet pumpkin here, a few rosy red apples there aw... the vibrancy, the color.
The texture, design and interest.
I enjoy all the colors of Fall from whites to browns, and of course my orange...you know I
love my orange.
I suppose I love orange because of my childhood-I grew up near the Rocky Mountains in the Upper Snake River Valley, where we had the most glorious, vibrant deep oranges, reds and yellows all along the river bank...sweet memories.
Incorporating White into Fall has really grown on me.
I am enjoying all of the possibilities, oh those wonderful clean, no fuss lines.
Then pairing those neutrals with color.
Thank you for joining me today, I enjoyed sharing our Autumn Apartment Retreat with you.
Next year, we will sit on our back porch, watch an armadillo mosey on by or maybe we will even see a deer or two.
But this year we did a Home Tour Apartment style, and I found out some things along the way.
Home is where the heart is.
JEMMA my friend! This is the first time I've seen your living space, and wow, you have it all decked out for fall in such an inviting way! And what I can see of your apartment, it looks like a very lovely one, with these granite counter tops? This surely gives you a cozy feeling and place to doll up before the main house goes up! Enjoy the quiet of this season change my dear friend. And I've heard of your daughter's blog and I had NO IDEA that was your daughter! Must skip over there quickly to see her.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and I love your décor! XOXOX
Good Morning My Dear Anita!
DeleteSo good to see you visiting this morning. Our space has been just perfect for my husband and myself for this duration. Just 2 more months, and we will be in our new home and enjoying our special touches here and there.
Yes these are granite counter tops and I have appreciated the upgraded touches throughout, especially in the kitchen because I do love to bake!
Thank you sweetie:)
xoxox
Your home is lovely!
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteThank you for your visit!
Hello Jemma, your fall accents are just lovely. I am sure you can not wait to be sitting outside your new home watching the deer and armadillo. Have a happy Thursday and weekend ahead!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Eileen!
DeleteMy Fall accents and fluffing up the apartment have been so good for my mind, we are the point where enough is enough!
I will be happy to be out of the city and mixing with nature.
Thank you for your thoughtful and kind visit-I really appreciate it.
Happy Weekend to you too.
Love the fall touches you did. And those letters spelling out fall? They are my favorite!
ReplyDeleteChristine,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, we are living very streamlined these days and it has been quite therapeutic!
Although I do miss my "stuff," I found these fun letters at JoAnn's:)
Thanks for stopping by!
Jemma
I do know what you mean by stark walls. It feels like a prison - BUT you do have beautiful decor to go with it. I love what you do with things that seem very little and turn out quite nice. Hope your home is finished soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandie for your visit, we have being living minimalistic and it has been good for us!
DeleteWho would have thought-but it has helped to create a new mind set and I have embraced it.
So very pretty, Jemma! I love the look of the wheat bundles...I'm inspired...thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I love, love my wheat and of course orange:)
DeleteYou've made the apartment into a lovely home already! I really like the fall touches you've placed around your home even though you have so much packed away in storage. Love that front door wreath most of all! You have such a flare for decorating Jemma, and I know your new home is going to be spectacular :)
ReplyDeleteWendy
Hi Wendy!
DeleteIt is a different look for me, isn't ? But you are so, so sweet to always encourage me.
Thank you ever so much!
Your autumn retreat is simply lovely! Love the punches of color! :) Linda
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteThank you, it's a happy little place for the hubby and me!
You've really made the apartment beautiful and comfy while your house is being built. We are in our condo now and I love it. Smaller....easier to take care of and fun to decorate for Fall! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteDiane,
DeleteYou are spot on with enjoying a little smaller and minimalistic space. It is refreshing and inspiring.
xo
Jemma
I think you have done an amazing job of creating a warm, cozy and very inviting "Fall-home" in your temporary space! We've only done the apartment living 2 times in our 46 years of marriage, but I always tried to make them feel like home. I've had friends who just simply camped out in an apartment while they were waiting for a home to be built, and they were so miserable....a few bits & bobs of homeyness would have made such a difference. Your door wreath is beautiful.....I like re-working wreaths and giving them a new look. Why waste all that good stuff? Thank you for sharing your home (temporary or not) with us. I know you must be jumping out of skin to get into your new home, and I am so anxious to see it!
ReplyDeleteGood Afternoon Carol!
DeleteThank you for your kind uplifting message, you know I love to hear from you.
You too understand the joy and satisfaction one receives from decorating their space, no matter how temporary or small! A home is truly a state of mind!
I am jumping and hopping to get into that new home of mine!
Everything looks great! You are a true nester fixing up your temporary home. :)
ReplyDeleteStacey
DeleteI am a nester fixer upper! I am struggling here-I need a permanent home to decorate!
Thanks for you sweet visit, my almost neighbor:)
Lovely... You are an Artist, at making a generic apartment, into an Autumn retreat.
ReplyDeleteAnd I adore your wreath, in opening picture. I've said this before but it needs saying again. Love it.
Tessa
Tessa,
DeleteWhat thoughtful words-and I am so happy you are enjoying the Fall Home Tour!
Jemma, you have turned temporary into a home, for sure! Your place looks fabulous, elegant and cozy. I think my favorite accent is the fall letters...I like that red "a"! ;)
ReplyDeleteKim,
DeleteOf course you love the red "a," my red loving friend who decorates so beautifully!
Thank you for your visit:)
Jemma, you did a FANTASTIC job! Maybe we've shown people that apartments can look just as cozy as any other type home.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Brenda,
DeleteThank you again for organizing this Fall Tour! I have enjoyed it SO much. All of the ladies have shared the very best of their homes and it was so enjoyable to participate!
Thank you for the kind words too:)
A rental home can be quite hard to make it feel like your own, especially when you can't hang things on the walls. But you have managed to make your temporary home look both beautiful and cozy. I love your touches of fall!
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
DeleteI was pretty dissapointed from the beginning knowing that no nails would touch these walls-
but here we are 5 1/2 months later and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks for your sweet words and for stopping by too!
Your 'temporary" space looks so welcoming and homey and I love the Fall touches you have added. The Fall letters are so great! Thanks for letting us tour your apartment and good luck with the building!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and joining in on my apartment tour, it was great to have you and I appreciate these thoughtful words!
DeleteI sure know any place you stay for a while is gonna be beautiful! I love the wreath on your door, the apples, and the cute fall letters. Love it all!
ReplyDeleteCristina,
DeleteThank you , thank you! It has been a fun little project for sure!
Your home looks so pretty with all your fall touches.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Thank you, Kathy!
DeleteYou've inspired so many, I'm sure, in showing that an apartment has no limitations when it comes to decorating. Your touches of fall are lovely...love the wheat, the touches of white..everything is so 'you'. And that wreath! You know I'm jealous of that ;).
ReplyDeletezzz
P. S. Two more months and you'll be in your new home just in time for the holidays! Awesome!
Hello Doreen!
DeleteThere are endless possibilities for us all in decorating whatever space we choose to call home.
It's all attitude, and several shops and a few crafts:)
You know you can add a wreath to your gorgeous cabin!!;)
xo
Jemma
Very pretty! Love all your Fall touches!
ReplyDeleteHi Priscilla,
DeleteThank you for you visit!
I knew if nothing else you'd have a masterpiece of a wreath! :)
ReplyDeleteDeb,
DeleteYou do know me well:)
Beautifully done Jemma! I love the metal pots and wheat, such pretty fall decor!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
Cindy,
DeleteThank you for visiting me today, it was a pleasure to have you drop by!
I love how it all came together. The little touches of orange are perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you, it was a good project and I enjoyed puttering with it all!
DeleteSuch a lovely tour. I have to tell you. I love the kitchen vignette, especially the Welcome Fall and those cute letters. Before you know it, you will be enjoying your new home. xo p.s thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteI just knew this would be your favorite vignette! I am so tickled that you like it.
My prayers and thoughts continue, a Mother's heart is a fragile thing.
xo
Jemma
So, so pretty! I especially love your fall vase vignette! Blessings, Cecilia
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cecilia!
DeleteOh how I do enjoy a good fall decorative display! I have a big bouquet of sunflowers on my table and a collection of velvet and crocheted pumpkins at it's base. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa,
DeleteI can see you enjoying your big gorgeous sunflowers and oh those crocheted pumpkins!
OK, now I'm going to have to run to JoAnn's to buy those letters. I was thinking you had found them while out junkin or something :) I think you did a great job decorating for fall. Can't wait to see your new home!
ReplyDeletePam,
DeleteI was thrilled too, when I happened upon these cute little letters, I 've moved them all about.
Thanks for visiting me today!
Hi Jemma, What a beautiful fall home/apartment tour!! You have given your cozy space such a warm and inviting style. Perfect while you wait for the country french home to be completed. From your gorgeous wreath to your rustic fall letters and everything in between, it says Autumn. Just lovely my friend!! I love your decorating!! You are so very talented.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy and Happy Fall! Hugs, cm
Sweet Texas Friend,
DeleteI appreciate these thoughtful words so much. Thank you for your visit and I am so glad that you enjoyed our Autumn Retreat, now if we would only have Autumn Weather!
The wreath in the first picture is just beautiful; so fall and so adorable. You have certainly made the most of apartment living and decorated it so elegantly. I am so glad you have and continue to make the apartment "homey' for you and your hubby while you wait on your house....Great post.....
ReplyDeleteNancy,
DeleteI just have to make a wreath, or two;) Love my wreaths, my orange and my sweet friends.
I appreciate your visit and thoughtful words today too!
Jemma, everything looks gorgeous and colorful! The touches of fall here and there make such an impact! The wreath is absolutely beautiful!! You did an amazing job in creating it for your front door. I almost bought the black/white stripped deer head print yesterday...I lingered over it for quite a bit...LOL. And your hubby sounds like mine..he did not want me nailing anything on the walls in our rental. Love, love, love those apples in the small pots!! All so wonderful! Hugs to you my sweet friend!!
ReplyDeleteMy Sweet Friend Benita!
DeleteSo,the deer caught both of our eyes-it's a good piece to use throughout Fall and if I tire of the stripes, I can always paint them away! Glad you enjoyed your Fall visit with me today!
Hugs,
jemma
You did a wonderful job of adding a touch of Fall to your surroundings, proving that it doesn't take a lot to create a special feeling. LOVE the wobbly metal containers and the chippy, wood "fall". Your wreath is very welcoming!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting! These wobble tin containers must have come from the real deal as they were filled with dirt!
DeleteHave a lovely weekend and thanks again.
Well, call me impressed, Jemma. You turned that little apartment into a lovely, cozy, space filled with beautiful things and the Fall touches are perfect. Beautifully done, my sweet friend :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
rue
Dear Rue,
Deletewhat a sweetie you are to encourage me in my decorating style. It's been a fun project for sure!
It's beautiful Jemma but then I didn't expect anything less! You have such a knack for making a space cozy and comfy with just the right touch of festive. I am acutely familiar with that husband/ wife conflict of nail holes in the wall lol, course it's even more difficult when the space isn't yours. Soon you'll have your own walls and you can hang your artwork galore! For now enjoy the comfy coziness of your apt as we transition into fall! So very well done Jemna!
ReplyDeleteXo
Linda
Dearest Linda,
DeleteWell I hope you noticed your beautiful white pumpkins on the candle sticks!
We will have our own walls soon and right now I feel like I am going to fill up every empty inch
of wall space with sconces, art and more!
xo
Jemma, you are doing a great job of making the best of your temporary situation. Your apartment looks very cozy and festively dressed for Fall :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Julie!
DeleteLiving in a space temporarily can be tough, I've done it too, but you made your space look so warm and welcoming. Love all the fall touches you added.
ReplyDeleteYour are so correct, it can be tough-I think it is the living in limbo that is challenging.
DeleteI appreciate your kind words too!
Love your furniture, Jemma! You did a great job decorating your apartment. I'll bet you can't wait until your new home is finished. How exciting!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
DeleteThanks so much! I alway tease my husband about our leather chair (Archie Bunker)
I really love it, and by just adding the throw, it gives it more decorative appeal.
How exciting a French Country style home...my favorite! Your Fall touches look so pretty!
ReplyDeleteMartina,
DeleteI know I am SO excited to move into our new home!
Thank you for your visit!
Jemma, everything looks wonderful. I love all the Fall decorations. I especially liked the white ceramic pumpkin, the black and white pumpkin, and the little orange pumpkins, so cute. Your home says "welcome" in every room. : )
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Hi Dear Sheri,
DeleteThank you for your sweet visit and I am glad you felt welcomed, because that is exactly what I was hoping for.
Happy Weekend, sweet friend!
You have the prettiest home---and I say home because that is what you have made. I love everything and it makes me anxious to see your new place! Love your style. Your fall touches are just perfect, very down to earth and cute! And that wreath...I really have to get on the ball and make a meager attempt at trying this! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Jemma!
Jane
Jane,
DeleteThanks for you visit and for enjoying my wreath-I sort of have a wreath addiction!
xo
Jemma
Jemma, whether you are at your daughter's home, or your rented apartment, you always leave your mark, and that is your warm and pretty style of decorating, whatever the weather! The chalkboard and red apple display is delightfully delicious! The little bundles of wheat and cute, mini pumpkins create an autumnal air indoors, and remind us of magical hay stacks and wagon rides. I know how excited you are about your new French Country home, (as are we!), but this autumn retreat you're nestled in now is charmingly cozy; thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Hugs,
Poppy
Poppy,
DeleteMy dear friend, how are you? So great to see you here today and you know I always enjoy your melodic words and inspiration.
I am truly delighted that your enjoyed your visit and my chalkboard and apple vignette!
Hugs,
Jemma
It is all lovely, but I especially like the wreath!
ReplyDeleteThank you Karla!
DeleteI too love a "whisper of orange", Jemma, maybe mine can be more of a shout though!
ReplyDeleteI knew you would make your temporary nest a seasonal joy, and why not indulge in that luxurious throw that must be so wonderful to snuggle in, and will be gorgeous in your new home. That will come, I almost said sooner than you'd think but no, that's probably not true. But it will be amazing when it does come, Jemma, and then next autumn will come sooner than you ever imagined!
Dewena
Jemma your home is just beautiful and I love the way you have it all decorated for Fall... Thank you for sharing at Share it One More Time
ReplyDeleteJemma, it's lovely in every way! I understand the frustration of not having your art available or some of your favorite family things that are packed away but I think you've done a magnificent job of making your apartment warm, charming and welcoming and truly reflecting fall! What a wonderful visit!
ReplyDelete