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Fall Decorating Ideas: 12 Tips for Adding Fall Color to the Living Room

ByLory Bernstein September 27November 12

In this post: Looking for fall decorating ideas to warm up your living spaces? Here are 12 tips for adding fall color to the living room.⇒

One of the things I most love about fall is the warm feeling it brings to the home.

The mere mention of fall brings a plethora of sensory delights to mind, like the sound of walking through crisp leaves, the taste of butternut squash soup, the cozy feeling of chunky knit sweaters and the aroma of pumpkin spice everything.

From plush textured fabrics to traditional autumnal imagery, fall is a season that’s hard to ignore.

Fall Decorating Ideas

But above all else, the season is most known for its own unique color palette, a cacophony of rich tones on the warm side of the color wheel, that are rarely used together in this way at any other time of year.

While I generally start my seasonal decorating in very neutral colors, as the season progresses I enjoy adding in richer tones.

Here are 12 tips for adding fall color to the living room.

1. Red Wine and Golden Goblets

A fresh way to decorate is to expand your thinking beyond traditional decor. Fall is a wonderful season to use food and drink in your vignettes. For this harvest season try sprinkling in vineyard imagery, from clusters of grapes to a vibrant bottle of wine. Amber goblets can be a lovely complement to the dark elixir.

2. Copper Urns

The quintessential component in a fall palette, I’ve been enjoying the versatility of copper for quite some time. When paired with neutrals it adds a subtle gleam, but when mixed with deeper colors, its own red undertones can really be appreciated.

3. Fall Floral

Hydrangea and eucalyptus work beautifully here, and they both dry well once the arrangement fades. Or add more color with deep burgundies, golden blooms and hints of fiery orange.

4. Vignette on the Sideboard

I do fall vignettes throughout my home, and each one offers the opportunity for a new mix of objects. Here the presentation is topped with a gilded cherub, a way to personalize the more traditional items.

5. Assortment of Colorful Pumpkins

Of course you can go with classic orange, but the more interesting pumpkins in both shape and color can be found at farm stands in pale warm colors. I’m a big fan of heirloom pumpkins and scatter them about all over the house.

6. Velvet Pumpkins

The perfect marriage of two fall classics, the lushness of velvet and the ubiquity of pumpkins, what could be more appropriate than velvet pumpkins? They come in all colors and sizes and can really define your fall decor, as the colors you mix tell a story all your own.

7. Dried Mini Roses

These flowers dry beautifully and add a lovely touch to any arrangement. Here I have them spilling from a teacup, but I really can’t get enough of these and use them all over.

8. White Craft Pumpkins

I love adding these fun little bits to an oversized bowl and tucking them into obscure little corners. You call also use real baby boos, but they’re not available all season and will eventually turn brown. A good quality craft pumpkin can be a beautiful work of art.

9. Hay Stalks in Copper Jug

Another classic fall image is that of hay bales and stalks. The stalks look wonderful mixed with a copper vessel, which contrasts the dry texture nicely with its warm gleam. Wheat stalks work as well, imparting the same flavor.

10. Cup of Tea with a Book

I’m always happy to display my teacups, but what better opportunity than relaxing with a book and a cup of tea? A steaming cup of tea says fall to me and it also suggests a note of tranquility.

Pumpkin spice anyone?

11. Pears and Herbed Goat Cheese

To complete the fall vignette, some cheese and fruit is perfect for this setting. Grapes also denote autumn, as do artichokes and plums. Add pomegranates or even apples. It is harvest time, after all.

12. Fur Throw

A toasty faux fur throw is a wonderful item to drape over a chair, or to wrap yourself up in on a chilly evening. Animal print and tweeds, along with other weighty textiles, forecast the quest for warmth that this season initiates.

There are innumerable ways to add fall color to your home, but my favorites are the ones that celebrate the snug and homey intimacy of the season.

Resource Guide

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71 Comments

Cynthia Weber Design says:

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Such lovely photos filled with Fall inspiration! Just beautiful!!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thank so much, Cynthia! It’s such a delightful season to decorate for, isn’t it?
  
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Shirley@ Housepitality Designs says:

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Great tips Lory which lend to great Fall decor in that most gorgeous room!!! Happy Fall!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Shirley!
  
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Kim says:

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Those are all great ideas for adding fall touches in the home.

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Kim and thanks for stopping by! I seemed to have trouble with my links but got them all fixed and have yesterday’s added in now too… 🙂
  
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Nancy @ Slightly Coastal says:

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I love all of these tips! Everything looks so beautiful.

Nancy

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thank you, Nancy!
  
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[email protected] Bleu Interiors says:

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Lory, everything looks beautiful! Such wonderful Fall inspirations!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Shannon!! Glad you stopped by… 🙂
  
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Janet says:

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The loveliest and most romantic of fall touches!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Janet! Always aiming for the romance… 🙂
  
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Maryann says:

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Thanks for all the great tips. I am gonna start right now to bring the fall into my home. Thanks for all your inspiration!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Maryann! Yes, no time like the present… 😉
  
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Joy B says:

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Lovely fall touches. I especially like the velvet pumpkins, I need to make some of those. Here’s the link (I hope) to my pin. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/192388215311921494/

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Joy! And yes, your link works… 🙂
  
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Sandy says:

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I love your fall decor and your space is gorgeous! So refreshing not to see everything in white! I love your couch! Where is it from? Love the color and texture of it and the warm wood tones in your furniture. I love the animal print pillows too. Going now to check out your Instagram feed!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Sandy! Yes, I do enjoy the whites, but I seem to need color for my own home… 🙂 Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy the Insta feed!! I do post there every day…
  
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2. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Forgot to answer your question… the couch is from Ethan Allen… 🙂
  
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Laura says:

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So peaceful and pretty. I always love the ‘non-orange’ pumpkins and the velvet ones too.

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Laura! Yes, the velvet pumpkins seem to be my new crush this year! Can’t get enough of them and I love the range of colors they come in!!
  
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bobbi duncan says:

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Oh, so elegant, and love the velvet pumpkins!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Bobbi! I’ve got tons more on the way… 😉
  
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[email protected] says:

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So lovely, your home is both elegant and welcoming! I am sure that coming to visit you is always a delight Lory. Your tips are fabulous.

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thank you so much, Lidy! I’ve been a fan of your blog for a long time, so hearing this from you is especially meaningful… 🙂 Thanks so much for all of your work with this tour!! I’m delighted to be a part of it!
  
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Kristy says:

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I really loved all your tips. Your home looks so beautiful and I like how you selected fall decor that worked with your homes color palatte! So beautiful!!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Kristy! I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of working seasonal decor into a palette I enjoy… 🙂 I see you did the same!
  
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Janet says:

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I love your elegant and sophisticated living room. Soft fall touches that give your room warmth and coziness.

Thank you for the inspiration.

Janet
rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Aw, thanks Janet! And thanks for visiting!!
  
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Julie says:

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You have a beautiful and sophisticated style! Thank you for sharing! ~julie

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thank you so much, Julie!
  
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livviua says:

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/130111876714388847/ pinned. I would love to try these with some projects of my own.

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks and good luck!!
  
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Heather says:

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I love all of your decor Lory! Your home is so inviting and elegant! I love all of your tips and soft colors for fall! Pinned 🙂 xo Heather

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Heather!
  
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Toni says:

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I love the way you blend the soft and subtle with Fall touches. Can you tell me where you got the leopard print pillows on your sofa……I love those. Toni

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Toni! Yes, I was planning to add the links into the post when I got a moment. Will see if I can find the info on the pillow and add it now. Thanks for visiting!!
  
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  1. Toni says:
    
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    Didn’t see it yet.
    
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    1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
      
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      Ooops, sorry, it’s there now… 🙂
      
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Yvonne @ StoneGable says:

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Absolutely gorgeous Lory! Your soft colors and fall are magic together! You have such an elegant home.

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Yvonne!!
  
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Tracy says:

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Love the pink, cream, and green for fall…soft, but still warm. I just decorated today, using red, yellow, and orange, my favorite colors. In future, I am thinking of a softer palette. My upholstery is neutral, so I have flexibility. I pinned the paint product to my paint board (eventide username), but no idea how to get link. Sorry…tech newbie.

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Tracy! Sounds like your color palette is very pretty, but if you just go softer, you’ll have your signature look but with a more gentle feel to it. And yes, neutral upholstery makes everything easier, so you can change your look by simply rotating accessories.
  
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Heidi says:

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I have pinned to one of my boards, not clever enough to link it! Also followed you on pinterest, I am subscribed too, but love your inspirational table scapes so I wont miss a thing now! Thank you for the posts and your great detailing!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Aw, thanks so much, Heidi, for your kind words and for following!!
  
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Lisa Brown says:

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love all the pictures, so festive
pinned https://www.pinterest.com/pin/277675133255078447/
thanks for the chance!
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks and good luck… 🙂
  
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Della says:

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I did it! I pinned in on Pintrest on DIY. Love the fall ideas and especially love, love the velvet pumpkins! Thanks for sharing.

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks and good luck with your entry!!
  
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Cindy says:

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Such pretty inspiration and I am a big fan of velvet pumpkins. My are on the softer side as all my fall touches.

Cindy

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Cindy! And thanks for visiting!!
  
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girlfromwva says:

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pinned to my Pinterest PIN TO WIN board.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/86342517836229117/
LOVE all the 12 tips for adding fall color; especially the velvet pumpkins.

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much!! Yes, more velvet pumpkins coming soon!!
  
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michele says:

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What a lovely home; thanks for sharing. ‘Have pinned the paint saver!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thank you so much, Michele! And good luck… 🙂
  
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Kelly says:

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Lory – absolutely stunning. My pinning finger is worn out going thru your post. I wanted to save & savior every image. Love having you with us on bHome & the tour!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Kelly! I’m delighted to be on the tour as well! And thanks for the pins… 🙂 I’ve been pinning away too from all of the posts. What a pleasure to have some new things to pin!
  
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Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says:

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Great tips and beautiful images Lory. Pinning now!!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thank you, Kerryanne!
  
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Gay N. says:

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Love your posts. I pinned The Paint Saint post!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Gay!!
  
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Jaybird says:

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Absolutely beautiful room!!! I need a boost for fall, and I think your ideas have given me just the help that I need.
I have nowhere to “pin” anything, but I would love to be entered into the drawing.
Many thanks, and blessings to you,
J

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks you so much for your kind words and for stopping by!!
  
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Christy @Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says:

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Your home is so elegant, Lory! Loving the copper, velvet pumpkins and miniature roses! XO

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Christy!
  
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Yvonne @ StoneGable says:

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Lory, your home is so elegant and filled with so many lovely touches for fall. I think those pumpkins on the floor next to your sofa looks amazing!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks so much, Yvonne!!
  
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JAN JUSTICE says:

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I’m loving the white slip covered sofa in the living room picture. Wondering the brand of sofa and if you all had it professionally upholstered or are those slip covers. I want it! I love it! I need it!

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1. Lory at Designthusiasm says:
  
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  Thanks, Jan! It’s from Ethan Allen and it’s upholstered, not slip covered.
  
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Eileen says:

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As usual, lovely ideas for inspiration. Thanks so much.

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Barbara at Mantel and Table says:

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All fabulous ideas Lory! I’m ready to go get some wine, goat cheese and pears, and settle down with a cup of tea and a good book by the fire! 🙂 Happy Fall!

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