'The Great Outdoors, Indoors'

Bring the outdoors, in

Find inspiration in the changing colors of the leaves and rediscover your love for the great outdoors by incorporating materials, finishes and fabrics into your home. This fall, find earthy influences in wood, wicker, faux fur, and colors like gold and brown.

All natural

Fauna print pillow in a neutral green

Color is what sets the mood; what actually creates the impression that you have just walked into an indoor forest. Look for nature-inspired prints such as botanicals and fauna-themed toile. Textures like jacquard or stripes in earthy shades of ochre, amber and sky blue can be found in the form of pillows, slipcovers and blackout curtains.

Think soft English garden-style with green leaf print pillows or hunting lodge with a faux fur pillow in chinchilla. Or if you’d like to calm it down it bit, opt for colors like terracotta, sand, gray or taupe. Do note: Green is the most versatile because it naturally blends with cool hues in the same way as it does dark or warm-tones.

Fully furnished

Faux rabbit rug adds texture to flooring

Look for furniture that can enhance the earthy tones and textures such as those made of wicker, wood, stone and copper. Chairs, ceiling fans, bowls, baskets and coffee tables made of natural materials have that old-fashioned charm that cannot be found in plastic and synthetics.

Pay special attention to your flooring and how you might be able to enhance the outdoorsy décor with area rugs. A floor rug like this rabbit faux fur rug is an unexpected choice, but ties in with the textures and colors of the elements around it. If you already have your floors carpeted, use the fur rug as a centerpiece underneath your coffee table to draw attention.

Wicker, for example, is returning to the décor forefront since its simplicity and lightness make it able to adapt to any room and move if need be. While stone is undoubtedly heavier, it is also sturdier and lasts for some time. Copper and wrought iron in the form of headboards and railing are particularly popular because its curlicue patterns are feminine and elegant.

Light it up

A little candlelight is always a good choice

When it comes to lighting your outdoorsy-inspired abode, remember to stay as neutral and as natural as possible. Sunlight during the day and candlelight at night is by far the most relaxing and environment-friendly. But if you must incorporate decorative lamps, search for those with the following qualities: tree-like shapes, made of wrought-iron, with earth-toned lampshades, wooden beads, or with stone bases.

S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of elitechoice.org; decorinnovation.com

'More Deals and Steals cont.'

Some more deals and steals to make it your way:

These two pieces can be found at Décor Innovation.

Save $9.00

Eat, drink and be merry. Isn’t that what the holidays are about? But you can’t go to a holiday party empty-handed. Yes, do bring some wine and chocolates and other essential goodies. And do bring a set of these holiday-themed, wine stoppers.

Coming in sets of two ($15.99) and in colorful shapes like Santa Claus and a dancing snowman, each is hand-made in the unique glass blowing tradition. To be used for future wine-popping, your hosts will not only be impressed by your attention to detail, but be delighted by the small trinkets. And hey, few gifts show that wasting alcohol is not one of your weaknesses.

Save $5.00

There are those who like me, are visual. Others are drawn to sounds, taste and touch. Then there are those that rely on their noses.

Incense, scented creams and sprays, and candles (scented or not) are all known for their healing and meditative powers. In fact, more and more people each year choose products known for their therapeutic effects in an effort to achieve a healthier and happier well-being.

Did you know that white candles symbolize purity, power and hope? While it burns and rids the area of all negativity, so they say, the space in which it burns is cleansed and healing can begin.

What I love about this five-piece, white candle ($29.99) set is that it also comes with its own wooden holder and polished stones. The five candles consist of four pillar-shaped candles in varying heights and a sphere-shaped candle. For all you candle-lovers out there, a lot of times these pieces are sold separately.

FYI: The more you spend at Décor Innovation, the more you save. For every $100 purchase you get $5 off; for $150 or more you get $10 off, and so forth.

What are you waiting for?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of Decor Innovation