Every season has it’s share of awesomeness, but I think that Fall is probably my favorite. Cooler weather and local harvests make Fall a great time to bake, dust off that trusty crockpot, and swap out summer attire for warmer alternatives. While you’re at it, this change of wardrobe also creates a perfect opportunity to bring order to rebellious closet.

But before the tidal wave of Pumpkin Spice this-or-that carries you right into Christmas, here are 3 things you may not have considered for Fall:

Energy audit - now is a great time to have a professional evaluate the efficiency of your home and make suggestions to help you save money.

Chimney/heat maintenance - be sure to have your heating system properly cleaned and serviced before temperatures drop too low.

Homework zone - help support your kids with an appropriate space for them to study and focus. Light, color, furniture, and noise should all be considered.

Take a walk - “Leaf Peepers” come from far and wide to appreciate the beauty we call home. It’s astounding to me how infrequently people actually get out in nature to enjoy it.

That’s it for now! Happy Fall to one and all

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Once upon a time, outdoor furniture looked like this…

this…

and this…

Jump ahead to summer circa 2015, the options for outdoor awesomeness are virtually endless.

Here a few of my favorite finds this year.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Wondering what’s on trend for this year? Let me introduce you to Marsala, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2015. Marsala is a deep, earthy red that is sure to please. Not only is this color gorgeous with a variety of skin tones, making it an instant sensation in beauty and fashion, but a rich, sophisticated color that will add warmth and elegance to any home or interior. Unlike other trending colors of the past (sorry Orchid 18-3224, you just didn’t cut it for me…), Marsala is an easy-to-live-with trend that is sure to become a classic.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Depending on the size of the home, some families may have both a living room and a family room. For others, these terms may be interchangeable. I consider living rooms to be more mature, slightly more formal in nature, whereas family rooms are kid-friendly and casual.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: comfortable seating, appropriate materials, and extra pillows or blankets for snuggly moments. Carefully consider what activities this room must accommodate as well. For example, include a side table and lamp for reading, flexible furniture arrangement for morning yoga or family dance party, and storage for board games/movies/books/etc.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Next on our merry tour of wonderful spaces, the dining room. Often reserved for more formal occasions, I would love to see this room evolve into a functional medley of sorts. For example, large tables work exceptionally well for puzzle making, crafting, homework, gift-wrapping, and more. A word of caution: be tidy and organized - you don’t want this to become the largest catch-all in your home.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: storage for specialty dinnerware/ linens/candlesticks/etc., layers of (dimmable) light can help create the right mood, and be mindful of chair movement and table proportions when selecting an area rug.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Beg your pardon while I pause to peruse these pictures of pleasant pantries

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I’ve been wrestling with writers block for months. So rather than write, let’s explore some fantastic spaces, room by room.

Our adventure begins with what is typically the primary entrance to the home - the mudroom.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: durable/easy to clean surfaces, oodles of storage, and a strategy to stay organized. I like a variety of open (shelves or cubbies) and closed storage (i.e. drawers, cabinets or closets) for easy to access items and the flexibility to hide my mess.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

I recently added “The King’s Speech” to my collection of DVD’s. It has been a few years since I first saw the movie, and I had forgotten just how good it was. Once again, my favorite character of the film was the Therapy Room. Here is a link to my original post on this one of a kind space. (I apologize my links’ are not linking neatly as of late).

(http://www.lavenderlotusdesign.com/content/2011/08/14/i-have-a-confession)

Yes Treehouse Masters, I’m talking to you. If you haven’t already caught an episode, Treehouse Masters is a fantastic fun show on Animal Planet. With new episodes airing Friday nights at 10pm E/P, you can often catch earlier episodes running back to back during the week.

For someone with a passion for design/architecture as well as a profound connection to Mother Nature, this show is beyond entertaining. The cast/crew may be loveable and a bit quirky, but the true star are the magical treehouses themselves. I particularly love how each is unique from the rest and situated so perfectly among the trees.

But you don’t have to take my word for it - just see for yourself.

(http://www.nelsontreehouseandsupply.com/index.html)

It’s official! I am a married woman.

A full week has passed since the big day. I feel like my first post deserves to be monumental, detailed, beautiful and eloquent, but I’m still trying to absorb it all. These thoughts and images may be short and simple, they are sweet nonetheless.

Smiles down the aisle.

Beautiful blue skies (despite a 68% chance of rain).

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Unbelievably joyfully, blissfully, magically happy.

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PLENTY more pictures are still on their way, not to mention DIY details, tips, tricks, and lots of kudos. Be sure to stay tuned! In the meantime, head over to Facebook and LIKE Forster’s Wedding and Events as well as Christine Tilley Photography .