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Discover simple home decor ideas, style tips, and seasonal inspiration through The Curated Life…your guide to living beautifully every day.
Welcome back to The Curated Life…a midweek pause filled with simple ideas, seasonal beauty, and little things that make everyday life feel more intentional. Whether you stop by every week or this is your first time, I’m truly glad you’re here.
This space is where I gather the things that don’t always make it into a full blog post, but still feel worth sharing. You’ll find home inspiration, recipes from my own kitchen, thoughtful tips for living well, and whatever else has been on my mind lately. So grab a comfy spot, and let’s take a look at what’s inside this week.
1.) A Simpler Way
This year, I’m challenging myself to decorate for fall using only what I already own. There are bins in my basement filled with plenty of faux florals, pumpkins, greenery, pillow covers, and cozy throw blankets…more than enough to work with. Instead of buying new pieces, I’m going to focus on finding fresh ways to style the things I’ve collected over the years. My goal is to celebrate autumn for free, and while I’m not sure I’ll make it the whole season without purchasing something new, I’m going to give it my best shot. (Full disclosure: I bought a layering rug for under the front doormat before I even decided to start this challenge!)
The key will be using familiar pieces in unexpected ways. For example, I have a beautiful fall wreath that hung on our front door last year, and this season I plan to add cotton bolls and a few extra faux florals to give it new life. There are dried gourds and faux pumpkins I can sprinkle around our living area. My dough bowl may make an appearance, and pillow covers will be swapped between rooms to give each space a fresh feel. Even something as simple as changing a piece of art for a print with warm autumn colors, can create a whole new look. It’s a fun way to stretch my creativity, and as always, I’ll take you along for the ride.
I did buy two things, although they aren’t just for fall decorating. A while back, I mentioned that I had my eye on a new upholstered ottoman to replace our coffee table. The one I loved was way out of my budget, but after some searching, I found a nearly identical option for a fraction of the price. It arrived recently, and I absolutely love it. I’ve topped it with a round wood tray, and I’m excited to style it for autumn…and for every season after that.
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2.) Words Worth Sharing
“Life is a journey and we each travel our own path. No one is ahead or behind. We’re all on our own unique timeline. So trust the process and celebrate every step you take.”
~Jennifer Wagner
3.) Magazine-Worthy Made Simple
In this segment of The Curated Life, I share a home tour, renovation, or makeover and pull out a few takeaways you can easily adapt for your own space. This week, take a look at this charming Greenville bungalow…it’s cozy, timeless, and completely approachable. Once you’ve explored the tour, come back here for a few simple ways to bring the look home.
How to Get the Look
- Low seating that maintains sightlines: the small, low chairs in front of the bookshelves provide seating without blocking the view of the built-ins. At home, try stools or compact chairs that tuck neatly in front of a wall unit.
- Budget-friendly vertical beadboard: the beadboard backsplash continues up the wall for a seamless, polished look, and it’s an affordable way to add texture. Consider beadboard planks or beadboard wallpaper in your own kitchen or mudroom.
- Define an entry without walls: even without a formal foyer, you can create one with furniture placement. In the tour, a sofa is floated in the center of the room so the space behind it becomes a natural entry area. At home, use a console behind a sofa or other strategic placement to create flow and define the space.
4.) The Follow-Up File
Last week when I shared a picture of the pitcher and bowl on the chest in our foyer, I got several questions about the blueberries cascading out of the pitcher. I found them last winter online, but since they were a bit pricey, I asked for two garlands for my birthday. As soon as I got them, I wanted more, but they were already sold out. Well…they are back in stock! The only way to get the flowy look is to use one or two vines, however you can supplement with less expensive blueberry stems. Pictured above is a tall narrow pitcher with one garland and two stems. The picture I shared last week included two garlands and three stems.
5.) THINGS WORTH MENTIONING
- Before anything else, I want to say thank you for all the kind words and encouragement you’ve shared about The Curated Life. Your support means so much, and it’s been wonderful to hear that so many of you are enjoying this new chapter. Knowing you’re with me as I pivot my business in a slightly different direction makes the process feel even more exciting…and a lot less daunting.
- What’s ahead on Sunday: I’ve raided the bins in our basement and put together some easy and festive autumn vignettes. All new, and coming to A Sunday Well Spent.
- What you might have missed: I shared a brand new recipe for an Autumn romaine lettuce salad, 10 fall planter ideas, and the OSP ultimate guide to autumn. I spent hours and hours updating and reworking this post, and I can guarantee that there is something for everyone!
- The viral Walmart sweatshirts are back for fall…this time with new colors. I’m not kidding when I say I wear one almost every day from September through May. They’re that good. I recently picked up the olive oak color, and it’s absolutely perfect for the season. (If your size is sold out online, check your local store.)
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I’m loving your new format.
I love autumn and look forward to doing a but if decorating for it but like you, I hope not to add anything new to my decorations from now on. I am at the stage of life where I try not to add to what I own, and to use up what I have. I am conscious now of the prospect of downsizing to a smaller home or condo one day.
Dear Ann,
I just wanted to let you know that I have been really enjoying your new newsletters, and most especially your adorable watercolor artwork! What a gift you have. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Ann, I absolutely adore your blog! So many fresh ideas…
I love the look of those watercolor pictures especially the one of you holding the basket of sunflowers. Is there a special program you use that gives you that effect? Is it easy to use? I’m not a very tech savvy person.
Love, love your new art…you have always offered a peaceful and quiet place to be. Thank you.
I really enjoyed the fall planters post. You’ve had many wonderful fall planters over the years!! I only have one tote of fall decor..but I have a small walk in closet filled with Xmas stuff, my favourite season to decorate. But I do love the warm earthy colours of fall & the changing leaves.
Hi Ann, it’s like you read my mind. My husband and I recently moved from a 3,000 sq ft house to an 1,800 sq ft house. Oh the purging I have done. LOL. I have 5 bins of fall stuff. Why? Cause I’m a collector when I see a beautiful piece. I have vowed NOT to buy anything new for fall. It’s very hard. I love your new posts and am so happy you are taking time for yourself and enjoying life. Thank you for the wonderful ideas and encouragement for others.
Enjoy every day, take deep breaths and always take time for yourself.
Dee
I love your new format! You are always spot on with new, simple ideas. Thank you!
I love this format so much! A quick read and viewing and then I’m back to it! I love that you are very budget conscious and try to use what you already own. So smart and frugal! Be blessed!
This post is always interesting. I love the blueberries especially. Still to hot here for fall but I’m thinking about it!
Good morning, Ann! 🌻
You’re a very talented artist and I had to tell you that the new drawing of you and your precious pooch brought a smile to my face over my morning cup of tea. Bless you for always being a bright spot in my day and spreading joy with us.
Ann, I am really enjoying The Curated Life!! Always with simple, fresh ideas in an easy format. I’m going to order the blueberry stems from Amazon — thank you for the link! Enjoy your day!!
I absolutely love your new ‘business chapter’ It’s so calming and simple and everyday life Thank you
Meggie
Thank you. I am not quite ready to transition to fall but but when I am your ideas will be wonderful. God bless
Ann, I love your Curated Life series. It’s full of creative ideas that are not out of reach for us (me). Your home is charming and your ideas help us see what is possible without breaking the bank. Your talents are worth their weight in gold! Thanks so much! 😊
Ann,
I found you many ideas back and you have literally become part of my routine for relaxation. Now with your new approach to OSP, I am still here, still enjoying and still looking forward to each new offering. Blessings to you for making life simpler, relaxing and down right enjoyable.
Love the new “you” blog! Refreshing, enlightening and informative!
I just purchased the Walmart Sweatshirt, arrives tomorrow 🙂
I love the new painted pictures of you!
I adore the new graphic of you!!! That home in Greenville SC is located about 30 miles from where I grew up. The entire city has undergone an incredible revitalization. Love the brighter version of the home that you featured. By the way, we lost our sweet Lucy recently.