If Autumn had a cover-girl, it would have to be my friend Lori. From her sassy red hair to her polished orange manicure, she crackles with fall style. (You can read more about her journey here.)
At this point in life, when many are slowing down, Lori is still revved up and running a fabulous decorating business.
She’s got a great eye and is a whiz at helping clients “freshen” the look of their homes with a few simple suggestions.
Her Favorite Spots At Home
Lori’s personal décor style is “casual traditional.” I couldn’t nail her down on one favorite corner in her home—she says, “I love every corner!”—but she did narrow it down to three.
“I really love my quiet time corner. I have a comfy rocking chair with ottoman, a side table to set my coffee on, and a cute little basket filled with my Bible, notepad, and pens. And we can’t forget Kleenex because I usually end up crying at some point.”
She styled the area with a linen lumbar pillow and lightweight textured throw. When the temperature cools, she’ll add a warmer throw and change out the linen pillow for a heavier weight pillow in a deep orange color.
#2
Her second favorite corner is on her patio. When the weather’s nice, she carries her quiet time basket with her to enjoy devotional and prayer time where she can enjoy the birds singing and the hummingbirds buzzing.
#3
She recently created a new little corner in her den which immediately became Favorite Corner #3.
She pulled a round table into the corner, added two linen chairs, and a cute little lamp. She and hubby Jeff eat dinner there and play games or work a puzzle.
Trends and Tips
Lori loves the some of the trends for Fall 2021 because they’re right up her red-headed alley. Here are a few of the trends she’s identified:
- Warm tones—think shades of autumn, like rusty deep blush and dark greens for walls or accessories. Lori’s incorporated a tapestry pillow that has deep shades of rust and cream and
- Warm wood finishes for kitchen cabinets. White is always in style, but warm wood-toned cabinets are making an appearance. You may also notice deep green or deep dark blue for islands.
- White walls are taking a back seat for a bit and a warmer white is moving to the front.
- Textures in fabric—woven nubby cottons/linens or chunky knits on pillows and throws, like the soft, chunky knit throw in a deep green that she draped at the foot of their bed. Suede and leathers make inviting textures, too.
- Faux fur is still around this season for pillows and throws.
- Rattan and caning is everywhere—baskets, furniture, and mirrors to name a few.
- Large statement branches in rustic vases. Lori incorporated rust and deep red and orange branches in a large handsome vase. Such a warm, inviting foyer space.
- Refined unlacquered brass is the “it” metal.
- Black accents like black candlesticks or black frames. Or, something like the chest Lori’s styled in their foyer.
Pro Tips:
- Use tonal neutrals to help ground your space.
- Peruse your yard to see what you can trim off your trees. But if you need to go to your neighbor’s yard to “prune,” maybe go during the night.
- While brass is big, Lori cautions against using it for every metal in your home.
- It’s all about the mix not the match, she says. When it comes to metal finishes, her rule of thumb is no more than two metals in a room. For instance, you could use the brass (not the ‘90’s brass, please) on the large faucet in the kitchen and then black metal for knobs and light fixtures. Or use the warm brass on light fixtures then black metal for the faucet and cabinet knobs/handles.
- Use pops of black with your neutrals.
Here’s my takeaway…Check out the neighbor’s yard. I know. I don’t think that was Lori’s intent. Still.
Follow Lori on Instagram at this link.
Check out her blog here.
Cathy Hancock
“Autumn’s cover girl”, perfect description! That’s our sweet Lori!!
Tracey Buchanan
She’s a winner!
Judy Vance
Love her style & envy her talent!❤️👏👏
Tracey Buchanan
She’s got both for sure!