Seasoning

your home

It’s all about adding those small touches to your home every season...that makes all the difference. It’s called “Seasoning”

Here’s how and when to do it…and some of the best finds to help you affordably decorate for every season

Enjoy and Have Fun!

Here’s How To Season

1

The first step is to begin with a neutral, non-seasonal foundation.

That means the core, more expensive, permanent items in your rooms don’t “fight” the less expensive, non-essential seasonal pieces you layer on and take away throughout the year. This is specific to:

Living Room/Family Room/Great Room/Hallways Furniture, large area rugs, lamps and light fixtures, shelving, storage pieces, and window coverings, wall decor
Kitchen/Dining Dining furniture, countertops, window coverings, shelving and storage, large area rugs, wall decor
Bedroom Bed frames, chests and storage, dressers, chairs, lamps and light fixtures, large area rugs, window coverings, and wall decor
Bathroom Countertops, light fixtures, bath furniture and window coverings, shower curtain, and wall decor

2

Next, plan your seasoning calendar. Consider questions like “How many times a year do I want to change out the look & feel of my space? And which spaces do I want to change? All of them—living/family room, dining, bedrooms, baths—or just key spaces?

Now think about time periods, the look of a period, and layers you want to decorate with during those periods. This is a more “extreme” example…but my seasoning at one point looked like this:

Winter January 1st to Mid-February. The overall look reflects the lack of color (inspired by winter) and a “pallet cleanser” from the holiday. Winter whites and shades of beige and brown. The seasonal layer begins in late January with the addition of Valentine’s celebration shades of red and pink.
Spring One Mid-February to Easter. The overall look reflects the greens, yellows, and early colors of spring. Shades of green and hints of yellow are present. The seasonal layer is that of bunnies, chicks, and Easter eggs ready for the holiday.
Spring Two Easter to Mid-June. Overall the pallet becomes more vibrant with brightening yellows, pinks, blues, and greens. Seasonal layer reflects the fun and festivities of the coming summer.
Summer Mid-June to End August. The brightest point of the year with vibrant greens, oranges, blues, reds and yellows. Seasonal layer celebrates the red, white and blue traditions of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
Fall One Labor Day to Halloween. The pallet changes to reflect the deep purples, dark oranges, rust, golden yellows, browns, and rich, dark greens of the harvest season. The seasonal layer during September is a simple assortment of sunflowers, gourds, pumpkins, and wheat—which transitions in early October to Halloween jack-o-lanterns and scary Halloween icons decor.
Holiday November through December. The room base color pallet transforms to holiday hues that could include various shades of red and green and/or celebratory hues like gold, silver, and shades of blue. Of course, this time of year means Christmas or Hannukah decorations layered into your rooms.

3

Now it’s time to pick the most effective places to season your room.

Living Room: Change existing solid color throw pillow covers to solid colors that reflect the season. Add smaller season-specific throw pillows. Change out candles, candle holders, vases, botanicals, bowls and fillers, small objects, coasters, throws, scented wall plugs, and even accent books.
Kitchen/Dining: In the kitchen, you may replace some countertop accessories—like a ceramic pitcher that holds kitchen utensils, a stack of decorative bowls, a cookie jar, a stack of measuring cups, or a small display of mugs. Also, change out “soft” kitchen items like hand towels, tea towels, hot pads or gloves, and small appliance covers. Even refrigerator magnet decorations. For dining, change out placemats, fabric napkins, centerpieces, and your tablecloth or runner. Plus, consider using season-specific colored ceramic mugs—that compliment your everyday table and serveware.
Bedroom: Change out sheets and duvet or coverlet, throw pillows, throws, plus the same accessory pieces listed for the living room.
Bathroom: Towels with color(s) of the season are an excellent way to update the bath along with countertop accessories like the soap pump(s) toothbrush holder or soap dish. Any small vases or bowels with botanicals or filler can also be updated. Finally, change out any fragrance accessories like wall plugs or candles.