Okay…Let’s get this tour started!
As many of you know, 2 months ago we moved from our big, country house and are renting a small, city “apartment-ish”. So, getting a fall tour of my home has been a challenge because there are only a few rooms completely put away and welcoming. And frankly, there are only a few rooms :). So, welcome to my new apartment (minus bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen)…
We live on the 2nd and 3rd floors of a historic boarding house in a historic town in MN. We are blessed to have the formal entrance of this historic home as our own private entrance, along with the little front porch. Baskets, pumpkins, mums, and field corn are piled about under the porch roof. Surely something will make you feel welcome in that mess of fall goodness? I wish I could have pictures that were a bit more…straight?…but alas, it’s difficult with such a tiny space!
Nate had bought me the big, fabulous yellow mums right when they were first available. I love yellow. You’ll see :) I added a sweet little scarecrow to the mums. The pumpkin has Washi Tape stripes and a thumbtack monogram, very easy to do! The pumpkin and mums look great against the old vine, don’t you think?
I dipped the basket in white and added an orange stripe for a candy corn look. The pumpkin on top lights up (which would be great if this old house had any outdoor electric outlets!) as does the little Precious Moments girl, a gift from my children a few years past. I passed on a traditional fall wreath and instead strung up 3 wreaths and 3 pinecones in a sort of mobile. A much cheaper option and I feel…more whimsical.
For another happy, smiling touch I added foam pumpkins to a plastic flag pennant. It’s a wee bit tacky, but in a terribly wonderful way…don’t you think!
Now that you’ve sat about on my porch awhile, let’s head inside…
I have had this H for quite some time. It’s made from a paper maiche letter, paint, and thumbtacks. It is one of my favorite crafts ever! I hung it on my front door with a couple pinecone’s and can’t think of anything better to greet friends and family! Do you feel greeted?
Did I mention this is an old boarding house? And we have the formal entry? This little area is priceless to us as a mud-room. Here you’ll find an orange velvet vintage chair holding a tool box full of leaves, the perfect place to take off your rainboots. You’ll find a makeshift table with a cupcake tin filled with pinecones, and a pretty clay jar with tacky silk flowers. I hung vintage photo’s on the old wallpaper, and added my mock cross-stitch with twine wrapped frames.
Now that you’ve stopped and taken off your shoes, put your umbrella in the basket, and thought… “wow…how tacky to have silk flowers! dang…that’s a lovely vase” let’s head upstairs to our apartment…
I know…right!!!???!!! Those coffee filter topiaries are amazing! Oh wait…were you talking about the window? Yeah, that’s pretty great too. Because this window is so terribly fantastic, I kept it simple with coffee filter topiaries, pinecones, and dollar store leaves. I LOVE this little stop on the staircase! (Although…this entire entry has no electric outlets, and therefore…no proper lights for photo’s! Sorry for the poor lighting!)
Now that we have stopped on the little landing to look at my coffee filter topiaries, let’s head up the staircase. Yes, the carpet needs to be replaced. Do they even still sell that color? But, guess what…it’s a rental…I don’t have to worry about it *grinning*. And, who cares about the carpet with a staircase like this!! For realz!
I have NEVER decorated a staircase before. I have a feeling I could spend a fortune in lighting and garland! But, for simplicity and budget I strung rope, foam pumpkins, and dollar store leaves. I also took a small wreath and pipecleaner pumpkin and put it at the front of the bannister. I feel like each stair should have a pumpkin on it, don’t you? But, holy cow!, that would be alot of pumpkins! (p.s. you know how I work-out lately? yup…stair walking. no need for a gym :)) (p.p.s. there is another set of stairs that goes to the third floor :))
Let’s head upstairs and into the living room, shall we?
To say I love this room is just far too mild of a statement. I truly love this! And, decked out for fall it is just the coziest, most lovely space in the galaxy! Grab a pillow and blanket, get comfy and let’s talk…
I made several dozen pipe-cleaner pumpkins and strung them up on twine. You can see a set on the easel behind the couch (the CUTEST picture of kids…ever! of course, they are mine.). Remember how I said I love yellow? I do, truly. Most of these yellow items were already here. I added a couple more items for this tour. But, yellow and navy are the colors of choice.
When you don’t have a large budget (or any budget) for decorating for fall, remember layers. Layer, layer, layer. I covered the couch with a vintage wool blanket, a giant body pillow, a striped vintage pillow, and a lovely burlap pillow (from Kijsa Studio). I love the way this feels…all cozy and ready for apple cider!
Washi tape and leaves are a fun addition to the lamp! And tip…ALWAYS put pinecones on candle holders when fall comes around. It’s such an easy and fun addition to your fall decor!
I don’t have a mantel, or shelf, or anything like that to put a wreath on or over . So…I used Washi Tape and made a feature wall, of sorts. I had a giant basket that was perfect for fall decor that I hung on the wall, added my magazine wreath on top of the basket (talking layers again!), and one of my pipe-cleaner pumpkins on top of the magazine wreath. It’s a bit kooky, for sure, but…it’s one of my favorite things! (notice the little tipsy pumpkin tower)
Bread bowls and colanders…oh my!
Before we head into the eating nook for a Perfect Latte let me show you the t.v. wall…
A quilt made by my sister hangs behind the t.v., and you’ll find my bear skull, deer antler, pinecones, and a family picture atop a wood slice. A gorgeous, giant basket holds my vintage blankets and another string of pipe-cleaner pumpkins is strung along the t.v. I certainly won’t win awards for the most magazine-worthy vignette but I’m smiling and happy seeing my fall elements put together. And, I hope that you are you to! Ready for that latte?
I would show you the rest of my kitchen but…mmm…can we say messy! But, seriously, turn around and walk 3 steps and you are at the back wall. Turn and walk 3 more steps…other wall. You get it? It’s tiny. But, we do have this wonderful, wonderful little eating nook. I truly love this little corner.
So, have a seat…
I can’t make a beautiful table setting to save my life. But…I CAN make a table that is fun and wonderful to be at!! And this is one of my favorites ever! When I think of fall, I think of family, food, cozy, warmth, and love and I wanted the table to feel that way as well. Once again, layers! I layered brown paper on top of a sheet I had painted. Bright pillows are fun and add color. I love using pillows in my dining area, I think they are cozy and make it feel a bit more special!
(for this picture I had forgotten silverware…yep, you heard me. good thing I am not a professional!)
I pulled every fruit and vegetable from my kitchen and piled them on my table in various dishes. I put a couple of bunches of flowers from Trader Joes into a roasting pan. More coffee filter topiaries are on the table to add a bit of height. There is nothing better than fruits, veggies, and flowers for the table!
I put 5 plain gray canvases on the wall so that I can switch out the objects hung on them as often as I like. For fall, I have coffee filter flowers and pipe cleaner pumpkins. I think of it as object art :).
Well, thank you so much for coming to my home! I hope this fall is your best ever…full of love, family, and warmth!! Sending blessings and love your way from the NellieBellie family...
(this photo is about 5 years old … boo. but, it’s one of my favorites!)
Your home is as warm, vibrant and lovely as you are! Beautiful! I love how you’re incorporated so much color! xo
What a wonderful compliment, thank you!! I love color! I have tried to do the neutral thing, but never seem to be able to make it work.
Your house is so festive in its fall colors. Looks wonderful! ~Delores
Thank you so much!
I simply love your beautiful unabashed sense of style. What a lovely home you made for your family.
I simply love your unabashed style and have filled your new home with all that count, love and family.
J! It looks amazing! Your living room is so hip and stylish!!! I’m coming over!
Anytime, girl…anytime!
I love your front porch!! And your colorful decor ;) Makes me smile!
Hugs,
Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com
I’m glad…I want people to smile after being here!
I love all the creative ideas you have!
Love all of the fall and everyday whimsical touches! What a fun vibrant home you have created for your family! Happy Fall! ~Christy
I’ve been on your tour 3 times! You have such a cheery house and fun way of decorating. I love love love everything! Can I come for a visit! It just feels like all who would walk in would be happy! Very creative fall touches!!! LOVE IT!
Aw shucks…that is a terribly wonderful compliment!! Thank you so much!
p.s I felt very greeted by the H on the front door.. :)
good…it worked!
Your Fall home tour rocked my world…in a very good way. I could just imagine following you up those wonderful stairs and pausing to take in each room. I love it, love it, love it.
And how exciting is this giveaway?! I definitely entered and am keeping my fingers crossed!
I’m so glad!!! You can follow me up for tea anytime!
Love your home tour Janel!! All the pops of color look gorgeous together! Your apartment has such beautiful lighting, the rooms look filled with light! What a cheery cozy nest you’ve made!
I love our apartment as well!! Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for sharing your home all dressed for Fall! What a cheerful, welcoming space you’ve created!!
Thank you so much…thank you for coming!
Love your new home! You have such an eye for making even the smallest of details special!
Thank you for sharing your heart and making everyone feel special!
Happy day!
karianne
Thank you dear friend!! I’m so glad my family is happy here!
Love, love your home!! The bus pillow looks so cute!!! Thank you for sharing! I feel like grabbing some pumpkins now and decorating my home too- love it!!
Blessings,
Kijsa
janel, it all looks so good- light and bright and like you have lived there forever!
Love your home …I am so in the mood to be inspired by cute fall decorations…time for me to head out & get my own pumpkins!! Thanks for posting the pillow- it looks so cute!!!
Blessings,
Kijsa
Doesn’t that pillow look adorable :). Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you…that is such a compliment!
It is DARLING!!
Thank you…and what a great adjective!
HOLY MOLY Flippen fabulous. What an awesome new place you have. I love the charm, the staircase the windows, the open light brightness and the FALL decorating is perfect. Oh it had me smiling from ear to ear girl!
Thank you!! Isn’t it charming! We got so lucky finding this place!
What a great, sweet place you have. so warm and inviting. thanks for having us over today!
I’m so glad you felt invited! Thanks for coming!
So charming!! Pinned that fun H!! How neat!!
Thank you!!
Enjoying the Fall tour. Love your huge “H”.
– The Tablescaper
Thank you…I do too!
I love your colorful home. You have to be a fun place to visit.
I surely hope so…we try to be! Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoyed your fall tour so much! You have made your rental sing with your fun decorating style! I love your den with all the windows and the happy colors. What a great idea to cover the sofa with a wool blanket to make it super cozy. Oh, and I love your idea about painting the basket at the entry like candy corn. You are so creative!
Jane, thank you sooo much for the comment! truly, you are a commenting pro :). I love covering the blanket with a blanket. It looks cozy, and hides little boy food stains :)
You can keep my umbrella- This lady is MOVING IN!!!! My gosh J- this is popping HOT – Kickin’ Fall baby! LOVE IT!
You come anytime…you know you got a bed here!
Love the tour and all the POPS of color everywhere. Very inviting and fun!
Thank you!! Thank you for coming!
What a great home tour! Have a great week!
Leslie
Thank you!! You too!
Hello, coolest “apartment” ever!! I LOVE your living room, and that paper mache H on your front door is my favorite thing ever… pinned it and definitely planning on making a big G for our front door thanks to your inspiration!!
xoxo,
Laurie
Thank you…I like you alot :). I love that H too, such a simple thing!
Everything is just super cute! Thanks for sharing your pretty home!
I’m so glad you came, thank you!
Wow – love all of the color and fun Fall touches! The historic details of your home are fantastic too. Thanks for the tour!
Thanks so much for coming by! I hope your fall is fantastic!
Janel – your home is fun and colorful and I can see why it makes you smile. You did a fabulous job, and particularly when you had to jump through hoops for me to get it done. I love all of your fun touches and how you mixed vintage into your home. Thanks for letting us come into your home. xxoo
Thank you so much! I’m glad I was able to get it done…it was so much fun!
So pretty! I love your mix of modern and vintage, and Fall of course :) xo
Thank you! It’s definitely a hodge podge of styles!
I love your eclectic style! I love putting different things together and you did so well! I love it! I got a lot of inspiration and felt welcome! Thank you!
Oh, I’m so glad! Have a great week!
Hi Janel! What an amazing home you have! I’m also in a older home with wood trim – our houses are already friends! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful and bright photos with us. I’m ready to snuggle in on your couch for some warm cider :-)
House friends :). You come on over…I’ll put the cider on!
Wow! I love all the color! Bright and cheery! You’ve given me several ideas. Dipping the basket in white paint to give a candy corn effect is great. I’m going to try that this afternoon, and the pine cones in candle holders is a great idea, too. As soon as I finish this comment, I’ll be pulling out all my candle holders and see what I can do. The pine cones can stay up till Christmas. I like the gray art boxes in the breakfast nook, too. Thank you for sharing your home! Enjoyed the visit!
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope by now you’ve filled your house with pinecones on candleholders!! Happy fall!
Your new home is amazing – and I love how fun and bright you have decorated it for fall. Off to see the other homes on the tour!
Thank you!! There are so many wonderful homes on the tour!
Oh friend!! I love your new place!! I am such a sucker for old homes! They have so much character! I love how bright and cheerful your home is and the fall touches you added are so much fun!! You’re going to love being able to decorate that stair rail! Hugs!! Claire
I think you’ve done a lovely job of making your home (apartment or house, own or rent, it doesn’t matter — it’s still your home while you live there) a warm, fun and inviting space! Loved the tour! The one thing that really made me smile were the pinecones sitting in the old muffin tin — how simple but just delightful!
I love your home and you did a fabulous job decorating it for the fall! Happy fall to you! :)
Love all the fun fall touches in your home! And…wow!…love all the historical details, too! Your porch is so welcoming! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!…hugs…Debbie
Thank you! I love our little porch as well. Happy fall!
Your home is adorable! So much personality. LOVE that yellow chest that has the TV on it. You’re gonna have fun decorating your stair rail at Christmas. It’s gorgeous!
I love that chest as well, one of my first furniture revamp attempts. Thanks so much!
Janel, it is so amazingly adorable! I love the touches that are uniquely you and the way you pull it all together. That takes skill and knowing yourself! Thank you for joining us on the fall tour. You did great!
Thank you, what a lovely compliment!! I’m so glad you all included me!
Your home/apartment/boarding house is adorable. Love the fun, funky colors and that yellow tv dresser is amazing. My dead turkey feet would fit right in on top of that!
Your dead turkey feet are welcome to sit on my dresser anytime they like, provided you come with to bring them :)
Your Fall home is wonderful! Warm and cozy and welcoming!
Thank you so much!
You are adorable and so is your home… I can’t imagine not having a great time in that colourful happy space!
P.S…. Thanks for the reminder… I need coffee filters! :)
Aw thanks! We have alot of fun. Coffee filters for crafting or coffee?? We use them for both!
Totally precious! LOVE all of the happy colors! Life to the full! Melissa
Thank you!! Happy Fall!