Homemaking

Autumn Retreat Home Tour

September 17, 2015
I was delighted when Brenda from Cozy Little House invited me to join a Fall home tour. Initially I was not certain if I would have much to share as we are presently in between homes.
We are currently living in our third story apartment while our French Country Home is being built. Most of our household goods are in storage, and that has been odd in itself.

But along the journey of creating an Autumn retreat I have discovered something about myself~

Wherever or whatever my home might be - I know that I will be decorating!

Autumn-Fall-Home-Tour-Decorating-Homemaking-athomewithjemma

So please come on in to our Autumn Retreat.
I have made this Autumn wreath for our front door to welcome you.
This wreath is a repurposed wreath, I make many wreaths and if I can find a way to reuse them I will. Saving a penny here and there is a good thing.

For this wreath I used more subdued Fall tones, with just a pop of color.
Tradition speaks to me when I decorate for the seasons, and even though I enjoy the more gentle tones, I could never ever give up entirely on a adding a whisper of orange.  




In our previous home we had a family, and formal living room.
We felt that for our apartment we would need just a few pieces from our family room.
Naturally, I just had to pick up a few accessories along the way...smile.
My daughter Samantha from Crafty Texas Girls joined me in my search for a luxe throw, 
and a few accent pillows. Love, love Pier 1. 
Love a pillow cover with a zipper too.



You know how it is when you pack, you think you've packed everything that you will need.
Only to discover that you didn't pack the lamp shades that go with the lamps..hum..
Make do shade...




Our apartment is very neutral, so by adding a few accent pieces it enriches our space, and makes it feel more like home - not quite so generic.

I enjoy the earthy essence that a few bundles of wheat bring to a Fall vignette.
I always incorporate wheat into my Fall decor. whether it is a centerpiece on our dining room
table or baskets on the kitchen island.

I found these rustic, wobbly, metal pots at a little eclectic shop, filled them with acorns that I found on my morning walk, then tucked in these mini pumpkins.



I have missed many things from our home that are now packed away. 
The china that was my Mother's, keepsakes from the children, my books, and my Art.
These items infuse our home with warmth, memories, and style.






I have collected Art for years, in fact we had an artist rent out the old homestead in the Summers to paint the landscape along the rivers edge.
Many of my pieces are of the mountains and the trips which I have taken, so they are very meaningful to me.



My walls are so bare without my art, the husband was very adamant about not having any holes in the walls.
They are naked and stark and beg to host a frame or two.




So, I console myself that soon we will be in our new home...soon...




Adding color where I can, was just one of the many reasons I was so impatient for Fall to arrive.
A golden velvet pumpkin here, a few rosy red apples there aw... the vibrancy, the color.
The texture, design and interest.




I enjoy all the colors of Fall from whites to browns, and of course my orange...you know I
love my orange.  
I suppose I love orange because of my childhood-I grew up near the Rocky Mountains in the Upper Snake River Valley, where we had the most glorious, vibrant deep oranges, reds and yellows all along the river bank...sweet memories.


Incorporating White into Fall has really grown on me. 
 I am enjoying all of the possibilities, oh those wonderful clean, no fuss lines.




Then pairing those neutrals with color.





Thank you for joining me today, I enjoyed sharing our Autumn Apartment Retreat with you.




Next year, we will sit on our back porch, watch an armadillo mosey on by or maybe we will even see a deer or two.

But this year we did a Home Tour Apartment style, and I found out some things along the way.

Home is where the heart is.





                                                   
                                                                    



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Comments

  1. JEMMA my friend! This is the first time I've seen your living space, and wow, you have it all decked out for fall in such an inviting way! And what I can see of your apartment, it looks like a very lovely one, with these granite counter tops? This surely gives you a cozy feeling and place to doll up before the main house goes up! Enjoy the quiet of this season change my dear friend. And I've heard of your daughter's blog and I had NO IDEA that was your daughter! Must skip over there quickly to see her.

    Hugs to you and I love your décor! XOXOX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good Morning My Dear Anita!
      So good to see you visiting this morning. Our space has been just perfect for my husband and myself for this duration. Just 2 more months, and we will be in our new home and enjoying our special touches here and there.
      Yes these are granite counter tops and I have appreciated the upgraded touches throughout, especially in the kitchen because I do love to bake!
      Thank you sweetie:)
      xoxox

      Delete
  2. Hello Jemma, your fall accents are just lovely. I am sure you can not wait to be sitting outside your new home watching the deer and armadillo. Have a happy Thursday and weekend ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good Morning Eileen!
      My Fall accents and fluffing up the apartment have been so good for my mind, we are the point where enough is enough!
      I will be happy to be out of the city and mixing with nature.
      Thank you for your thoughtful and kind visit-I really appreciate it.
      Happy Weekend to you too.

      Delete
  3. Love the fall touches you did. And those letters spelling out fall? They are my favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Christine,
    Thank you so much, we are living very streamlined these days and it has been quite therapeutic!
    Although I do miss my "stuff," I found these fun letters at JoAnn's:)
    Thanks for stopping by!
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
  5. I do know what you mean by stark walls. It feels like a prison - BUT you do have beautiful decor to go with it. I love what you do with things that seem very little and turn out quite nice. Hope your home is finished soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandie for your visit, we have being living minimalistic and it has been good for us!
      Who would have thought-but it has helped to create a new mind set and I have embraced it.

      Delete
  6. So very pretty, Jemma! I love the look of the wheat bundles...I'm inspired...thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, I love, love my wheat and of course orange:)

      Delete
  7. You've made the apartment into a lovely home already! I really like the fall touches you've placed around your home even though you have so much packed away in storage. Love that front door wreath most of all! You have such a flare for decorating Jemma, and I know your new home is going to be spectacular :)
    Wendy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wendy!
      It is a different look for me, isn't ? But you are so, so sweet to always encourage me.
      Thank you ever so much!

      Delete
  8. Your autumn retreat is simply lovely! Love the punches of color! :) Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda,
      Thank you, it's a happy little place for the hubby and me!

      Delete
  9. You've really made the apartment beautiful and comfy while your house is being built. We are in our condo now and I love it. Smaller....easier to take care of and fun to decorate for Fall! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane,
      You are spot on with enjoying a little smaller and minimalistic space. It is refreshing and inspiring.
      xo
      Jemma

      Delete
  10. I think you have done an amazing job of creating a warm, cozy and very inviting "Fall-home" in your temporary space! We've only done the apartment living 2 times in our 46 years of marriage, but I always tried to make them feel like home. I've had friends who just simply camped out in an apartment while they were waiting for a home to be built, and they were so miserable....a few bits & bobs of homeyness would have made such a difference. Your door wreath is beautiful.....I like re-working wreaths and giving them a new look. Why waste all that good stuff? Thank you for sharing your home (temporary or not) with us. I know you must be jumping out of skin to get into your new home, and I am so anxious to see it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good Afternoon Carol!
      Thank you for your kind uplifting message, you know I love to hear from you.
      You too understand the joy and satisfaction one receives from decorating their space, no matter how temporary or small! A home is truly a state of mind!
      I am jumping and hopping to get into that new home of mine!

      Delete
  11. Everything looks great! You are a true nester fixing up your temporary home. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacey
      I am a nester fixer upper! I am struggling here-I need a permanent home to decorate!
      Thanks for you sweet visit, my almost neighbor:)

      Delete
  12. Lovely... You are an Artist, at making a generic apartment, into an Autumn retreat.

    And I adore your wreath, in opening picture. I've said this before but it needs saying again. Love it.

    Tessa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tessa,
      What thoughtful words-and I am so happy you are enjoying the Fall Home Tour!

      Delete
  13. Jemma, you have turned temporary into a home, for sure! Your place looks fabulous, elegant and cozy. I think my favorite accent is the fall letters...I like that red "a"! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim,
      Of course you love the red "a," my red loving friend who decorates so beautifully!
      Thank you for your visit:)

      Delete
  14. Jemma, you did a FANTASTIC job! Maybe we've shown people that apartments can look just as cozy as any other type home.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenda,
      Thank you again for organizing this Fall Tour! I have enjoyed it SO much. All of the ladies have shared the very best of their homes and it was so enjoyable to participate!
      Thank you for the kind words too:)

      Delete
  15. A rental home can be quite hard to make it feel like your own, especially when you can't hang things on the walls. But you have managed to make your temporary home look both beautiful and cozy. I love your touches of fall!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melanie,
      I was pretty dissapointed from the beginning knowing that no nails would touch these walls-
      but here we are 5 1/2 months later and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
      Thanks for your sweet words and for stopping by too!

      Delete
  16. Your 'temporary" space looks so welcoming and homey and I love the Fall touches you have added. The Fall letters are so great! Thanks for letting us tour your apartment and good luck with the building!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and joining in on my apartment tour, it was great to have you and I appreciate these thoughtful words!

      Delete
  17. I sure know any place you stay for a while is gonna be beautiful! I love the wreath on your door, the apples, and the cute fall letters. Love it all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cristina,
      Thank you , thank you! It has been a fun little project for sure!

      Delete
  18. Your home looks so pretty with all your fall touches.

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  19. You've inspired so many, I'm sure, in showing that an apartment has no limitations when it comes to decorating. Your touches of fall are lovely...love the wheat, the touches of white..everything is so 'you'. And that wreath! You know I'm jealous of that ;).

    zzz

    P. S. Two more months and you'll be in your new home just in time for the holidays! Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Doreen!
      There are endless possibilities for us all in decorating whatever space we choose to call home.
      It's all attitude, and several shops and a few crafts:)
      You know you can add a wreath to your gorgeous cabin!!;)
      xo
      Jemma

      Delete
  20. Very pretty! Love all your Fall touches!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I knew if nothing else you'd have a masterpiece of a wreath! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautifully done Jemma! I love the metal pots and wheat, such pretty fall decor!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cindy,
      Thank you for visiting me today, it was a pleasure to have you drop by!

      Delete
  23. I love how it all came together. The little touches of orange are perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, it was a good project and I enjoyed puttering with it all!

      Delete
  24. Such a lovely tour. I have to tell you. I love the kitchen vignette, especially the Welcome Fall and those cute letters. Before you know it, you will be enjoying your new home. xo p.s thank you for your prayers and thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda,
      I just knew this would be your favorite vignette! I am so tickled that you like it.
      My prayers and thoughts continue, a Mother's heart is a fragile thing.
      xo
      Jemma

      Delete
  25. So, so pretty! I especially love your fall vase vignette! Blessings, Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh how I do enjoy a good fall decorative display! I have a big bouquet of sunflowers on my table and a collection of velvet and crocheted pumpkins at it's base. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa,
      I can see you enjoying your big gorgeous sunflowers and oh those crocheted pumpkins!

      Delete
  27. OK, now I'm going to have to run to JoAnn's to buy those letters. I was thinking you had found them while out junkin or something :) I think you did a great job decorating for fall. Can't wait to see your new home!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pam,
      I was thrilled too, when I happened upon these cute little letters, I 've moved them all about.
      Thanks for visiting me today!

      Delete
  28. Hi Jemma, What a beautiful fall home/apartment tour!! You have given your cozy space such a warm and inviting style. Perfect while you wait for the country french home to be completed. From your gorgeous wreath to your rustic fall letters and everything in between, it says Autumn. Just lovely my friend!! I love your decorating!! You are so very talented.
    Enjoy and Happy Fall! Hugs, cm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sweet Texas Friend,
      I appreciate these thoughtful words so much. Thank you for your visit and I am so glad that you enjoyed our Autumn Retreat, now if we would only have Autumn Weather!

      Delete
  29. The wreath in the first picture is just beautiful; so fall and so adorable. You have certainly made the most of apartment living and decorated it so elegantly. I am so glad you have and continue to make the apartment "homey' for you and your hubby while you wait on your house....Great post.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nancy,
      I just have to make a wreath, or two;) Love my wreaths, my orange and my sweet friends.
      I appreciate your visit and thoughtful words today too!

      Delete
  30. Jemma, everything looks gorgeous and colorful! The touches of fall here and there make such an impact! The wreath is absolutely beautiful!! You did an amazing job in creating it for your front door. I almost bought the black/white stripped deer head print yesterday...I lingered over it for quite a bit...LOL. And your hubby sounds like mine..he did not want me nailing anything on the walls in our rental. Love, love, love those apples in the small pots!! All so wonderful! Hugs to you my sweet friend!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My Sweet Friend Benita!
      So,the deer caught both of our eyes-it's a good piece to use throughout Fall and if I tire of the stripes, I can always paint them away! Glad you enjoyed your Fall visit with me today!
      Hugs,
      jemma

      Delete
  31. You did a wonderful job of adding a touch of Fall to your surroundings, proving that it doesn't take a lot to create a special feeling. LOVE the wobbly metal containers and the chippy, wood "fall". Your wreath is very welcoming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting! These wobble tin containers must have come from the real deal as they were filled with dirt!
      Have a lovely weekend and thanks again.

      Delete
  32. Well, call me impressed, Jemma. You turned that little apartment into a lovely, cozy, space filled with beautiful things and the Fall touches are perfect. Beautifully done, my sweet friend :)

    xoxo,
    rue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Rue,
      what a sweetie you are to encourage me in my decorating style. It's been a fun project for sure!

      Delete
  33. It's beautiful Jemma but then I didn't expect anything less! You have such a knack for making a space cozy and comfy with just the right touch of festive. I am acutely familiar with that husband/ wife conflict of nail holes in the wall lol, course it's even more difficult when the space isn't yours. Soon you'll have your own walls and you can hang your artwork galore! For now enjoy the comfy coziness of your apt as we transition into fall! So very well done Jemna!
    Xo
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Linda,
      Well I hope you noticed your beautiful white pumpkins on the candle sticks!
      We will have our own walls soon and right now I feel like I am going to fill up every empty inch
      of wall space with sconces, art and more!
      xo

      Delete
  34. Jemma, you are doing a great job of making the best of your temporary situation. Your apartment looks very cozy and festively dressed for Fall :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Living in a space temporarily can be tough, I've done it too, but you made your space look so warm and welcoming. Love all the fall touches you added.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your are so correct, it can be tough-I think it is the living in limbo that is challenging.
      I appreciate your kind words too!

      Delete
  36. Love your furniture, Jemma! You did a great job decorating your apartment. I'll bet you can't wait until your new home is finished. How exciting!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer,
      Thanks so much! I alway tease my husband about our leather chair (Archie Bunker)
      I really love it, and by just adding the throw, it gives it more decorative appeal.

      Delete
  37. How exciting a French Country style home...my favorite! Your Fall touches look so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martina,
      I know I am SO excited to move into our new home!
      Thank you for your visit!

      Delete
  38. Jemma, everything looks wonderful. I love all the Fall decorations. I especially liked the white ceramic pumpkin, the black and white pumpkin, and the little orange pumpkins, so cute. Your home says "welcome" in every room. : )

    love, ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dear Sheri,
      Thank you for your sweet visit and I am glad you felt welcomed, because that is exactly what I was hoping for.
      Happy Weekend, sweet friend!

      Delete
  39. You have the prettiest home---and I say home because that is what you have made. I love everything and it makes me anxious to see your new place! Love your style. Your fall touches are just perfect, very down to earth and cute! And that wreath...I really have to get on the ball and make a meager attempt at trying this! :)

    Have a great weekend, Jemma!

    Jane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane,
      Thanks for you visit and for enjoying my wreath-I sort of have a wreath addiction!
      xo
      Jemma

      Delete
  40. Jemma, whether you are at your daughter's home, or your rented apartment, you always leave your mark, and that is your warm and pretty style of decorating, whatever the weather! The chalkboard and red apple display is delightfully delicious! The little bundles of wheat and cute, mini pumpkins create an autumnal air indoors, and remind us of magical hay stacks and wagon rides. I know how excited you are about your new French Country home, (as are we!), but this autumn retreat you're nestled in now is charmingly cozy; thanks for sharing it with us!

    Happy weekend!

    Hugs,
    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Poppy,
      My dear friend, how are you? So great to see you here today and you know I always enjoy your melodic words and inspiration.
      I am truly delighted that your enjoyed your visit and my chalkboard and apple vignette!
      Hugs,
      Jemma

      Delete
  41. It is all lovely, but I especially like the wreath!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I too love a "whisper of orange", Jemma, maybe mine can be more of a shout though!

    I knew you would make your temporary nest a seasonal joy, and why not indulge in that luxurious throw that must be so wonderful to snuggle in, and will be gorgeous in your new home. That will come, I almost said sooner than you'd think but no, that's probably not true. But it will be amazing when it does come, Jemma, and then next autumn will come sooner than you ever imagined!
    Dewena

    ReplyDelete
  43. Jemma your home is just beautiful and I love the way you have it all decorated for Fall... Thank you for sharing at Share it One More Time

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  44. Jemma, it's lovely in every way! I understand the frustration of not having your art available or some of your favorite family things that are packed away but I think you've done a magnificent job of making your apartment warm, charming and welcoming and truly reflecting fall! What a wonderful visit!

    ReplyDelete

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