Summer To Fall Sideboard Styling

Summer To Fall Sideboard Styling. See how to decorate for the changing seasons with color, texture and everyday accessories. Easily transition from summer to fall by exchanging or adding just a few decorative elements.

In This Post

August Design Challenge

Welcome back to another exciting Design Challenge. Everyday we are inching closer to those months ending in “ber”. So it’s time to start thinking about late summer and early fall decorating. Our host Cindy of County Road 407 is challenging us with an inspiring photo from Heidi of Eleanor Rose Home.

Heidi’s charming style combines interesting textures, layers and sometimes unexpected design elements. Here’s what I’m seeing in the photo that is inspiring my design challenge.

large mirror
variety of vintage books
small dish holding acorns or pinecones
tall brass candle holders
green plant
fall leaves in a vase
figurine instead of a bust

Summer To Fall Sideboard Styling

Believe it of not, yesterday our heat index was over 110 degrees, so anything resembling fall weather is no where in sight right now. That’s why I’m choosing a late summer look for our sideboard or buffet in our dining room. Plus, I will show you how to transition this whole look into fall by switching out just one item.

As with most of our design challenges, I’m using items that I already have on hand. This really gets my creative juices flowing, and inspires me to decorate in new ways. If you haven’t tried it, you gotta give it a go.

Late Summer Decorating

The reason why I’m choosing the sideboard for this challenge is the large round mirror above it. I always love the reflection of different design elements, and arrangements in front of a mirror. Don’t you?

Starting in the center of the sideboard, I’m arranging a variety of vintage books. Some are children’s classics I painted years ago, see my post here for how to paint book covers. Others are quite a bit older, such as the Charles Dickens books on each side. Their spines are very worn and delicate, so I’m displaying them laying flat. Did you notice in the inspiration photo, that Heidi is doing the same thing with a huge volume? This is an attractive way to turn books into a nice little platforms for decorative items.

Adding Color and layers

Our sideboard is begging for more color, so I’m adding some blue and white chinoiserie pieces. On the left is a large ginger jar and a small bowl holding dried thistles heads, which are a cheerful alternative to acorns. Taking another cue from Heidi, I’m layering in tall brass candle stick holders behind the ginger jar. I think the taupe twisted candles add a bit of whimsy to the sideboard.

On the other end of the sideboard, I’m placing a footed chinoiserie bowl on a book. You can see a few pinecones sticking out of the bowl, which is another little nod to the fall season to come.

A large healthy fern in a basket with handles creates balance with the ginger jar. Instead of a bust, I’m adding a small brass figurine of a heron. I think it is kinda cute, and adds an unexpected element to the sideboard.

Transitioning Into Fall

Towards the middle of September, I will be switching out the fern for a vase of fall stems. With that one small and simple change we’re transitioning into fall. I’m loving the soft colored yellow and green leaves in this room. And this wicker vase is still one of my favorite accessories. I’ve lost count of how many times I have used it in spring, summer and fall vignettes. Easy peasy!

Check out these posts, for more ways to use a wicker vase.

Be sure to follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration you can use right now!

The inspiration continues with more links to my Design Challenge friends below. If you missed my friend Cindy of DIY Beautify you will want to click over to see her cozy living room styling in her new home. Up next on our blog hop is Rachel of The Ponds Farmhouse sharing her decorating secrets for transitioning from summer to fall.

More Late Summer To Fall Inspiration

Thanks so much for popping in for a visit today to my summer to fall sideboard styling. I hope you found some fun decorating ideas that you’ll use, when you’re ready to refresh your home.

Cheers!