When I see the pumpkins arrive in bins at my local market each September, I feel a mix of excitement and sorrow. It’s not easy saying goodbye to summer, but boy do I love preparing a beautiful fall table! The best way for me to transition from summer to fall is to pick out a few new decorative items that introduce a bit of autumn to my interior.

This year CB2 has knocked it out of the park with a slew of petite treasures, from bud vases to appetizer plates. Don’t be fooled by their small size! These fabulous finds make a big statement. When my latest order arrived, I couldn’t wait to share snapshots of the fall styling fun with all of you. Read on for fall decor ideas and tabletop tips…

Striking Vases

The Cue Blue Green Bud Vase and Costa Bud Vase were the first of CB2’s new offerings to catch my eye. In fact, these “little somethings” pack a powerful punch, especially when filled with radiant fall blooms. There’s no rule that says your fall decor has to be purchased in shades of rust, mustard and brown. The Cue Blue Green Bud Vase makes a refreshing addition to any table or shelf. Perfect in its spherical form and a bit ombre in its progression of green to blue, this stoneware piece also showcases a bit of crackle.

The Costa Bud Vase‘s reactive glaze creates a multi-tonal earthy effect that reminds me of the pottery my parents collected when I was a child. Yet there’s something undeniably modern about it. I purchased three of them! Plus, its sheen allows it to reflect a bit of the surface on which it rests. Notice how it appears to radiate blue in the photo above. Both the Costa and Cue vases make lovely hostess gifts, or you can keep them all for yourself and group them for an interesting tablescape. Speaking of setting a fall table…

Tabletop Style

I love how so many modern, artistic images featured in today’s product/creative photography showcase irregular forms, chunks of matter, and mixed materials. The fluid burst of color that decorates each of CB2’s Wash Appetizer Plates helps create a soothing palette. Available in dusty pink, indigo blue or neutral (shown above), these porcelain plates are the perfect way to serve up tasty bites this autumn. While pink and indigo are definite “it” colors this season, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the earthy shade of the neutral plates. Maybe because they reminded me of the Costa Bud Vase…

Fall Tabletop Styling Tip #1: Don’t hesitate to leave a favor for guests at each spot. With amazing prices at CB2, such as $4.95 for a bud vase, it’s easy to create a special table setting that involves a takeaway piece for each guest.

Fall Tabletop Styling Tip #2: Incorporate Natural Elements. Let the motifs of your tableware guide you. The fluid lines of the appetizer plate design reminded me of the live edges of rocks and minerals, such as the geode pictured above.

Fall Tabletop Styling Tip #3: Add a dash of fall color. Sometimes less is more. Rather than covering your table in fall leaves, pumpkins and orange linens, incorporate a scattering of interesting gourds and radiant flowers, such as dandelions and lilies. Starting with a base of soothing tones (and then punctuating with more vibrant hues in traditional fall colors) is a formula for impactful design.

Check out more of CB2’s vases here. Whether you’re creating a centerpiece that’s overflowing with fall goodness or you’re looking for a “less is more” approach, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy shopping, and happy fall!

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Combining Japanese floral arranging technique with interesting, unexpected touches, freakebana has caught the eye of design lovers and taken Instagram by storm. Freakebana can also be viewed as a creative offshoot of still life photography motifs (such as humorous foodie vignettes, objects used for unintended purposes, strange groupings, and more). The result: wonderfully weird images that surprise, delight and entice. Keep reading to learn more about this growing trend and what it can mean for your interior…

All About Freakebana

Wondering how this art form and trend got its fabulous name?! The term “freakebana” was created by Stella Bugbee, Editor-in-Chief of “The Cut”. A play on “ikebana,” the Japanese art of arranging flowers, freakebana knows no bounds. In other words, everyday items such as leftover food can be incorporated into the mix. It’s about foraging for the perfectly imperfect ingredients, using what you have, and finding ways to shine the spotlight on the mundane. Below, cake takes an arrangement to new heights. [from BURP – pastry chef Erik Vernieuwe and photographer Kris De Smedt]

Below we see a creation by Stella Bugbee for The Cut. Instead of tossing a floral arrangement that’s past its prime, Bugbee selects a sampling of blooms and creates something new. Ginger, poppies and lotuses mingle in a brick-like vase by Stevie Remsberg. Learn more about the process for this shoot here. As you can see, reds and greens combine in a beautiful display of color and whimsy:

The Beautiful

Speaking of beauty, there is an element of freakebana that channels the visually pleasing, with bonus points for creativity. In the next image, a mirror reflects an open lily while the handle contains a specimen that is yet to unfurl. Colorful paper lays the groundwork for a vibrant composition. [photo by Juj Win via realestate.com.au]

Whether the end goal is intrigue or abundance (as shown in the freakebana ensemble below from Elle Decor via Space Shack), the time and care put into each creation can be stirring as well as harmonious. What does this mean for your interior? Perhaps you can challenge yourself to create a centerpiece that catches people off guard, using leftover items, such as flowers from a dying bouquet. Objets d’art also work well in freakebana compositions. Comb your collectibles for artifacts and quirky pieces.

The Unexpected

In addition to the beauty that freakebana brings, there is something mysterious and playful at work here. Check out this creation from Bobby Doherty for New York Magazine (via The Cut). Sliced bread serves as a non-traditional receptacle for feather grass and mini palms. Earrings other jewelry items are thrown into the mix. You can see more of Doherty’s work here and here.

Death and decay make an appearance in this next work, also from Bobby Doherty. Yet this arrangement definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously. A flower with brown edges and a cockroach rest in/on a lemon. Droplets of water bring this interesting composition to life. Unexpected? Absolutely:

Fun with Food

We can’t underestimate the important role that food plays in freakebana. Citrus fruit and cake have made a strong appearance in today’s curated images. For another creative element, try painting dying/dried foliage bright colors for a vivid presentation. And don’t forget that there’s magic in how everything comes together. Imperfection can result in beauty. Below we see two freakebana creations from Reproducao via Metropoles:

Sometimes it’s all in the way you group the items! This delicious tropical vignette from Suech and Beck (Chris Sue-Chu and Alyssa Wodabek) proves you can have your cake and eat it too:

The magic of freakebana lies in its “no rules” philosophy. You don’t have to be an expert florist to take a crack at it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to create something interesting. It’s flower arranging for everyone. The weirder, the better. So what do you think? Are you ready to give freakebana a try? Bonus points for putting it on display in your home. If anything, you’ll create some interesting conversation pieces. Happy arranging!

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Finding balance in life is an eternal struggle, isn’t it?! Whether it’s creating a good mix of work vs. relaxation, getting control of your finances, or living a healthier lifestyle, the level of balance may always ebb and flow. While it’s hard to control what life throw at us, we can always make our interiors as serene and functional as possible. Yes, you can use interior design to your advantage when it comes to finding balance in your day-to-day life! It’s not about expensive decor and extravagant purchases. The magic is in the little things. Keep reading as we explore ways to create a balanced life through strategic design. [pictured below and throughout the post: the Max Geo Rug from Urban Outfitters]

Keep It Simple

If you love a minimalist, modern look, your uncluttered home can reflect a pure and simple way of life. But no worries if you prefer a more decadent design style! The key is keeping excess “stuff” in check so you can move freely throughout your home and have access to everything that you need. For many, decluttering is the first important step. When it comes to decor, sometimes less is more. And it’s great if what you do put on display happens to enrich your life (or even make you healthier)!! No wonder the air-purifying, refreshing choice of greenery and houseplants is such a popular design trend.

As life gets more complicated, keep it simple! Out with items that are overwhelming and distracting. In with the objects that relax you and bring you a sense of peace.

Storage Is Key

Decluttering sounds easy enough, but when you get down to it, there are some key details to figure out! You can clear out anything that you don’t absolutely need, but good storage options will always be essential. Whether you invest in pull-out bins for shelving or purchase furniture that doubles as storage solutions (such as ottomans that open/serve as containers), there are many affordable possibilities. You don’t have to compromise your efforts to achieve balance on a financial level! Storage bins such as the one below are available for $9.99 at Target.

Create Positive Vibes at Home

One wonderful way to create a home haven is to choose artwork that inspires, relaxes and rejuvenates you. Think about the motifs and items that instantly take you to away to another place. A place of peace, calm and happiness! The good news is that there are many wonderful, reasonably priced options when it comes to artwork. Society6 is a favorite online art source where artists can upload their work. Search for anything, such as “palm leaf”, “mermaid” or “geo”, and you’re met with a slew of choices.

You can even create your own Society 6 shop and have your best photos turned into high-quality prints. Not to mention, your art will be for sale so others can enjoy it as well!

Time for a Spa Retreat…

There are days when you don’t stop from sun-up until sundown. It may feel overwhelming, but sometimes the promise of down time is all you need to keep going. That’s when strategically placed decor comes into play! You may be rushing to get ready in the morning, but that dish of decadent bath products by the sink is a shining beacon of hope. Yes, this hectic day will eventually wind down! And when you’ve wrapped up, a long shower, a face mask and some hydrating body lotion will be waiting for you. Plus, putting bath products out on display is a great way to create a decorative statement without going over the top (especially when the package design is clean and fresh).

Add Plenty of Special Touches

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about uncluttered, clean-lined style, but even a balanced life leaves plenty of room for treats! That’s why extra special touches that add joy to your day are a must. They reflect your balanced state of mind by reminding you to relish the small things. After all, making time for yourself and acknowledging the things in life that bring a smile to your face are sure-fire ways to create balance on a daily basis.

And just what are these special touches? It can be as simple as a bowl on your kitchen counter that’s filled with delicious produce, a fresh bouquet of flowers in a lovely vase on the dining room table, or a festive garland that draws the eye upward (shown above). This last touch is great for kids’ rooms!

Make Room for Creature Comforts

What goes hand-in-hand with special touches? Creature comforts! When your home is a true haven, you have more energy for the outside world. Set up a space that is physically comfortable and also generally comforting! Popular creature comforts include pillows, cozy blankets and throws, seating and a mattress that are kind to your back, drapes that block the sun for those mornings you want to sleep in, and the perfect coffee pot for starting the day with a burst of energy! [Shelly Round Velvet Pillows below from Urban Outfitters]

Here’s to creating a home that nurtures your desire for a balanced life! Thanks for reading.

You're reading Finding Balance Through Interior Design, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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