The changing of the seasons is an exciting time, especially here in the North Sound. Fall’s arrival is reflected in our wardrobes and farmers market hauls– but as you swap flip flops for boots and summer veg for autumn squash, it might be time to consider refreshing your home too. Matching your living spaces to the season is a fun way to stay connected to the outdoors, celebrate holidays, and express your individual style all year long.
Redecorating doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank either – sometimes all you need are a few statement pieces to amp up your space. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by a warm fire during the winter months or preparing a summer BBQ in your kitchen, you can restyle your home to cater to your seasonal needs and give you the perfect vibes year-round.
Building a Neutral Base
Photos by Jen Fox Photography
Keeping your base decor simple will allow you to make subtle changes with the seasons while still tailoring everything to your personal taste. For ideas on how to get started, check out these tips from Rachel Louws of Salt & Cedar Interiors.
Rachel Louws and Olivia Huvane of Salt & Cedar Interiors
- Be picky with patterns (and colors): Any pattern in a neutral palette will marry well with season decor. Think narrow stripes, herringbone, or window pane. Our favorite neutrals are different muted tones in the gray, mushroom, navy, blush, white, and cream palettes.
- Switch it up by room: In a kitchen, it’s less about fabric prints and more about materials; for example, neutral stoneware, baskets, and metals. In the warmer months, we would recommend lighter accents like woven baskets, linen napkins, and colorful berry baskets. In the winter, we’d choose a heavy wood bowl filled with seasonal fruit, a display of stacked wood cutting boards, or a metallic planter. In a living room, we would instead focus more on the use of textures and pillows (depending on the season).
- Embrace the power of plants: You can never go wrong with a potted plant– they’re a classic piece that can be used year-round. If you want it to adapt to a season, you could plant a tree in a lightweight pot that can be housed in a woven basket in the summer or spring, then easily moved to a heavier stone planter in the colder months.
- Invest in timeless artwork: Any art piece that you love should have a permanent place in your home regardless of the season. We love landscapes, vintage prints, and modern pieces from local artists. If you like the ability to change out your art seasonally, you could experiment with a Frame TV which allows you to have a resting art piece when your TV is not in use.
- Choose practical items: Most of us don’t need more knick-knacks, so we love to design for the season while also being practical. We are big fans of using cloth napkins for everyday meals, while changing out our napkin collection for the season – plaids for fall, metallics for the holidays, mini florals for spring, and stripes for the summer.
- Location, location, location: The best places for seasonal decor are your front porch, entryway console table, and fireplace mantle. We also love a seasonal moment in the kitchen! Maybe it’s Christmas-themed mugs and a hot chocolate bar in the winter, or a bowl of lemons in the summer. These are places that set the tone for your entire house.
Decorating with Intention
Seasonal decor isn’t just meant to be stylish — your home is your haven, and so the objects you display should also feel meaningful. To learn more about how to design spaces that are both fashionable and personal, we spoke with Alissa Lawton, stylist and director of events for Wander Design + Rentals. Lawton also writes about everything from interior design to simple living on her blog, Haven Illume.
Alissa Lawton of Wander Design + Rentals, photo courtesy of Alissa Lawton
- Try your hand at DIY seasonal accents: The potential is infinite: You could dip-dye napkins, make candles, sew curtains, or even try your hand at creating floral displays.
- Tip: Source your blooms sustainably from local growers such as Floralie Flower Farm. Floret Flowers in Skagit is also an invaluable resource for up-and-coming flower gardeners, and their in-demand workshops have received national press attention.
- Seek out items that have stories: This doesn’t necessarily mean buying new– you could instead display mementos (such as children’s drawings or holiday cards), found objects from your travels, or one-of-a-kind pieces from antique shops.
- Tip: Penny Lane Antique Mall (Bellingham) and Red Door Antique Mall (Mount Vernon) are both great starting points when it comes to antique shopping.
Floralie Flower Farm, photo by Carly Navarette
- Accent with beloved books: Wire stands and floating bookshelves allow your favorite reads to double as chic (and functional) decor. For example, displaying seasonal recipes from your favorite cookbook will keep your kitchen counter feeling fresh.
- Tip: Consider picking up a cookbook by a local author. “The Weeknight Mediterranean Kitchen” by Samantha Ferraro and “Ethiopian Feast: The Crown Jewel of African Cuisine” by Mulunesh Belay were both penned by chefs right here in the North Sound!
- Above all, only invest in items that are meaningful to you: It’s easy to get caught up in curating an Insta-worthy home, but your space is meant to bring you joy, not your mother-in-law or strangers on the internet.
- “Take inspiration from nature, from publications, from brands– but only pluck the pieces that make sense for you,” advises Lawton. “Your home is a reflection of your beautiful self/selves, just as it should be. Design for your uniqueness, because that’s what our world truly needs: you.”
Penny Lane, photo courtesy of Tony Mueantonthian
Seasonal Styles: Spring
Photos shot on location by Cocoa Laney at the Bellingham Studio with styling courtesy of Wander Design + Rentals. 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 760, Bellingham, thebellinghamstudio.com
Springtime is an opportunity for change: We’re not just talking about spring cleaning here. Purging your space of unwanted clutter is one way to shake things up– but while you’re tidying, try rearranging your furniture too. It will breathe new life into a room and (hopefully) inspire you to clean previously hard-to-reach surfaces.
Think beyond traditional color palettes: “Decor and design in your home is so personal that I think you should use the colors that feel life-giving to you,” Lawton says.
Spring is often associated with pale pinks, yellows, and greens, but don’t worry if you’re not a pastel person. The season is all about new beginnings, so why not seize the opportunity to incorporate whatever colors bring you joy after a long winter?
Never underestimate the power of fragrance: Make spring blooms such as lilacs, daffodils, and even cherry blossoms a focal point– after all, they smell just as delicious as they look. Essential oil diffusers are another easy way to keep your home smelling fresh, and you could even consider changing up your cleaning products to suit the season.
“I love the Mrs. Meyers line, and even just swapping out my cinnamon or evergreen dish soap or hand soap with the lilac scent … makes doing dishes a little bit more fun,” Lawton says.
Jug from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $90
Ceramic flower vase from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $35
Ceramic mug from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $28
Hillery Sproatt blanket from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $198
Book from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $30
Tray from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $29
Floral candle from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $29
112 Grand Ave., Ste. 101, Bellingham, 360.525.3627, phoebewahl.shop
Flowers courtesy of Floralie Flower Farm
8851 Custer School Rd., Custer, 360.389.7313, floralieflowerfarm.com
Seasonal Styles: Summer
Photos shot on location by Cocoa Laney at the Bellingham Studio with styling courtesy of Wander Design + Rentals. 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 760, Bellingham, thebellinghamstudio.com
Don’t shy away from color: “We’ve been in a world of neutrals for a few years now, and I think that the trend toward color is really coming back in all facets,” Lawton says.
Summer is the perfect time to incorporate pops of brightness. This can be as easy as switching out the slip covers on your accent pillows or draping an eye-catching throw blanket over the couch.
Treat the food as the focal point: If you’re setting up for a summer cookout, remember that seasonal, deliberately arranged spreads are artful in their own right.
“There’s so many wood charcuterie boards, cutting boards, and serving boards that can easily have beautiful displays of food on them,” Lawton says. ”That can really become a focal point on the table.”
Get inspiration from items you already own: In terms of tablescapes, start with the silverware you have, then add in new and budget-friendly accents. Bring in bursts of color with bright napkins, platters, pitchers, or even a table runner.
“Those little things are not very expensive, but they can be really tactful when you’re freshening up the table design,” Lawton says. “Use plates that you have already, your own forks and knives, your own flatware.”
Glasses from Garden Room, $26 for four
Cookbook from Garden Room, $35
Pitcher from Garden Room, $114
Serving board from Garden Room, $70
Napkins from Garden Room, $21
Planter from Garden Room, $15
1006 Harris Ave., Ste. 120, Bellingham, 360.734.9949, gardenroomfairhaven.com
Charcuterie utensils from Petals and Bloom, $40
5780 N. Star Rd., Ferndale, 360.920.1294, petalsandbloomsdecor.com
Flowers courtesy of Floralie Flower Farm
8851 Custer School Rd., Custer, 360.389.7313, floralieflowerfarm.com
Cupcakes courtesy of Pure Bliss Desserts
1424 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, 360.739.1612, pureblissdesserts.com
Seasonal Styles: Fall
Photos shot on location by Cocoa Laney at the Bellingham Studio with styling courtesy of Wander Design + Rentals. 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 760, Bellingham, thebellinghamstudio.com
Break out your coziest blankets and pillows: When it comes to fall decor, the first area that comes to Lawton’s mind is the couch. It’s time to swap out light linens for warmer, heavier knits to keep you bundled all season long.
“Toss the fresh summer colorful pops off of the couch– not that you need to do away with color, but [bring] in some more of those fall tones,” she says. “Maybe some deep greens, oranges, tones we see in nature, some terracotta.”
Look to nature for inspiration: Autumn is the ideal time to forage for organic materials such as ferns, leaves, and grasses. Consider crafting a custom wreath, swapping traditional florals for fall branch arrangements, or even incorporating seasonal produce items such as squash and gourds (not just jack-o-lanterns!).
Go crazy with (healthy) candles: “I always am careful about what I’m burning in my house,” says Lawton. “But soy-based, coconut-based [candles]– those things are all great, and they’re comfortable and cozy.”
A good candle will add ambiance and (ideally) make you want to spend more time indoors as the weather starts to change. Choosing the right dish or holder is also an opportunity to add flair– we recommend seeking out beautiful, textured ceramics that are crafted locally.
Small pink vase from Petals and Bloom, $6
Candle from Petals and Bloom, $26
Throw blanket from Petals and Bloom, $65
Wooden dish from Petals and Bloom, $20
White vase from Petals and Bloom, $30
Beige throw pillows from Petals and Bloom, $48
Brown lumbar pillow from Petals and Bloom, $40
5780 N. Star Rd., Ferndale, 360.920.1294, petalsandbloomsdecor.com
Seasonal Styles: Winter
Photos shot on location by Cocoa Laney at the Bellingham Studio with styling courtesy of Wander Design + Rentals. 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 760, Bellingham, thebellinghamstudio.com
Embrace the spirit of the season– even after the holidays: “I personally tend to stick to things that feel winter-inspired more so than holiday, necessarily, so I can use them longer,” Lawton says. “Like beautiful wood serving boards, bringing in napkins that feel like they fit with the wintertime … velvet tends to feel like a cozy fabric, and there are a lot of options for that on the tabletop too.”
Subtle white lights, rich woods, tapered candles, and neutral tones feel seasonal– but unlike most Christmas decor, these elements can be displayed through February or March.
Bring a personal touch or two to your table: Handmade elements, such as calligraphed menus and custom place cards, are easy ways to bring the spirit of the season to the table. [Text Wrapping Break] “When you’re looking at your table and you have gathered the plates and all of the hard goods, [think] about topping that with thoughtful elements,” Lawton says. “When we have Christmas dinner or whatnot, our kids always make the place cards.”
Create coziness wherever possible: We often think of this season in relation to holiday gatherings, but a serene winter’s day can also inspire us to turn inward. In need of a recharge? Try transforming a corner of your space into a sanctuary for all things hygge, complete with a journal, pen, candles, and your favorite cup of tea.
Tea bowl from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $33
Plate from Phoebe Wahl & Co., $31
112 Grand Ave., Ste. 101, Bellingham, 360.525.3627, phoebewahl.shop
Journal from Current and Furbish, $14
Candle from Current and Furbish, $28
Tea towels from Current and Furbish, $69
Dish from Current and Furbish, $25
1115 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.733.3224, currentandfurbish.com
Throw blanket from Petals and Bloom, $50
5780 N. Star Rd., Ferndale, 360.920.1294, petalsandbloomsdecor.com
Art All Year Long
Looking for a simple yet fun way to ensure your decor always feels fresh? We recommend investing in a collection of art prints. They’re affordable, easy to store, and can be swapped in and out of frames depending on the vibe of the season. Luckily our region has no shortage of creatives– and you can give back to our local arts scene by purchasing some of their work.
Spring
17×22” giclee print by Phoebe Wahl
$90, phoebewahl.shop
8×8” wood art panel by Shanni Welsh of Fat Dragonfly Collection
$52, fatdragonfly.com
12×16” print of original painting by Kendra Castillo
$43, etsy.com/shop/KendraCastillo
Summer
4×6” giclee print on 1” mat by Ciara Sana
$15, artbyciara.com
Print by Amber Nakayama of It Begins with a Line
$35, itbeginswithaline.com
14×13” canvas print by Quinn Dimitroff of Quinnarie Studio
$100, society6.com/quinndimitroff
Fall
6×4.75” oil on paper by Nicki Lang
$40, nickilang.com
11×14” giclee print by Phoebe Wahl
$45, phoebewahl.shop
8.5×11” print by Kristen Frakes of Kick Step Design
$20, kickstepdesign.com
Winter
6×8” linocut print by Sarah Finger of Skyline Printworks
16×20” print of original painting by Kendra Castillo
$63, etsy.com/shop/KendraCastillo
8×10” print of pen and ink drawing by Amanda M. Jorgenson
$20, Amandamjorgenson.com
Bringing the Outdoors In
Plant Q&A with Kym George of Urban Treasury
Photos by Cocoa Laney
If you had to pick a favorite plant to represent each season, which would you choose, and why?
- The summer plant for me is the hibiscus; it is tropical and can live all year indoors here in Washington. When the time is right, you can move the hibiscus onto your deck and watch it bloom all summer long.
- In fall I love chrysanthemums, which symbolize happiness and vitality. Urban Treasury has “Gardens in a Bag” that grow “mums” right in your kitchen window.
- Winter is for sure the poinsettia, hardy yet indoor-only in our zone. The poinsettia is a beautiful addition to holiday decor (but please keep out of reach of your pets!).
- Spring is my favorite season, and the peace lily will not disappoint. It is a lovely house plant and you will have blooms all year!
Let’s focus on our current season! What are your favorite ways to capture late summer vibes using plants and florals?
I like to mix house plants and cut flowers to make a tablescape that can go from the dining room to the deck (i.e. pothos with sunflowers). You can also put a philodendron plant in a basket, insert small cups with cut cosmos and marigolds around it, then disguise the cups and plant container with moss. Color, cheer, and sweet smells– that’s what summer is all about!
Photos by Cocoa Laney
Can you share a few ideas on how to incorporate plants native to the PNW into seasonal home decor?
Oh, this is easy! I love to forage the trails at Whatcom Falls Park to find elements such as small stones, sticks, pinecones, and of course mosses to make beautiful big moss bowls. Not only is it a fun project, a beautiful moss bowl will add a touch of elegance to any space. We will have classes to show how to make them this summer.
Urban Treasury also specializes in vintage home goods, barware, et cetera. Beyond plants, do you have any suggestions for curating vintage seasonal decor?
We believe in repurposing whenever possible. Everyone is biking and hiking in our area this summer, so it’s nice to bring that vibe indoors. If you find an old bike rim, plant it with succulents. In fall, have a big old basket full of pinecones with our lovely home scents. In winter, put out an old tray with beautiful vintage cups and spoons for morning coffee and light a candle to start your day. I also love a lot of pillows and throws to snuggle up with in the evening.
1031 N. State St., Ste. 102, Bellingham, facebook.com/urbantreasury
Scents of the Season
Coziest Candles
The small-batch candles from Saffron and Sass are crafted with the most eco-friendly components available, including dried and pressed botanicals sourced right here in the Pacific Northwest. Their inventory features a wealth of nature-inspired scents such as fiddlehead, aurae, fig leaf, and redwood.
Candles from Reclamation Candle Company are quirky, sweet-smelling, and always eco-friendly. As opposed to traditional containers, their candles come in vintage teacups and glasses (and yes, they can be cleaned and used for cocktails or coffee once the candle burns out!). True to style, their La Conner brick-and-mortar also features a coffee bar.
We love the seasonal scents from Orcas Island Candle Co. Their summer lineup boasts options like rosemary and citrus, sweet orange chai, and even candles inspired by island locations such as Mountain Lake. Best of all, every candle is hand-poured using non-toxic ingredients such as soy wax and essential oils.
Bella Rose Boutique, photo by Emilie Friske
Artisan Soaps
Barn Cat Creations makes artisan soaps for any time of year. Pick up their Tropical Sorbet scent in the summer, the Cashmere Luxe during winter, and the floral-scented, woodsy Lavender Forest in the spring.
Samish Bay Soaps has been making delightfully scented soaps since 1997, and each bar is made from pure essential oils. Scents like lemonder (lemon + lavender) will make your bathroom smell like summer all year long, whereas their fir needle bar is practically guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
If you prefer a brick-and-mortar shopping experience, handmade. la conner has bath and body products to soothe both the skin and the soul. Fairhaven’s Bella Rose Boutique also has everything from soaps to scrubs, bath bombs, lotions, and anything else you might need for an evening of pampering. In Bellingham, the newly-opened MW Soapworks storefront prioritizes soaps by regional artisans as well as those from marginalized communities.
Photo courtesy of handmade. la conner
Do-It-Yourself Scents
Maybe you’ve heard of Anne-Marie Faiola– as the “Soap Queen” of Whatcom County (and, well, the rest of the U.S.), she runs both a DIY blog and Bramble Berry, a hugely successful craft supply company. Bramble Berry is a DIY lover’s dream, with kits for everything from soap to bath bombs, cosmetics, skincare, and more. They also offer a wealth of kits for seasons and holidays such as Halloween and Valentine’s Day.
