How high? What size frames? What size matting? How do you group them? What techniques can you use to ensure a minimal swiss cheese affect on your walls?

Let's start with some basic guidelines on how to position your art or framed photos.

• Hang the frames so that the middle point is 57 inches from the floor.  That recommendation comes from gallery professionals.
• If you have a collage of pictures to hang, consider the collage as a whole and set the center of the collage at 57 inches.

Now let's smash those guidelines to pieces! Okay, maybe not smash, but let's consider some times when you may want to stray from gallery rules. If you have a space for children, some art can certainly be brought down to a level where they can enjoy it. Or let's say you want to hang some pictures above a headboard that is 57 inches tall. Consider other items in the room like door frames, or shelving. You may be able to consider the difference between the top of the headboard and the top of the door frame as the center point to use for your new center measurement. If your ceilings are not that high the art can be centered between the ceiling and the item above which you are hanging your pictures. ​

What size should your picture frame(s) be? For drama - as large as you can afford. For collages, you can either vary the sizes of individual frames for added interest or keep the frame size consistent and limit the number to at least 3 but no more than 9 for a more formal, classic look. You can mat your pictures with a standard 3 inch border (put a 5x7 picture in an 8x10 frame, for example). If you have great photos that you don't want to blow up larger or can't due to pixilation, have a frame shop custom cut some matting that will allow you to use much larger frames with your smaller pictures..

If you have more than a few pieces of art or photos to display, grouping them can help you keep your walls from looking cluttered. Think of the space you have for your collage as a large shape within which to arrange your pictures whether that be a square or rectangle. You can play with your designs by arranging the frames on the floor or other large surface. Try aligning the outside edges to form a rectangle within a rectangle (or square within a square). For a long horizontal display, centering varying size frames along one horizontal line and attempting to use the same size frames on each end and in the middle will help give the collage a balanced look. If you have a couple of rows of different size frames, align the bottoms of the top row with the tops of the bottom row to bring your eye pleasingly along the length of the grouping.. Are you arranging pictures along a stairwell? Align the bottom corner of each frame the same distance from the handrail to give a diagonal line that follows along as you go up or down. 

Here are a few recommendations to help keep you from creating multiple nail holes in your walls.

• The first is to find the right hardware for hanging pictures. I recently found this item called a Beehive PIcture Hanger. When your nail ends up being just a bit off, this will allow you to just move the picture without the hassle of remeasuring and nailing again!
  
• You can use those 3M Command Strips, but be sure to note the weight for which they are intended so your precious photos don't come crashing down.
  
• Here is a link to a quick video with 5 tips for hanging pictures.

I hope this helps give you confidence to hang your art and/or photos of loved ones. Our spaces are meant to house the things we love and those things are meant to be seen and enjoyed. Have fun and, as usual, let me know how it goes!

If you would like links to these items, let me know.

As the cold begins to subside here in Wisconsin and Spring takes over, we see Mother Nature offering inspiration for organic choices in interior design. Watch the slide show for each nature pic to see some fun selections I found google-ing around! (Click 'Play' on the larger pictures and give it a few seconds.)

​Happy Spring days ahead to everyone!

Just a quick post today brought to you by the color Red!

Roy G Biv - The colors of a rainbow (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). I feel like exploring the color red today.  Red can invoke anger, but I think the furnishings shown in this post evoke a feeling of warmth and love, not anger.  My apologies if this color is only anger for you, as I'm aware it can be for some.  (If that's you, please check back to see my future posts as I intend to explore all of Roy G Biv over time!)

All these items can be found on Wayfair.com and if you click on one of the links below and purchase it, I may receive a commission.  It won't cost you anything extra to click or buy!

Most of us are going through life transitions for many different (and for some the same) reasons. COVID, of course, continues to be a wild card in all our lives.  For others, you may be contemplating retirement, or forced into it! Relationship changes, be it spousal, friends, or other family members are inevitable as we age and move through life phases (leaving home, coming back, needing more space, needing less, adding to your household as parents age or even as you bring in a new pet as a loyal, friendly companion. The clock ticks and changes happen. Are you losing sleep over the changes in your life? Let's chat about some ways to help you sleep better.

Your environment for sleeping MUST be conducive to getting a good night rest. How do you make that happen? Don't underestimate the details: great bedding, clean air, bedtime rituals, your health - in no order of importance! It may take a bit of change in all these areas to help you sleep more soundly. Everyone needs differing amounts of sleep to ensure they have energy and a positive attitude to tackle their day. If you are under the age of 14, you need a lot!  The rest of us need about 8. This is according to the National Sleep Foundation.

How do you help yourself get the required amount of sleep you need? Let's start with bedding material. This is a chart with an overview of the quality of various materials used in bedding by Prudentreviews.com. Click on it to see all the pros and cons to help you choose the right bedding for you.

What do you do an hour or two before you go to bed? It can make a big difference to the quality of sleep and the quickness with which you get there. Helpguide.org has some insights and a list of several actions you can take to improve your chances of a good night sleep.

Finally, your health plays a big role in how much sleep you get and its quality. You know this, of course. All the above ideas can help, but if you are not healthy it could be an uphill battle. When you can do things that are in your control, don't hesitate. This is definitely not an exhaustive list of things to consider:

• Snoring - See this article by the National Sleep Foundation - https://www.sleepfoundation.org/snoring
• Overweight - There's so much to google on this. I'm working on the Bright Line Eating plan, personally. Get your doctor's approval for any diet plan.
• Adding supplements - The Mayo Clinic has some precautions regarding supplements, but this article may help: 

                        https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep-aids/art-20047860

I wish you a healthy sleep tonight and every night! 
Add a comment if you have a sure-fire way to help you get to sleep.

This transitional style library nook is tucked in what may have been a formal dining room that was neglected since the homeowner had preferred another area for more casual dining.  The need to get away and have a quiet place to read or an additional TV viewing area was met by installing custom bookshelves and adding in very comfy seating, good lighting, and a place to put up your feet.  (Note this is a rendering using a zoom backdrop curated by Clive Christian Furniture and Hatchards.)

For this post, I wanted you to be able to pull together a look that is all your own. I have suggested pieces in the affiliate links below that if clicked and/or purchased, I may receive a commission on with no additional cost to you.  Have fun putting together a look that makes you want to dive into that new book or movie you've been waiting to tackle. At the bottom of this post, I'll show you my choices from these items that I would put together for a specific look.

Send me your email address and I'll send you a code to get 5% off on Houzz merchandise!

Oh, so many choices! Depending on your style, any combination of these items (and the great wide internet!) will get you your dream library lounge. If you want to go custom on furnishings and upholstery, there are even more choices. Given the limitations of the items above, here are two styles put together with choices from those items.

I believe the trend for 2021 is toward a lifestyle that is hopeful, peaceful, and healthful. Our home decor will include soft textures, natural colors, unique lighting and sustainable materials. If you like the items shown in my first mood board for 2021, you can shop for them by clicking on the pictures below.  Happy New Year!

If there are items not individually listed that you are interested in, please contact me at autumnlightinteriors@gmail.com and reference this blog post. 

Metallic Spray Paint is your friend!
Do you have some old knick-knacks hiding away in a closet, some inexpensive wood or plastic toy trains (ask your kids for permission, please!), a tree or shrub with interesting small branches you can cut and bring inside, unused perfume bottles, or any other interestingly shaped objects?  No? Your nearest thrift store may have the perfect ugly duckling to turn into a swan. Try to collect a few items that make up a theme - animals, vases, transportation, etc. Get some gold spray paint or gold glitter paint (or both) and start spraying those objects...some with gold, some with glitter. Turn a few objects into a collection and display them together on your mantle, table, or bookshelf. A few small items sitting in the middle of some greenery (wreath or garland), will give you an unexpected pop of sparkle.

It is definitely the time of year to enjoy hearth and home. A roaring fire to warm your heart, a cozy throw to warm your toes, the scent of the holidays bringing comfort and joy...can you imagine!  I hope you are able to do more than imagine. I hope you are able to truly experience these things. If not, is it because your fireplace is outdated or bland and boring? Redfin's blog has an article on budget-friendly fireplace remodel ideas. And guess who had the privilege to contribute a tip? Yours truly for Autumn Light Interiors!  Read on as I share their article here.

By Mike Cahill

A warm hearth is the centerpiece of a cozy winter home - there’s just no better place to curl up with a good book or spend quality time with the family. If you put the time and effort in to give your fireplace the stylistic treatment it deserves, it’ll become the natural gathering space for your home year-round. To help get you started, we’ve tracked down a talented panel of fireplace and design professionals. Whether you’re in a cold climate like Hillsboro or a warmer one like Fresno, read on for advice and inspiration from expert craftsmen around the country.

Embrace your materials and create a focal point
We’ve been slowly renovating our 1945 Cape Cod style home in Portland, Oregon. Quite honestly, our fireplace is a project we have yet to tackle. We have plans to repoint the brick and replace the trim. However, in the interim, we have made this old, original fireplace an intentional fixture of our home by exposing its original state and curating a focal point through minimalist styling. My initial reaction was to cover the brick of our fireplace with paint or new stone. Once I embraced the original brick (and even exposed more of it!) I saw its simple, raw beauty as a characteristic of our 1945 home.  Sometimes it’s less about adding and more about restoring. Keeping things simple, minimal, and a tribute to its history. – Pacific Cape Home
​
Consider using veneer panels to replicate real stone
An inexpensive fireplace refresh is Versetta Stone veneer panels. Versetta Stone veneer panels have the look and feel of real stone but don’t come with the expense, or time of hiring a professional mason. Each panel looks and feels like traditional stone, installing easily with just screws, and is a quick way to update and accent your fireplace. The best part of using Versetta Stone is how DIY friendly it is as the panels can be installed by the average homeowner. – Mainline Materials 

This month I’m sharing an article written by Natalie Jones, a fellow blogger for Homeownerbliss.info. She was kind enough to offer up some great links that provide a wealth of information on safety for seniors.  If you are caring for aging family members or need some advice for your own lifestyle changes, please read on. If you find this information helpful, I’d love to hear from you.

When you’re younger, falling can hurt but it isn’t usually deadly. For your senior family members, on the other hand, even a seemingly simple fall can spell disaster. Falls are consistently ranked as a leading cause of death and serious injury for elderly populations. So, if you are caring for older loved ones, you should use these fall prevention resources to keep them safe.
 
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Senior Falls
Healthy habits can also be crucial for reducing fall risk for seniors.
 

• Health and wellness resources can boost your senior’s habits.
• Ensure that senior loved ones follow a healthy and nutritious diet.
• Make sure your senior gets plenty of safe exercise.
• Balance and strength exercises are also important for seniors.

 
Aging in Place Safety Modifications
A safer home can mean fewer falls and injuries for seniors.
 

• Search for DIY home modifications to help save money.
• For expert help keeping your senior’s home free from unnecessary clutter, connect with Autumn Light Interiors.
• Also, check for financial programs to pay for modifications.
• A coat of epoxy in the garage can reduce cracks and prevent falls.

 
Senior Home Care Resources
Sometimes a helping hand can make all the difference.
 

• Decide what type of home care will fit your senior’s needs.
• Look for financial resources that will help pay for home care.
• If you plan on providing care, look for community resources too.

 
Long-Term Care and Senior Home Resources
Transitioning to long-term care isn’t easy but sometimes it’s necessary.
 

• Know the signs it may be time to move to assisted living.
• For seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, memory care may be best.
• There are also financing options that can help with long-term care costs.

 
Falls can be deadly for seniors. So make sure your loved ones are safe from falls by making changes to their lifestyles, their homes, and their care. Finally, know when it’s time to transition into a senior care facility. Having these resources could just save your loved one’s life.
 
To learn more about how Autumn Light Interiors can help keep your senior’s home organized and clutter free, schedule a free one-hour consultation by calling 608-772-7953 or emailing AutumnLightInteriors@gmail.com!
 
Photo Credit: Rawpixel