Natural Interior Decorating Tips for Fall
by Craig Friesencraig.friesen@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
Everyone loves to bring fall colors indoors to brighten their homes. The decorative appeal of gourds, squash, ornamental corn, and wheat has made them popular items in grocery, florist, and craft stores. Imagine using dried produce you grew yourself to achieve the same home interior decorating look. Here are some “how-to” ideas to get you going.
The Growth Period
When selecting seeds for your home decorating fall harvest, be sure to seek out hybrids that are specifically intended for this purpose. It's also important, when planting for home interior decorating purposes, not to over-plant. Ideally, begin by planting a few seeds. If you end up with an abundance of viable plants, cull out some to give the remainder the best chance to grow. Many gourds, squash, and corn varieties produce abundantly so you don’t need to plant a lot.Harvesting for your Interior Decorating Projects
When it is time to harvest your produce for your home’s interior decorating projects be sure to do so when the plant is fully ripe and dry. Leaves may be cut or picked as they reach the desired colors. Once cut, dry them by placing them in a shallow pan and pouring hot sand over top. Finish by touching them up with an iron and dipping them in clear varnish.In dealing with squash, remember that it is perishable. However, the length of time you can keep a whole, mature, undamaged pumpkin should suffice for your home’s interior fall decorating. Gourds are best left to dry on the vine. When they are very lightweight and rattle when shaken, they are ready to be brought in.
Ornamental corn should also be picked dry. Then peel back the husks but leave them attached. Hang the corn by tying a string around the cob so the plume dries flowing downward.
You will be thrilled at what you can achieve by using your own produce. These simple tips for your autumn interior decorating projects will help you create professional-looking decorations every autumn.
Sources
About the Author
Craig Friesen is a freelance writer and self-employed entrepreneur living in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
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