harvest at home

by Amanda Lacey

thoughtful layers of texture, color and light add autumn warmth to outdoor spaces

THE MOST MEMORABLE seasonal displays are less about holiday decor and more about creating a sense of place. Natural materials, rich textures and carefully considered lighting lend warmth and character to outdoor spaces while honoring the colors and traditions of autumn. From heirloom pumpkins and ristras to layered textiles and subtle illumination, local experts offer inspiration for welcoming guests with understated elegance.

Kristin Salazar-Coffman, also known as Gourd Mama, creates custom harvest porch installations throughout the Albuquerque area, composing them with pumpkins and gourds in an array of colors, shapes and sizes. She encourages homeowners to begin with pieces they already own, using blankets and pillows as a foundation before thoughtfully adding autumn accents.

A palette of green, gold, brown and orange draws directly from the landscape and harvest. Existing potted plants can become part of an autumn arrangement when accented with ristras, cornstalks, wreaths and other organic elements. A simple shift in placement or a more seasonal vessel can further transform the composition. Lanterns fitted with outdoor-safe, remote-controlled candles introduce an ethereal glow after sunset. Clusters and vignettes have the greatest visual impact when they frame an entryway, flank the front door, enliven a back patio or welcome guests at the front gate. Even the most compact of spaces can host a vertical composition to dramatic effect.

Trees offer a natural framework for bistro lights, drawing the eye upward and casting a warm glow over patios and entryways. Permanent exterior light displays offer even greater flexibility, with an array of colors that can shift with the season. “The best part is the smart technology behind most permanent lighting that makes changing colors as easy as switching channels on your TV with a remote control,” says Robert Grebe of Red Shovel Landscape, which specializes in decorative lighting installations.

There’s room for abundance in autumn decorating, provided a clear palette or theme holds it all together. At the other end of the spectrum, simplicity can be just as compelling: a profusion of gourds in unexpected shapes, sizes and colors makes a statement all its own. Ultimately, the most memorable seasonal displays are those that reflect the people who create them. “You may not realize the joy and inspiration you’re bringing to others, or the lasting memories you’re creating through your traditions,” Salazar-Coffman says.

resources

Gourd Mama

Red Shovel Landscape
redshovel.com