Today is the official first day of fall. Though summer 2008 has come and gone, it’s now time to stop thinking about the past, and start thinking about change. And fall is the season of change.

To help us kick off the fall season, we thought we’d invite Imagekind artist Scott Neste, professional interior designer and owner of Minor Details Design, to share some ideas on how to prepare your home for the inevitable changes that fall brings.

Read on to see 5 Tips for Preparing your Home for Autumn. And remember to visit Imagekind’s Top Decorating Trends for Fall 2008.

Nate

Life is all about change – acknowledging it, embracing it and moving through it with as much grace and openness as possible.  Autumn is certainly one of the most dramatic seasonal changes we experience.  Days start getting shorter, the light is different and there is a sense of slowing down.  There is a sense of nesting, of retreating indoors while still relishing every moment we have to enjoy the “dog days” of summer.  I can’t say I’ve always been completely cognizant of, or intentional about, making the shift but, as I think about some of my routines, I’ve gleaned a few tips that may help you embrace the change this season.

1. Bring the Outdoors In

This is a great practice any time of the year.  Organic things help us feel human, grounded and part of our natural surroundings.  Start by watching farmer’s markets for fall flowers, pods, branches and botanicals that may dry well.  I like to arrange them in organic looking vases.  Try vases made of ceramic, wood or other natural fibers.  Rusted or verdigris metals can also add a great patina to a fall arrangement.

2. Move Some Furniture

Now is a great time to rethink your room arrangements.  Think about the focal points in the room.  If you have a fireplace, consider creating cozy and conversational seating arrangements nearby.  Keep entertaining in mind.  Will you need to make space for extra holiday guests?  Work with your rooms and remember that sometimes the best solution can be editing rather than adding to a room.

3. Create an Artful Focus

For some reason, I’m always drawn to handmade things in the fall and winter months.  I look for the perfect throw for the sofa, comfy pillows for the bedroom and lush textiles for the sitting room.  Take a look at your current possessions.  Do you have a wonderful vase that a child made in elementary school?  A handmade quilt that could be inspiration for the guest room?  A quirky original painting that you purchased at an estate sale?  Now is the time to let these treasures have their season of fame and inspire your surroundings.

4. Make ART!

This time of year is ripe with photo opportunities.  There are turning leaves, branches heavy with pods and berries and awesome sunsets.  Get in the flow and make some art of your own.   Imagekind is a fantastic resource for artists of all ages and experience levels.  Take yourself on a photo journey in your own back yard, upload your favorites and order some framed prints to transform your home.

5. Celebrate Change

Sometimes change is just what we need.  A new perspective, a fresh look or a second opinion can help us remember that good things could be just around the bend.  Fall is a great time to celebrate change so have a ball!  Create some time to have a few close friends over to enjoy a sunset, a leisurely brunch or a great classic movie.  The hectic months of summer are drawing to a close and it’s time to pause and reflect.

Remember, change is inevitable.  Some simple seasonal changes can help you set the stage to embrace it, move through it and allow your home to reflect it.

Read more decorating tips and ideas from Scott Neste by visiting Imagekind.