Do It Yourself

When living in the city, we often miss out on simple pleasures of nature. So this fall, plan an escape from the urban jungle. Get down and dirty on a hiking trip, or spend some time in a national park. And while you’re getting back in touch with the earth, think about bringing some of that nature back to your New York apartment. Here are some fun and easy ways to decorate your space the natural way.

Pressed leaves are a must. While you’re out and about, gather some of the biggest, brightest and most beautiful fall foliage you can find. Get a wide variety from different types of trees. When you get home, press them in a heavy book for 24 hours. Or, to save time and preserve more of the leaves’ colors, put each leaf in between 2 sheets of wax paper. Iron it until the wax paper sticks together. Peel apart the wax paper, and the leaf will be perfectly dried and pressed. Next is the fun part. Do whatever comes to mind with your pressed leaves. Paste them to a sheet of thick paper as artwork, or create a leafy mural on your wall. You can hang an empty frame on the wall and arrange some leaves inside. If you have a table or credenza with glass covering the top, arrange the leaves underneath the glass to add an autumnal flair to your furniture.

We also love the idea of using tree branches as decor.

Next time you’re strolling through the forest, pick up some fallen branches. Take them home and get creative. Spray paint them and mount some up on your wall. You can also glue small candles to a painted branch to create a one-of-a-kind lighting piece. Or one large, intricate tree branch mounted on its own can make quite a statement piece.

You can also display branches in a vase. Display a branch or two in your favorite glassware and secure them by placing some stones at the bottom. Decorate your branches with anything that suits your style. Hang nuts or pine cones for a natural vibe, or deck them out with chains and crystals for a more opulent look. Or just go with the simple beauty of the branches and stones themselves.

Is your favorite Fall scented candle running out? Try a new approach to satisfy your fragrance craving. Head to a farmer’s market and pick up some fresh rosemary and lavender, or any strong-scented herb of your choosing. Hang them upside down to dry overnight. The savory scent of the rosemary mingles nicely with the sweetness of the lavender to fill your home with a fresh aroma.

Decorate by placing these herbs in a wooden crate on your windowsill, or arrange them in a basket to create a simple centerpiece. You can also tack a bunch to an unused wall space. Maybe throw in some dried flowers and leaves for added color. Never underestimate the power of some simple plants to make your space charming and inviting.

Another fun way to decorate a surface is to make an autumnal display in a bell jar. Take some branches, leaves, maybe some moss and a gourd,  and create a stunning centerpiece by placing them in the bell jar.

And we all know that small pumpkins and gourds are fall decorating staples. But you might be thinking, how can I do something new with these basic items? Here’s an idea: Get some old wire, preferably some that’s sort of rusted or tarnished. Wrap the wire around your pumpkins and gourds in varying styles to create a very simple but playful look. Curl the wire ends as a finishing touch. Or maybe you want something a little more eye-catching. Then iridescent spray paint and some fine glitter are your friends. Spray paint your pumpkins and gourds, and add a light sprinkling of glitter to a few of them. Now you’ll have some classic fall decorations with a touch of fantasy.

With so many stores selling mass-produced decor for every season, it’s easy to forget that there are plenty of ways to do it yourself. And these are just a few. So go outside, get creative, and fill your home with one-of-a-kind pieces you can truly call your own.