By Mi-Ling Stone Poole

DEAR MI-LING: Money is an issue these days. How can I incorporate fall colors into my home without spending a lot of money? My budget is tight, and my mind is blank. I need a little inspiration to help me get started both inside and out.

Any ideas?

DEAR READER: Don’t sweat the details, just go with the flow and open your mind to new ideas other than spending money at the department store for ready-made fall decorations. You’ll find everything you need right at home or at a garage sale or flea market.

For a quick and easy fall makeover in your home pull out those glass vases, metal buckets, cake plates, baskets, old boots and hats and fill them with nature’s goodness. Nuts, leaves, twigs and berries, apples and other fruit will brighten up your space.

Next, take a trip to your garage, basement or storage shed and drag out the shovels, rakes, wheel barrows, old beat-up tables, chairs and iron pieces to create an outdoor space layered with flowers, twigs and wood, pumpkins and more.

Spray-paint old furniture and pots with vibrant colors. An explosion of orange, gold, green, purple and brown will take your space to the next level. Complete the look by layering outdoor pillows, colorful candles, tablecloths and a few fresh pumpkins.

There’s no need to buy expensive centerpieces when you have a backyard full of leaves, sticks and berries or fill a vase with berries, asparagus and water for a spectacular display!

A few tips to get you started:
• Take a quick inventory of your home and scope out pieces to repurpose.
• Look through your closet for old flannel shirts and scarves or throws.
• Dig in the garage or basement for containers, and architectural pieces.
• Gather up twigs, berries from outside.

Photo Credit: Mi-Ling Stone Poole
Designer: Tulsa Street of Dreams

Share your fall decorating tips!