Welcome, November!

2009 is almost over? Oh my goodness, where has the time gone? Though I hope everyone had a lovely Halloween weekend, let's get down to what's really important here: the approaching festive season! My favorite way to get in the mood for the coming month is to flip through back issues of my trusty mags, so here's some November eye candy from years past.

With the daylight hours growing ever shorter (how much do you love the extra hour we got yesterday!?) you'd think I'd want to counteract the darkness with light, bright interiors. But in fact it's just the opposite--I want to burrow even deeper into hibernation mode! These moody, dramatic interiors are really calling my name...

My response to this shade of blue? Come to mama! I've been searching high and low for a color scheme for the bedroom, and this midnight hue with accents of gold and cement white is a serious contender. Wouldn't this inspire some under-the-covers snuggling while the weather rages outside?

Earthy, organic materials also strike my fancy this time of year. Rough hewn reclaimed wood, smooth textured stone, and a modern pendant that looks spun in nature--together they make me want to pull out my cast iron Dutch oven and cook up a batch of thick, belly-warming stew. Add in a loaf of my best brioche and you have some serious November comfort!

Of course the coziest indulgence this time of year is a blazing fire in the fireplace. It satisfies all the senses--the smell of burning wood, the crackling and popping flames, the glow of heat on your face. Do I have a fireplace? No. Do I want a fireplace? You bet your bottom dollar I do! In the meantime I'll just gaze wistfully at this photo...

With a new month ahead my mind also turns to the little tasks and projects I'd like to complete. Goal number one? Dig out my fancy wedding china! Gosh darn it, I'm going to put those precious plates to use, even if it means unceremoniously eating my Eggo's off of them. Though a charming display like this one could be lovely too!

Also on the to-do list? Hanging the vast number of prints and photos currently languishing in my closet. I've been procrastinating on this one for months, partially because the last time the huz and I hung pictures we nearly strangled each other, and partially because I look at my big empty walls and don't know where to begin. Now enough excuses--it's time to take action!

The holidays also bring out my crafty side. No needle and thread is safe when I'm around! I've already begun some fun projects that I can't wait to share, and there are plenty more floating around in my imagination. Though this year I'd like to finish every project I start--something I've failed miserably at in previous years. Does anyone else have this problem?

But the most important item on my agenda? Get the bedroom in order! I know I say this at the outset of every month, but mark my words: this time I'm going to make it happen! A little paint, some strategic vintage furniture hunting, and a lot of creativity. That doesn't sound so hard, now does it?!

Tell me: What's on your November to-do list?

Image Credits: 1, 5. Elle Decor November 2008. 2, 3. Martha Stewart Living November 2008 4, 9. Blueprint November/December 2007 6. Domino, November 2007 7. Martha Stewart Living November 2006 8. Martha Stewart Living November 2005

Comments

[Down and Out Chic]

the blue and gold combo is so classic yet so dramatic. love it.
i also adore that plate wall!

[Kristy]

The room with the fireplace and leather chair is calling my name!

I also plan on fixing up our bedroom this month! And it may involve some paint, but I'm not sure yet. (Choosing a color is always SO difficult for me!) There will definitely be some pictures hung (if I ever have them printed...) and furniture re-arranged. And hopefully a permanent home for that precious little bird pillow! Thanks again for that!

Oh - also, I'd just like to tell you that you're pushing me into the kitchen with a vengeance these days. I'm making those monster cookies today, and now I HAVE to make the brioche. =)

[ashley maureen]

yes, holiday season is definitely crafty time. i love that desk with the simply-stocked shelves. what a perfect space to tuck into a project!

[cathi]

Love the photos - especially the blue chair near fireplace...just gorgeous!

[Emily]

I love the somber, earthy tones of November, which you have reflected in your images here! I love the anticipation of the holidays that November brings - probably more than the holidays themselves!

[my favorite and my best]

i'm with you, that blue room is beautiful!!

[Jaime]

Love the black wall in first shot :)

[Joanna]

I'm salivating over these moody interiors. That's how I would want my home to look 365 days of the year.

I, too, have been procrastinating when it comes to hanging up some artwork. A blank wall can be so paralyzing.

[Christina]

These pictures feel just a tad bit heavier which feels so warm & perfect for fall. Love all of the eye candy posted here today!

[blair]

I am so guilty of starting and never finishing projects. My project for the month is going to involve my bedroom too--so neglected. I have an awful odd chest hat I am determined to paint and get some fun hardware for and refinishing a mirror to match (that has been on my list for over 3 months!) Speaking of bedrooms, I love that last image--such a lovely combination of colors and patterns.

[Jessica]

I wish I could get on board with those dark, cozy rooms, but I can't! Now that I'm driving home in the dark (darn Daylight Savings Time!), it feels like I've spent my entire day at the office!

This November, my boyfriend and I are going to start renovating his bathroom and kitchen (eep!). We've picked out tile already, so we're getting there. Slowly.

[Carissa]

I am loving everything in that "earthy, organic" shot and I also heart that blue desk! as for my november to-do list, it is long as always, but I am with you: getting my bedroom in order is at the top of the list! (and my closet, and my bathroom and the dining room... you get the idea! haha)

[Sophie @ Century Finds]

In spring I had the house painted in bright colors, now that fall has arrived I want to redo everything in grey and purple tones. Probably lucky then that I haven't allowed myself a paint budget!

[Susan]

I love organic tones.
have a lovely day, xoxo

[Erin @ SYL: Slipcover Your Life]

Really obsessed with the dark decor in the first three images!

[Eliana Tomás]

you've always beautiful spaces in here...

my november schedule includes to prep my december's blog and very important putting my portfolio together to apply for spatial design positions to a few companies i really want to work with (not only in london, but nyc too).

[Julieann/CreateGirl]

ohhh I too am so loving that blue right now. I just posted a blue library and it has been haunting me ever since!! Looking fwd to hearing about your projects. Enjoy Novemeber : )

[Lindsey]

i just posted my to do list...Yours is WAY shorter!

http://www.insidestoop.com/2009/11/tabled.html

As far as that Blue room goes: that chair is to die for! Be careful going too dark in your bedroom. I did that and it made it really hard to wake up. It always seemed like night time. It is so romantic though.

[Sherrie22Jackson]

Cars and houses are quite expensive and not every person can buy it. But, home loans was created to help different people in such kind of situations.