Welcome November!

2010 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, 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

[Liz*Marie]

Hehe I *must* point out that you said "2009 is almost over." It's actually 2010, but don't feel too bad-- I am totally feeling the same right now!! This year has FLOWN by and I feel like I don't have much to show for it! I'm looking forward to a "fresh start" [and hopefully a slow-down] in 2011!!

And of course, the note about loving your website!! ;)

[Julia]

That's too funny! 2009, hmm. Well, you have an amazing list going on there--I love the note about getting out your wedding china--bravo! I think on my list is to get my studio a little more organized--maybe try and keep most of it off the ground. *sighs* Maybe?

[erin]

love love love this post... i thought daylight savings was next weekend! oops.

[Joanna]

I didn't hang anything on my walls for a year and the only reason it finally did happen is because my boyfriend moved in (bless him, now the apartment looks like someone actually lives here). I wish I had the walls painted before moving in, because I'm too lazy to have it done now, with furniture and frames hanging everywhere. I guess it's a good thing that we're thinking of moving.....

P.S. I woud kill to have a fireplace. Nothing makes a house cozier than a cheery, crackling fire.

[Elise Lowerison]

I came across your post this morning while browsing interior design blogs and your take on interior décor is exquisite. I love the look and color palettes of every single room in this post, they are so classic and vintage. It is true that you must dress your windows appropriately to bring out their true beauty. Thank you for writing and as a special thanks to you and your readers, I would like to offer a 20% off coupon using this code upon checkout: BLG20.

[PriscilaPetersDecor]

The second image is dreamy!!

[Splendid Willow]

Paint, that is my November task. Paint walls, paint canvases, paint everything. It is all about nesting for me and preparing for a long, dark winter.

That leather chair in image 5 is oh-so-heavenly. Would you happen to know anything about it?

Fantastic images.

ox, Mon

[Caroline C]

I love this post. It captures exactly how I feel now.
And I've been meaning to hang all of my prints too!!

[Natalie]

I love these colors...gorgeous rooms!

[Maureen Sullivan Stemberg, Interiors]

Anne, what are my "must do's for November?" I am just trying to keep (up) and track of all your doings!! YEAH.
Love, love, love that blue. DO we have a name for it. Funny, when I saw *2009* I just said to self...I guess, the day and flight which I was floating with happiness...My thought was..."She right!" Great post. ox, m P.S. Congrats to all from San Fran. Job well done!

[michelle]

I am in the market for a bedroom makeover too! Enough nasty carpet, for one thing.

[Stephanie]

That blue chair and blue desk has me so happy right now.

[kristin]

I love the big golden mirror!!! And the pink wall - just beautiful! Have a great day!

Kristin xx

[Kate@MagnoliaRouge]

My husband and I just 'argued' over the picture hanging thing today. We moved in barely a week ago and he wants them hung... and I'm saying I need some time to think about it and get it right. I don't just want to hang everything we had in our previous house, I want to give it more thought!! I WILL win :-)

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[carolyn]

LOVE that fireplace and navy room. filing that one away for sure. :)

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