“There are flowers enough in the summertime, more flowers than I can remember—but none with the purple, gold, and red that dye the flowers of September!” — Mary Howitt

September is the only month in which you can enjoy both summer and fall, as one season ends and another begins. Autumn brings with it cooler breezes (to which I look forward all summer long) and the awe-inspiring, albeit brief, time we get to see the leaves changing.

The cooler months also bring out fall wardrobes for our homes, like cozy throws and harvest-scented candles. This is one of my favorite times to decorate with warmer tones, which instantly invite guests and family to relax and stay a while.

In this issue, I share an inexpensive way to add elegance to a room with my Board & Batten DIY. Speaking of elegance, the Russells share their spa-like bathroom makeover, while the Hartungs wow us with their Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired prairie home. In addition, Tony Noecker and Kelsey Janda take us on a walk down memory lane inside their cozy Old Market loft, and the Yannones’ high-tech home is sure to impress!

On a personal note, Labor Day marks nine years since the passing of my dear and longtime friend, Cat Mills, to pancreatic cancer. After her passing, my husband and I adopted Hinkley, the furry four-legged dachshund you see with Cat on the right and in her magazine debut on page 4. Over the years, Hinkley has brought us so much joy and comfort, and helped keep alive memories of Cat and our dear friendship.

I hope you enjoy this issue and, no matter what’s going on in these crazy times we are living, you have a wonderful season.  

This article first appeared in the September 2020 issue of Home Magazine. Click here to subscribe to the print edition.