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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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September 12, 2016

Fall Home Tour 2016

Hello and welcome friends! I’m so happy to have you here. My door is open and I’d love for you to come inside and take a look around because fall has definitely arrived at our home.

Black front door with wheat wreath atthepicketfence.com

 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word ‘home’. You see, things are a bit crazy right now and I feel like we are all going every which way.

I see our calendar getting more and more filled up with work trips and fun trips and deadlines and school activities and…and….and…

Simple and elegant fall entry decor atthepicketfence.com

And no matter how grateful I am for the many wonderful things happening in our lives right now and no matter how much fun it is to experience new things and have grand adventures, the greatest adventure to me is the one experienced right here within the walls of this place I call home.

Cotton stems in a milk jug

Marriage and motherhood and writing and running a business and so much more all happens right here. There are definitely big moments but there are many, many more small moments and frankly those are my most favorite of all.

C.S. Lewis said that “the homemaker has the ultimate career.”

fall decor on a sofa table atthepicketfence.com

For me, the making of our home is definitely one of the greatest joys in my life. It’s not so much about the decorating, even though I do love that part. It’s about creating a haven, a respite for my family from the craziness of the world.

Fall farmhouse style family room atthepicketfence.com

And that is why I have to agree with Laura Ingalls Wilder that, “Home is the nicest word there is.” And I thought that perhaps if I wrote these words on a giant chalkboard in a prominent place it would serve as a reminder for us as we enter this new season in our lives.

Fall fireplace mantel decorating idea atthepicketfence.com

Because when home is a place you long to be in and when it is where you get to be with the people you love the most, it’s simply the best.

Mason jars with corn kernels and candles atthepicketfence.com

Now, don’t get me wrong, this home of ours and this life of ours isn’t perfect.

It’s often messy and hard and all sorts of imperfect.

Fall fireplace decorations atthepicketfence.com

But, perfection isn’t what makes home such a wonderful word.

Simple fall kitchen decor atthepicketfence.com

I believe that what makes home the nicest word there is, is that you can have all of the imperfect and the messy and the hard stuff and still have all of the love.

wheat bundle on top of cinnamon sticks atthepicketfence.com

That you can fail and succeed, get it wrong and get it right, feel like talking or feel like being silent and always, always know that you are safe to be just who you are.

Wheat in a white pitcher

As I type these words to you I can hear the sounds of ‘home’ happening all around me.

Farm Grown grain sack wall art

My husband and son working in the yard, chatting about this and that. Lessons being learned and relationship being built as they work side-by-side.

I hear my daughter riding her scooter in the driveway. If I listen closely I can actually hear her talking and singing to herself. It’s the sweet, precious sounds of imagination that I know in the not so distant future will only be a memory.

French country fall mantel

The sliding door is open behind me and I can hear the wind blowing through the leaves of my maple tree whose color reminds me that despite the warm temperatures fall is definitely on it’s way.

white pumpkins and french country painting

And I’m reminded once again that home has very little to do with a house and everything to do with our hearts.

Wheat in a vintage rusty oil can

So even as the world tugs and pulls at us and one season of life slips into another, home is never really more than a heartbeat away.

Apple cider station with copper mugs

And I think that is really what makes it the nicest word there is.

fall dining room centerpiece atthepicketfence.com

 

Now, speaking of homes, there are so many more all decorated for fall for you to tour as part of the 2016 Finding Fall Home Tour hosted by Laura of Finding Home Farms!

FINDING HOME FARMS

Stonegable 

STONEGABLE

 Four Generations One Roof

FOUR-GENERATIONS-ONE-ROOF

Thistlewood Farms

THISTLEWOOD-FARMS

 Inspired By Charm

INSPIRED-BY-CHARM

 French Country Cottage

FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE

 Home Stories A to Z

HOME-STORIES-A-TO-Z

 Jeanne Oliver

JEANNE-OLIVER

 Ella Claire

Ella-claire

 Julie Blanner

JULIEBLANNER

 Zevy Joy

ZEVYJOY

And as always, thank you so much for meeting me at the fence today,

Vanessa signature

30 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas, Home Tour, Tablescapes Tagged With: Autumn, decor, fall, fall Decorating, fall home tour

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Comments

  1. Patty says

    September 12, 2016 at 4:22 AM

    your house is beautiful. Is the picture of farm fresh a kitchen towel? Love that. Very simple but beautiful.

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    September 12, 2016 at 4:59 AM

    As always, your home and your words are so lovely and welcoming! Thank you so much for joining us!

    Reply
  3. laura {not a trophy wife} says

    September 12, 2016 at 5:19 AM

    Love the reminders of home…. lovely tour! Thank you! laura

    Reply
  4. Cecilia says

    September 12, 2016 at 6:06 AM

    Oh, I’m so enjoying this tour! Finding new friends and seeing so much beauty! I love your thoughts about home…those words echo deep into my heart. Your home looks like a wonderful place to be too. Love your beautiful Fall decor!

    Reply
  5. KariAnne Wood says

    September 12, 2016 at 6:58 AM

    Happy fall touring to you!

    I love all the details in your home. The straw, the hydrangea, the chalkboard, the EVERYTHING!

    You are a rock star!

    Happy day!
    karianne

    Reply
  6. Jen @beautyandbedlam.com says

    September 12, 2016 at 7:29 AM

    oh friend – every little touch is just beautiful. So wish I could sit on that comfy couch with you and have some coffee . 🙂 xoxox

    Reply
  7. Carol Reddin says

    September 12, 2016 at 7:43 AM

    Love all the fall touches in your beautiful home. Gives me ideas and inspiration to decorate. Thank you for the reminder of what “home” really is all about.

    Reply
  8. Beth says

    September 12, 2016 at 7:48 AM

    Beautiful sentiments and beautifully decorated! Home is definitely the nicest word there is. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Annie says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:03 AM

    What beautiful fall touches here and reminder about what home truly is. I very much enjoyed all of it!!

    Reply
  10. Lisa at Texas Decor says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:43 AM

    Loved your fall home tour! So many beautiful touches throughout. You’ve given me lots of decorating ideas too. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Marty Oravetz says

    September 12, 2016 at 8:44 AM

    I always love seeing your home and your fall is beautiful.

    Reply
  12. Jane Windham says

    September 12, 2016 at 12:30 PM

    Beautifully expressed sentiment of what makes a home, and I enjoyed seeing your seasonal decor!

    Reply
  13. Courtney says

    September 12, 2016 at 12:42 PM

    So beautiful Vanessa!! Love your home and style! xo

    Reply
  14. Bonnie says

    September 12, 2016 at 12:50 PM

    Thanks so much Vanessa for sharing the tour of your home and your thoughts on what Home means. You are so right.

    Reply
  15. Julie Blanner says

    September 12, 2016 at 1:15 PM

    I just adore the cotton and wheat you’ve integrated!

    Reply
  16. Jessica Bruno says

    September 12, 2016 at 6:05 PM

    So warm and cozy!!! Love how festive everything looks and I need some cotton! I have been seeing it everywhere and I want some too 🙂

    Reply
  17. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    September 13, 2016 at 9:45 AM

    Hi Vanessa,
    I so agree with you. Being home and being able to work at home is the very best! Your images show how much you love and care for your home and I would love to visit and chat! Your home wears fall beautifully!

    Reply
  18. Carol Reddin says

    September 15, 2016 at 8:11 AM

    As always, your home is beautiful. And, hearing the “sounds of home” resonates with me. Brings back lots of good memories.

    Reply
  19. Deborah says

    September 16, 2016 at 6:13 AM

    Oh, I love your words and pictures!

    I feel many of the same sentiments about home. I am a homebody. I like to go and do things, but I often tell my husband that it always feels so good to come home!

    Happy September!

    Reply
  20. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    September 17, 2016 at 9:11 AM

    Beautiful tour, beautiful sentiments!

    Reply
  21. Michelle says

    September 18, 2016 at 4:55 AM

    Thx for the inspiration. Your home is beautiful. I am wondering where your pillows came from that are in the chairs near the fireplace? I have been looking for something similar for a while now and can’t seem to find what I want! Enjoy your day!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM

      Hi Michelle! I purchased the pillow covers at a shop on Etsy called Porter Lane Home. She does beautiful work! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Rosemary says

    September 18, 2016 at 11:41 AM

    I love your outlook on what home is! I would love to find out where you got the white framed chalkboard or if you made that. Everything is warm and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your home!

    Reply
  23. carol says

    September 24, 2016 at 9:15 AM

    Beautiful fall decor, and beautiful words.

    Reply
  24. Calypso in the Country says

    September 25, 2016 at 6:59 AM

    Such a beautiful home filled with so much inspiration! Thanks for the lovely tour!
    Shelley

    Reply
  25. Valerie says

    October 4, 2016 at 12:09 PM

    Loved this! Such a lovely home! Question though – do you drink hot drinks out of your copper mugs? I wasn’t sure if that was possible! I’d love to know if it gets really hot or if it works like any other mug! 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Olson says

      October 4, 2016 at 1:07 PM

      Thank you for your spiritual take and reminding us of the specialness of Home!

      Reply
  26. Nicki Parrish says

    October 5, 2016 at 12:01 PM

    Ohhhh, I just love your Fall Home Tour! and the words are so beautifully written. I’m not sure if you remember me, but we were in the same mentor group at Haven. It was a pleasure meeting you, thanks for inspiring me with this post!

    Reply
  27. monette Lawson says

    October 16, 2016 at 5:15 PM

    In the Cottage White Magazine on page 117 in the Fall Simplicity article the chandelier on page 117, did you paint it white or is persain white? How many lights is on chandelier? I’m trying to find it in Wayfair.
    Thank you

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 16, 2016 at 7:20 PM

      Hi Monette! Here is the link the chandelier from Wayfair. I ordered it in Persian White. 🙂 https://www.wayfair.com/Quorum-Salento-9-Light-Transitional-Chandelier-6006-9-70-QUF4890.html

      Reply

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
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