Design Lover’s Prescription for an Irresistibly Cozy Autumn Day

Here in the heartland, we honor the season of autumn with deep reverence. It’s fleeting, sensual, and the picture of transformation. At this very moment, mere feet from my workspace, tender golden-green leaves of a soaring black walnut tree bathe in morning sunlight. Squirrels nibble away and play chase in its branches. Design Lover’s Prescription for an Irresistibly Cozy Autumn Day invites you into a quiet afternoon where soothing ingredients erase the chill and dismiss any gloom.

Cozy Copenhagen egg chair with Belgian linen upholstery in a bedroom with grisaille wall mural - Hello Lovely Studio.
I use this spare bedroom as a getaway to read, dream, and sometimes write – Hello Lovely Studio

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Design Lover’s Prescription for an Irresistibly Cozy Autumn Day

What a privilege to spy so much autumn beauty from my second story perch. The yard is decorated with gold and orange, yet I’m in no hurry to locate the rake. Days grow shorter, rain and thunder roll, and whistling winds carry crispy leaves to the earth which is growing firmer. It is indeed possible that residents here brave long winters and polar vortexes all for the glory of this season’s enfolding.

I rarely photograph our patio. It is often a beautiful mess with leaves, fallen branches, and scattered black walnuts half eaten by squirrels and woodland creatures.

Yellow fallen leaves on my patio with vintage dining set - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Creatures? Turkey and racoons edge right up to the glass patio door and do not mind our presence nearby. Foxes patter through the leaves too, and deer sightings are common.

New Books You’ll Love & Cozy Essentials

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

By the way, while I once again did not win my category (Best Written Blog) at the Interior Blog Awards, what a hoot to be a nominee for the virtual ceremony!

White pumpkin, pointe shoes, and Rose on a rush seat vintage chair - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Can you even fathom the awkwardness of hanging out in a virtual green room with anxious fellow nominees?

Here’s what I wore:

Yes I did wear my pink tutu (and pantyhose!) for the Zoom because blog awards are serious business.

Fine.

No one noticed my ruffled capelet, not a soul cared about the tutu, and it’s certainly not the Oscars or very serious at all…

unless you’re a design lover.

Which brings me to our topic: what were the ingredients of my cozy autumn day yesterday?

For starters, THREE AMAZING NEW design books from VENDOME.

Savor the Pages of a New Interior Design Book

LIVING WELL BY DESIGN by Melissa Penfold on my Belgian linen egg chair - Hello Lovely Studio.
tap image for buying info

1. LIVING WELL BY DESIGN (Vendome, 2021) by Melissa Penfold

This is the design resource book for which I have been waiting with intense anticipation!!! If you have visited Penfold’s exquisite blog, then you already understand.

Cozy Copenhagen egg chair with Belgian linen upholstery in a bedroom with grisaille wall mural - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio – see my story about the mural above in THIS STORY.

Each article sings with rich interior design wisdom, actionable tips, and keenly-researched analysis from a seasoned expert in style.

LIVING WELL BY DESIGN Melissa Penfold book on my cozy egg chair with animal print throw - Hello Lovely Studio

So try to imagine the glorious awe of an entire book dedicated to living well. To helping you learn to: train your eye, get things right the first time, and get by with less but better.

Cozy Copenhagen egg chair with Belgian linen upholstery in a bedroom with grisaille wall mural - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Sweet cozy Moses, NO in full caps, you cannot borrow my copy. Not ever.

Cozy Copenhagen egg chair with Belgian linen upholstery in a bedroom with grisaille wall mural - Hello Lovely Studio.

Are you (1) human breathing alive (I see no intelligent reason to exclude extraterrestrials or the spirit world) and (2) with shelter?

BUY MELISSA PENFOLD’S BOOK IMMEDIATELY.

Yellow fallen leaves on my patio with vintage dining set - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

2. CASA CABANA (Vendome, 2021) by Martina Mondadori

Any design lovers out there who subscribe to Cabana magazine?

CASA CABANA by Martina Mondadori on my desk with candle and keys - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

It’s something so special, and the magazine’s mood like no other. Here’s how they describe it:

CASA CABANA by Martina Mondadori.

“Whether it be a palazzo, a flat, a folly or a hut, the Cabana mood is an appreciation of the sensory and experiential characteristics of interiors.”

CASA CABANA by Martina Mondadori.

Oh, this fabric-covered work of art of a book! You’ll want to devour the delicious colors in photographs, and the unique tablescapes are destined to inspire designers and homeowners alike.

CASA CABANA by Martina Mondadori.

Prepare for a sensual feast!

CASA CABANA by Martina Mondadori.

Luxuriate in photographs and essays offered in a gracious spirit of abundant joy, of cultured style.

CASA CABANA by Martina Mondadori.

There’s simply nothing else quite like Mondadori’s vivid volume of inspiration to nourish your imagination, to satisfy appetites for decorating, travel, and Italian food.

Yellow fallen leaves on my patio with vintage dining set - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio – BTW, I will never tire of rustic trattoria fare, and it’s my favorite to serve on Friday nights at Casa Michele.

3. NEW YORK INTERIORS (Vendome, 2021) by Simon Upton

Is this sunshine-hued book by the brilliant Simon Upton going to make a visual statement on a whole lotta stylish cocktail ottomans across planet earth?

*shakes Magic8Ball*

Signs point to YES.

NEW YORK INTERIORS Simon Upton book on my kitchen table - Hello Lovely Studio
tap image for buying info

And just wait til a design lover pops it open for a peek inside!

NEW YORK INTERIORS Simon Upton book on my kitchen table - Hello Lovely Studio

Explore the breathtaking homes of 29 New York City tastemakers, all of whom found friendship with the author, a renowned interiors photographer.

NEW YORK INTERIORS Simon Upton book on my kitchen table - Hello Lovely Studio

Expect nothing less than chic von chic City and Getaway interiors intimately captured by Upton’s artful lens.

NEW YORK INTERIORS Simon Upton book on my kitchen table - Hello Lovely Studio

Let yourself be surprised by the diversity inside New York Interiors as you slip into a relaxing autumn design trance.

(And go ahead and procrastinate a little if, like me, you need a break from gardening and outdoor chores…treat yourself to a pocket of cozy time.)

Yellow fallen leaves on my patio with vintage dining set - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Psst. I highly recommend the Warby Parker prescription reading glasses I mentioned above along with the orange-scented-love-aroma of Diptyque’s Pomander candle as your companions to these exceptional new design titles.

White pumpkin, pointe shoes, and Rose on a rush seat vintage chair - Hello Lovely Studio.

After days of rain, I was delighted to crank open the windows at my desk (in our bedroom) which overlook the backyard here:

Yellow fallen leaves on my patio with vintage dining set - Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

Wishing you plenty of stolen moments this autumn to notice Eden right beneath our noses, to seek beauty in books and nature. May all this awareness sweeten your interior landscape and manifest blessing.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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6 Comments

  1. Amy
    October 30, 2021 / 1:27 pm

    WOW …all three design books!!! And WOW…your be beautiful back patio!!! It’s what irresistibly cozy days are made of! I totally agree. Thanks for sharing both🤗

    • Michele
      Author
      October 30, 2021 / 3:07 pm

      Thanks, Amy. The yard looks like a wonderland right now, and I am savoring the hours because the snow will be here! 🙂

  2. November 2, 2021 / 8:46 pm

    Michele,
    What a beautiful backyard and so much wild life. That is so cool.
    Love the design book, checked it out. I am drooling over it.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    • Michele
      Author
      November 2, 2021 / 11:11 pm

      Hahaha. So glad you liked! Thank you, Bev. It’s so pretty here through the seasons. 🙂

  3. Beverly
    November 3, 2021 / 8:06 pm

    Michele,
    Your yard looks so lovely with all of the fall leaves. Congratulations, you are being featured on Thursday Favorite Things. I hope you stop by.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    • Michele
      Author
      November 4, 2021 / 8:55 am

      Thank you, Bev. I’ll be over to your lovely blog soon and appreciate the kind words and feature. You should see the fallen leaves this morning! Yesterday the sky rained golden leaves all day long, and I felt rich to be able to watch it even though I wish things would slow down a bit. xox

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing