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beyond the pumpkin: a more elevated fall // by michele

To be completely honest, I don’t really decorate for fall.

I’ll decorate the outside of my house for Halloween and the trick-or-treaters, but inside? It pretty much stays the same. I’m just not a huge fan of pumpkins everywhere, witches on every surface, or turning the entire house orange for the season.

What I do love is the feeling of fall: the crisp air in the morning, cozy nights with a warm, well-made dinner, a candle burning, and football ambiance at the end of a long day. That feeling of slowing down and settling in is what I want my home to evoke.

So instead of decorating for fall, I like to set the tone with a few elevated touches that are easy, quick, and minimal.

Start with color. Look outside and take note of what’s naturally happening around you. Those rich autumnal colors are your inspiration. Have a vase of flowers or greenery, faux or real? This is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to bring the season indoors. Swap your usual stems for burnt orange, burgundy, rust, or deeper-toned florals. Add a little greenery to refresh the arrangement, or simply change out a few stems for something moodier.

And if you absolutely must have a pumpkin, make it count. Skip the perfectly identical orange pumpkins and look for the real ones that are knobby, oddly shaped, and beautifully varied. The more unique, the better.

Next, bring in texture. Fall is all about softness and warmth, so let your textiles do the work. Swap your pillow covers for velvet or boucle. Add a soft new throw to the sofa. Finally reupholster that chair you’ve been meaning to fix. Any opportunity to add another layer of texture makes a space feel warmer, cozier, and ready for the season.

And don’t forget scent. This is one of my favorite ways to make a home feel seasonal without adding a single decorative object. Skip the pumpkin spice candle and look for something rich, earthy, and warm for the family room. Try a simmer pot on the stove or switch to a cozy new fabric softener. Sometimes the smallest changes have the biggest impact.

These little touches create that “it’s a new season” feeling without making your home look like you bought out Hobby Lobby.

I love fall because of how it feels, not necessarily what it looks like. And the best part? None of these ideas require hours of decorating or another storage tub in the attic.

Sometimes, creating a seasonal home is less about adding more, and more about creating the right feeling.

news from around the office

A lot can change in just a few short months! We have been bopping around for different projects that have been so unique and fun! Here's the latest!

Michele recently got back from a trip to Miami to visit the Gaggnau Showroom. It was amazing and so so inspiring! She is in Wisconsin to visit Kohler and learn more about their products. We are in the middle of a kitchen, mudroom, laundry room, and bar renovation that has been so transformative. The changes are so functional and beautiful- we cannot wait to show you! We've had a few new client meetings that are exciting and fun! It's always a good time tap in creatively!

Michele loved her family summer even though everyone is going in a million different directions! Michele officially moved Bella into her dorm room! We had a blast designing it together (and with Ballard Designs!). It was so fun to be a part of that process, but how in the world do you hang drapes in a dorm room without screws?! So impossible. Sometimes August can feel like the beginning of a new year too. Can't wait to see you as we make our rounds!

Erin has stepped away from MGI as a design assistant and project manager. She is still managing social media and filming. She's in the midst of coaching volleyball right now and loving some cooler temps!

Grace has taken over most of Erin's old roles seamlessly. She's looking forward to a trip to Europe in October for some fun!

pumpkin season is here // by erin

There’s something about the first hint of fall that makes me want to add pumpkin to just about everything. But pumpkin doesn’t have to mean a pumpkin spice latte! From a two-ingredient muffin to a cozy homemade creamer, these easy recipes are perfect for welcoming the season into your kitchen.

1. Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Yes, you read that right: two ingredients! These soft muffins are about as easy as fall baking gets.

You’ll need:

1 box spice cake mix
1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz.)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix the cake mix and pumpkin puree until combined. Scoop into muffin pan and bake as directed on the box. Let cool and enjoy!

Optional: Add a little powdered sugar drizzle or cream cheese frosting if you want to take them over the top. I really love the cinnamon butter from Publix for these!

2. Homemade Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Skip the PSL and bring pumpkin spice to your morning coffee in a different way. This homemade creamer is rich, lightly sweet, and tastes like fall without requiring a trip to the coffee shop.

You’ll need:

1 cup half-and-half
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Whisk everything together in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warm and well combined. Don’t let it boil. Cool slightly, pour into a jar, and refrigerate. Add a splash to your morning coffee whenever you need a little fall in your cup.

3. Pumpkin Butter Toast

Think of this as pumpkin pie in spreadable form. Pumpkin butter is incredibly easy to make and can turn an ordinary breakfast into something special.

You’ll need:

1 cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt

Directions:
Add everything to a small saucepan and cook over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and glossy.

Spread it over warm toast, English muffins, or biscuits. For an extra-special breakfast, top with cream cheese, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Whether you’re baking a batch of muffins, stirring creamer into your morning coffee, or experimenting with a savory-sweet snack, pumpkin is one of the easiest ways to make everyday recipes feel a little more festive. So grab a can of pumpkin puree and let the fall cooking begin!