From the look of it, leaves falling from walnut trees—the first of the season, my grandfather used to say—change is upon us. But before the garden slips away and with it, a summery palette of colors I love, here's a bit of inspiration to bring change from the outside in. For the third and final leg of a late-summer series from my garden to the table and around the room, zinnias and phlox reveal their more painterly sides. 

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With fabrics from two of my favorite sources, Calico Corners and Quadrille, along with paints from Benjamin Moore, here's a scheme for a cheery master bedroom that's sure to warm up the fall. On the walls, I imagine a faux striae in pink, together with all white trim. Then, for the ceiling, a rich yellow lacquer with a white plaster medallion and a dripping crystal chandelier with nickel-plated hardware and red chandelier shades. For the furniture, I'd do a four poster bed with an upholstered head and footboard in the yellow trellis fabric, flanked by two red lacquered side tables with pink opaline lamps, white drum shades, and yellow grosgrain trim. At the foot of the bed, I'd place a mid-century modern chrome bench, covered in yellow trellis and tufted with pink covered buttons. The bedding would be a luxurious mix of patterns: a duvet and two Euro shams in the pink Chinoiserie toile and yellow linen sheets with red monograms on each pillow. Finally, for the windows, I'd do plush drapery in the toile, trimmed in red. How dreamy and sophisticated is that?

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Now, for the nasturtiums—hearty, beautiful and edible—I thought it was only appropriate to conjure the ingredients for a fun, retro-modern kitchen with an equally sophisticated feel. 

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To start, I'd do a yellow and cream Linoleum checkered floor, high-gloss yellow cabinets with polished brass hardware, and butcher block countertops. For the island, I'd do a red-rubbed finish and butcher block countertops, along with four industrial orange enamel stools with seats covered in banana yellow plaid. Next, I'd install an antique farmhouse sink at the window with a simple roman shade in the red berry pattern from Calico Corners. In the dining area, I imagine a built-in banquette, red-rubbed with back and seat cushions covered in yellow plaid, together with pillows in the red berry pattern. Then, I'd do a long antique farm table and bench in beautiful French waxed oak. The light fixtures over the island and farm table would be industrial orange enamel, together with all copper pots and flame cookware from La Creuset.            

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For me, fresh flowers are the best part of summer, and although my garden soon will fade with the impending chill of fall, it's the inspiration I'll carry with me, growing brighter and more vibrant everyday.

But enough about me, what colors might inspire your fall decorating?