…or should I say Ahhhh-ctober — whether that’s because you love spooky season or because, like me, you’re thinking, “holy moly, how is it already October?!”

 

We’re gearing up for the season at the Kerr household with all the fall things — and for me, that looks a little different these days. I used to go all-out decorating inside the house, but once I had kids, that kind of fell to the back burner. Now, I focus more on cozy swaps like blankets, pillows, and throws, and save the full-on decorating for later in the season.

 

Our porch, though? That’s another story. Each year it turns into a little fall masterpiece — pumpkins, gourds, and all. We love hitting local pumpkin patches (usually a couple between school field trips and our favorite small businesses), but I’ll still grab a good carving pumpkin at Sam’s if I spot one. By the end of the month, our porch looks like a happy hodgepodge of painted and carved pumpkins, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Those perfectly imperfect displays tell our story. One day, those messy pumpkins and kid-created masterpieces will just be memories — and I’ll miss them. So don’t worry about perfection; the imperfections are what make your home feel alive.

 

We used to host an annual pumpkin-carving contest with friends and family — complete with prizes and anonymous voting for the top three. It was such a blast and a great way to reconnect. I love how traditions evolve with each season of life; some fade, and new ones naturally take their place.

 

And it’s not just the decorating that gets me in the fall mood — it’s the smells and sounds too. As soon as October hits, I start craving those deeper, cozier scents like amber, musk, and cinnamon… or maybe it’s just the urge to bake something delicious — cookies, sourdough bread, you name it. I’ll swap out my candles, diffusers, or wax melts and put on a new Pandora playlist (I’m a sucker for some good hits from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s this time of year).

 

Sometimes we’ll even pull out the record player. I have tons of old records from my grandparents, parents, and family friends — plus plenty I’ve picked up from garage sales or record shops along the way. But now that vinyl’s made a comeback, I love grabbing newer albums too. There’s just something fun about owning them in that format. Whether it’s an old classic or a new favorite spinning, it always feels a little nostalgic… and let’s be honest, it’s a solid way to raise these kids right 😉.

 

Sometimes we throw on our favorite albums, and other times we let the kids dig through the old vinyls and pick based purely on the covers (or whatever floats their boat). Either way, we have a blast — and that’s really what it’s all about.

 

It’s wild how much those little sensory things can shift the whole mood in the house. Between the smells, the music, and the cozy touches here and there, it finally starts to feel like fall.

Now that your porch is setting the tone for fall, let’s talk about what happens the moment someone steps inside.

 

Whether you’re staging your home to sell or just making it feel more welcoming for everyday life, your entryway is your home’s first impression on the interior — if the porch is like the handshake, the entryway is the hug or first welcoming greeting (for those who aren’t huggers). It sets the tone for how guests (or buyers) feel in your home. We want them to be greeted by an awesome porch and then pulled into an inviting embrace in the entryway — one that makes them want to stay awhile, whether that’s to imagine living there themselves or to chat and catch up with old friends.

 

The goal when staging is to make the space feel inviting, functional, and easy to imagine living in. You want buyers to walk in and instantly picture themselves dropping their keys, setting down their bag, and staying awhile.

This can be tough as homeowners because we can already imagine living in our homes — with the bright purple wall, kids’ artwork, dog leashes and water bowls, that 32”x48” portrait of the favorite family pet above the fireplace… or our beloved collection of frog sculptures. And while those things may be meaningful to us, buyers can’t always see past those taste-specific choices. Or worse — their offer might reflect all the “work” they think needs to be done to neutralize them.

 

If you’re prepping for showings, here are a few ways to make your entry shine:

Buyers are already imagining life here — the entryway should quietly say: “This home is cared for, welcoming, and ready for you.”

 

Remember, the entry sets the emotional tone for the rest of the house. A calm, uncluttered space invites buyers to linger — and that’s exactly what you want. Put yourself in the buyer’s mindset. Your agent or designer can help since they’re the neutral party who isn’t emotionally tied to the space (or nose-blind!).

 

When designing for your own family, your entryway should reflect how you actually live. This is where guests arrive, take off their shoes or coats, and get their first impression of your home’s personality.

 

If you’re living in and loving your home, here are a few ways to make this space functional and beautiful:

Think about how you use this space every day. Does it help mornings run smoother? Does it greet guests with warmth? Does it feel like you the moment you walk in?

 

Your entryway doesn’t need to be grand — it just needs to feel intentional. It’s that small space that whispers “welcome” before you even say a word.

 

Building a business as a creative is not always easy or glamorous. There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes that most people never see — the systems, processes, emails, meetings, and networking. It’s not exactly the “fun” creative side that got me into this world in the first place… but it’s the part that keeps everything running so my clients have a smooth and intentional experience.

 

And when you’re a one-woman show, you don’t exactly have a team to run ideas by — it’s just you (and maybe your coffee). And sometimes, I don’t even know if I like my own ideas. That struggle is real, y’all. 😂

 

Lately, I’ve been spending time refining workflows, connecting with other local professionals, and brainstorming ways to collaborate — whether that’s with creatives, small businesses, or brokerages through Lunch & Learn sessions. I love meeting people who share the same passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces and finding ways we can serve each other’s clients better.

 

I try to keep my creative pulse strong, whether I’m deep in a project or in those in-between seasons. Inspiration shows up everywhere if you slow down enough to notice it — sometimes that’s scrolling Pinterest, flipping through a book or magazine, visiting art museums, or wandering a fabric or tile shop just to see what catches my eye. Other times, it’s exploring thrift stores, estate sales, or taking short trips around Oklahoma. We don’t always have to go far to find beauty; some of the most inspiring details are right in our own backyard.

 

Photography has always been my first artistic love and the way I see and share the world around me. It helps me capture texture, color, pattern, and light — all those little details that create an emotion or a vibe. Those moments influence not only how I want to live every day, but also how I design. Our homes are deeply personal spaces, and the feeling we want to create within them can be as individual as the people who live there.

 

I have years of photos — both film and digital — waiting to be added to my online portfolio (it’s a slow but steady work in progress). In the meantime, I’ve been inspired to start sharing a series on my social media stories called Everyday Beauty — a collection that highlights the small, ordinary moments that make up real life and the beauty found in the unexpected. Sometimes it’s as simple as the shadow of an object or the reflection in a metal sculpture, the natural colors of plants in the garden, or the intricate detail of a doorknob — but those moments remind me that art, beauty, and inspiration are truly everywhere.

 

So if you’re not already following along, come hang out with me over on Instagram at @KRStudios_Design — it’s where I share a little of everything: design, staging, photography, and real life in between.

 

And lately, I’ve been channeling that creative spark into a new design project that’s still in the dreaming phase — one of my favorite parts of the process. It’s when ideas are fresh, inspiration is flowing, and every decision helps shape the overall vibe of a home. Every space starts with a feeling, and this one is already taking on a fun personality of its own.

 

It’s got me wondering — what kind of spaces spark your creativity? Rustic charm? Vintage finds? Modern simplicity? Or maybe you love a little mix of everything?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m a total sucker for all things pumpkin — candles, coffee (though I can’t do it too sweet), pie, and of course… pumpkin patches!

 

I actually started my own pumpkins from seed this year — and so far, I might have a plant that makes it! 🙌 (That hasn’t always been the case, but I wanted to try because I knew my boys would love it.) Whether they’re ready in time is anyone’s guess — because with gardening, you just never know!

 

So, for those of you who didn’t grow your own (or just love a good fall outing), here’s a list of local pumpkin patches and festivals worth checking out. It’s such a fun way to support local businesses, make some memories, and let the kids pick their “perfect” carving pumpkin.

 

🕒 Tip: Dates and hours can vary — be sure to check each location’s website or social media before visiting!

 

As we move further into fall, I hope you find little moments of inspiration all around you — in your home, your routines, and the spaces you love most.

 

Whether we’ve worked together or not (yet!), I’m so glad you’re here. My hope is that something in this email sparked a new idea, made your day a little brighter, or simply reminded you that home is always worth investing in — whether you're staging to sell or designing to live.

Until next time my friends,