Create seasonal havens with simple changes in décor

"Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night." Hal Borland (1900-1978), American author and journalist, Autumn on the Doorstep -- Sept. 13, "Sundial of the Seasons" (1964)

Do you ever envy those folks who get away to their summer place or make a relaxing visit to a home they may own on a mountain, by a lake or just in another city? At different times in my life I have to say I have. There was, however, a time in my life when I had such a place, and while it was rejuvenating to get away and be somewhere different for a while, there are downsides to that also. Even paradise has a price.

Owning two homes, not to mention the expense, is tiring. If you own a second home, you feel guilty if you don't go there for every free moment you have. When you'd rather go off with friends for a weekend or visit another place, you begin to think about how much money that other house is costing you and off you go to your little getaway. Even when you're not there, the mortgage, utilities and upkeep continue.

I am actually going somewhere with this train of thought, and it is all tied to our wonderful climate here in the valley. Last week when the temps cooled down to the low 100s, I was daydreaming about being able to turn off my air conditioning. And, according to my calculations, and my memory from last year, it's about the end of October before that can happen -- in other words, another eight weeks.

And then, because it was a particularly slow cerebral day, I'm figuring out that in reality we are a two-season town, each lasting approximately six months -- AC and no AC.

So, here it is. We already have a summer place and a winter place, and it doesn't cost us a cent in gasoline or a minute of our time to get there. There's no reason to be jealous of those other people; we already have our two places.

With just a few changes, all cosmetic, you can transform your home from one season to another. One of the many joys of having these real extra houses is that they are usually a little more relaxed; you can put your feet up and chill out. The whole experience is supposed to be casual. So change it up at home, and make your house whichever "second" home you wish.

In the summer, remove your heavy area rugs and leave your floors bare or choose cotton or sisal rugs. Pack away your cozy throws and a lot of the pillows to give your seating a cooler appearance. If you have silk plants, store them for the summer and bring in some fresh flowers and a few live plants. Remove tablecloths and dining room chair covers; if there are any shades on your chandeliers, remove them also. Take down any heavy window treatments and put up sheer panels or wicker shades.

Then, of course, go in the opposite direction in the winter.

For a huge difference, and one that will be the most expensive I've suggested, have a set, or maybe two, of slipcovers for your upholstery. Lighten up in the summer with duck cloth or an easy washable cotton, and get a heavier, more formal set for use in the winter.

These changes are simple and easy to achieve, For just a little effort, you can have your cake and eat it too -- at your summer place and winter haven. How amusing!

Carolyn Muse Grant is a founder and past president of the Architectural & Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Her Inside Spaces column appears weekly in the Home section of the Review-Journal. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.