As Joe Fox famously writes to Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail, “Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.”

I’ll admit, despite my obsession with that 1998 romcom and love of that city, I’m not (and never will be) a New Yorker. I’m simply a Westerner through and through—I’m from Boise, Idaho, spent a few years in San Francisco, and now live in Los Angeles. Still, I think the sentiment goes far beyond the Big Apple. Though it’s the year’s final act, I find fall to be the season that best encapsulates the feeling of a fresh start, no matter where you live. Summer and all its glorious fun are coming to an end, and we all collectively head back inside—seeking moments to embrace a calm, cozy state of mind. 

Naturally, I gravitated towards many “fresh starts” when selecting what beautiful homes to share with you this fall. Take Canadian designer Ashley Montgomery. Post-divorce, she found a fairy-tale ending in a pair of 1800s log cabins. After a thoughtful renovation that blends past with present, the old home reflects this new chapter beautifully—and is a place she and her two kiddos can find comfort in (page 114). 

There’s also a Huntington Beach, California home by Laura Brophy. Her clients had lived there for 30-plus years, and instead of moving once all their children had flown the nest, decided to transform it top-to-bottom for this next phase of life (page 98). 

Or take Tulsa artist Kim Fonder. After a tragic fire destroyed her home and art studio, her community rallied to rebuild—not just her home, but her spirit. Her story moved me to tears—sad tears and happy ones—and I left with plenty of interior inspiration to boot (page 122). 

If you need inspiration for your own clean slate, don’t miss our interview with wellness mogul Tracy Anderson. Her new chapter in Bozeman, Montana started as a honeymoon and now feels like a homecoming—a chance to reconnect with nature and reconnect with herself (page 58). 

Here’s to fall…and to the beauty found in change. 

Kelli
@kellilamb_

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