As the hours of daylight get shorter, the temperature gets cooler  and we trade smoothies for hot cider, we, too, begin migrating indoors. And while we’re there, why not enjoy a cozy homescape to reflect the colors and mood of autumn?

But where to start? Enter Cedar & Sage, a two-year-old home furnishings shop a few blocks from the Woodstock Square that helps local homeowners create unique designs for every season.

Decorating for the Holidays
Fall just happens to be owner Kelly Williams’ favorite time to decorate.

“The trends for the fall are very inspiring — personally, fall is my favorite time of year for decorating,” she said. “It’s when we bring in warm fall colors of the outdoors into our homes. We use chunkier throws, pillows and harvest looks in our Everlasting Silk arrangements to carry us from Labor Day through Thanksgiving.”

A fireplace mantel within the store has become a centerpiece for inspiration. “When we design the mantel with candle accessories, floral pieces and unique décor, usually a client will want to duplicate the whole look displayed there,” she said.

The store carries European-flavored antique reproductions, unique accessories, and one of a kind lighting, Illume candles, April Cornell table linens and seasonal décor,” she said. “You can also find an impressive selection of gift ideas such as Lollia Bath & Body products, an assortment of handmade jewelry, Stephanie Dawn handbags and Trollbeads.”

Williams revealed that the store will have some fun new lines coming in for the holidays, as well as more personal gift items. “It is a priority to me to be able to bring in new gift-giving lines,” she said. “I try to make it easier on the customer, too, by offering gift wrapping — that’s the best part!”

Branching Out
After a few years momentum in Woodstock, Cedar & Sage has already branched out. “We’re excited to have opened our second location this summer at the Geneva Inn in Lake Geneva, Wis.,” she said. “Cedar & Sage at The Inn Shoppe — the gift shop — has the look of our Woodstock location within a beautiful setting. We’re honored to be a part of [this] true gem so close to home.”

As for the future of the shops, “We are looking forward to having more special events at the store and more in-store demonstrations, which are popular among customers,” she said. “I usually try to listen to what people would like to see in the store. I’m always open for suggestions — that’s what keeps me motivated!”

>>  The Woodstock store is located at 205 E. South St. For more, call 815-337-0145 or visit www.cedarandsageshop.com. For more about The Inn Shoppe at the Geneva Inn, visit http://genevainn.com/inn_shoppe.html.

Sidebar: Highly Decorated Businesswoman

Kelly Williams puts her 23 years of floral design to work daily at Cedar & Sage. She is driven by her passion for helping local homeowners create beautiful spaces. And it all began as a teenager. “I worked at a florist after school and also worked at a flower shop while I attended college,” she said. “I instantly loved floral design,
and throughout the years, continued to design and manage floral shops. Cedar & Sage started even before I had opened the store in 2008 — I had designed silk floral arrangements for various stores in the area.”