Cool Waters

A Florida farmhouse embraces the onset of autumn with seasonal touches, even amidst warm Southern temperatures.

- HEATHER LUSK

When the thermometer nears 90 degrees in September, not many Floridians think of making a pot of chili and filling their home with cozy blankets and fall colors. Then again, not many people are like Instagrammer Victoria Waters of Lakefront Farmhouse.

DIY SIGN DESIGN

Victoria uses a variety of vintage and vintage-inspired signs in her décor. If you have a sign that you no longer like, don't discard it. Instead, upcycle the piece with your own message. A custom-created sign is especially effective for incorporating seasonal themes that might not be easy to find in a store. Here are several ideas.

CHALKBOARD. Victoria painted a sign in her front entry to look like a vintage chalkboard. To do the same, use a mixture of green and white paint for the background. Stencil letters across the board or write them freehand. Then finish it off by sprinkling on a small amount of real chalk dust for an authentic look.

WOOD. Many vintage signs are on wood boards, so Victoria simply repainted an existing wood piece with a white background, and then added her own message in black lettering. Although you can always use stencils, Victoria often freehands many of her signs.

CANVAS. Less crafty individuals can print a sign on canvas, like Victoria did for the "Antiques" sign in her upstairs hallway. This offers more flexibility with the final size, and you can choose from a variety of fonts and colors from an online printer.