It finally happened… Fall fever hit me when I was at the grocery store last week. And I did what I swore I wouldn’t do until mid-October–I bought pumpkins! 5 of them! Now I’m ready to decorate with them, and I’m looking for a little bit of autumn inspiration. Which is why today’s post is dedicated to the art of decorating with pumpkins.

I’m in search of original ideas that make me stop and say, “I wouldn’t have thought of that!” Artistic ideas that aren’t overused, comfortable or tried and true. They may not all be brand spanking new, but they sure are unique. Enjoy browsing the images below, then tell us about your favorite ideas at the end of the post…

Pumpkins in Unexpected Places

We begin with a simple concept–displaying pumpkins where you least expect them! We’re used to seeing them on tabletops and front porches. But what if your pumpkins were placed on display in cloches, cheese domes or cake stands? This technique creates a curiosity-inspired look that evokes the quirky charm of a designer laboratory. For an extra perk, try adding decorative moss to the base of the container! [from Country Living via The Loved Home (left) and Thrifty Decor Chick (right)]

I simply love the way the pumpkins below are arranged in a line on the floor against the white wall of this modern living room. A simple idea with a big payoff! They’ve found the perfect spot under the staircase. A variation in color adds even more depth to the vignette. [from Hunt Laudi Studio]

This next image inspired the pumpkin display on my dining room table! Try creating a straight line of pumpkins across the expanse of your table. The unexpected element results from a clean-lined look that draws attention to the form of each pumpkin. And the length of the table, of course! After all, sometimes less is more… [from Pearson Design Group]

Painted Pumpkins

People have been painting pumpkins for years. But there’s just something a little special about the pumpkins below… Call it originality! First, we see how masking tape can be used to craft some truly unique designs. Check out these Masking Tape Pumpkins, created when tape is painted, then wrapped around the pumpkins in various configurations. Also, the tape can be used to section off the pumpkin for painting purposes. The result: a two-toned effect. For more details, check out BHG…

While the ombre craze is hardly a new phenomenon, this DIY Ombre Pumpkin from Funkytime reminds us that it never hurts to add a big dose of radiant color to your painted pumpkin projects. A background of white truly helps to create a vivid design. Hint: Be sure to notice the geometric pumpkin in the background! [via The Inspired Room]

Pumpkins are round, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with some angular designs! Check out the diagonal styling and triangles featured on the painted pumpkins below. A great solution if you don’t feel like painting the whole thing! [from Ciera Design]

This next design is eye-catching precisely because of its clean, crisp look. Consider an all-white palette when decorating with pumpkins. There’s something absolutely refreshing about this effect. It’s the last thing you’d expect. Which is why we love it! [from C.W. Styling]

Pumpkins and Succulents

We see a lot of pumpkin displays featuring plants such as mums and crotons. But you don’t always see succulents… Since these are some of my favorite plants, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the gorgeous arrangements in the photos that follow. It’s refreshing to see hues such as green, blue, and rose mixed in with the bright orange of pumpkins and fall produce. Bring on the succulents! [Photo by Jeff Hanley, styling by Sheila J. Schmitz, via Houzz]

This next image (from the same photo shoot) was previously featured in our post on table setting ideas. A range of fall produce highlights this stunning spread. It’s hard not to love the way darker oranges are incorporated into the mix and echoed by the reddish tones of the succulents. Eclectic. Unusual. Fabulous! [Photo by Jeff Hanley; styling by Sheila J. Schmitz via Houzz]

We end with a real showstopper! This Thanksgiving Table Setting with a Neon Twist from For the Love Of beautifully combines shades of orange and green for a radiant display. Don’t hesitate to add neon tones to your pumpkin vignette. These fiery hues will beautifully contrast the more natural green and orange shades of the plants and pumpkins (especially if lighter peach pumpkins are used in the spread).

Did any of today’s pumpkin-themed ideas pique your interest? Do you have any pumpkin-y ideas of your own to share? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below…