There is something magical about the fall season; the changing colors, the chill in the air, and the distinct scents and flavors all combine to make it many people’s favorite time of year. Fall decor, like the changing colors of the season, has the power to transform your home by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the season’s beauty.
Whether you want something bold or subtle, incorporating autumnal elements helps to align your home’s interior with the fall season, allowing everyone to appreciate the visual appeal and emotional connection to the surroundings. This is the ideal seasonal setting for entertaining guests or simply enjoying your quiet evenings at home.
Fall brings with it an abundance of warm, rich colors and textures that you can use to decorate your home for large-scale displays for social events, as well as for daily use when relishing the coziness of fall.
Incorporate Warm Colors
Subtly change up the color scheme in your home by bringing in warm colors like burnt sienna, mustard yellow, deep reds, and earthy browns. Consider the colors you already have and consider warm colors that work with the other colors in your home. Think about adding complementary as well as contrasting shades that give your current color palette more depth.
Start small by swapping out pillow covers and throws for those with rich earth tones. You can also introduce warm-colored candles, decorative clay vases, and fall-colored foliage to subtly enhance the autumn vibe. Adding pops of rich, deep green can provide some contrast and keep the fall color palette from looking too obvious.
Add Seasonal Textures
Incorporating seasonal textures throughout your home is a subtle but effective way to dial up the warmth and cozy appearance of your space. Begin by layering soft blankets and pillows made of materials like wool, chunky knits, corduroy, and velvet on sofas, chairs, and beds. Add textured rugs made of jute, sisal, or wool in strategic locations like the entry and powder room to make the space feel more cozy underfoot.
Natural textures are another good choice for fall season decor. You can do this with baskets or natural wooden accents throughout the room. Mix a variety of textures to give your decor more depth and visual interest.
Use Natural Elements
Fall is a lovely time of year to be outside because the colors are so vibrant and the textures so varied. The best way to establish a connection between the outdoor environment and your home is to bring natural elements indoors. Even just a few natural elements can warm up your home.
Place small pumpkins and gourds on your coffee table, mantel, and entry console. Fill jars and bowls with acorns, seasonal fruits, and pinecones to create a quick centerpiece. For wall or front decor, consider hanging a wreath made from dried leaves or branches. Incorporate colorful gourds and pumpkins with potted plants, such as pansies or mums, to create a visually appealing outdoor arrangement that will last all season.
Switch Up Lighting
The change in the outdoor light is one of the most striking aspects of moving from summer into fall. As the evenings grow darker, it may be helpful to enhance your indoor lighting to make your rooms more functional and feel more inviting for the fall.
Consider adding lighting to dim corners or shelves to make the lighting more balanced in the room. There are a growing number of portable lamps that do not require an outlet, and these are ideal for those out of the way spots. Lanterns are also excellent for the season and work well for layering with both table and outdoor fall decor.
Decorate Your Entry
Setting the tone for your new fall style can start with your entry, as it is probably the first area friends and guests see when they enter your house. Start by replacing your doormat with one that features fall-themed hues or patterns. Add some fall textures to your bench or console table by adding chunky knit pillows and a throw blanket for the bench or a vase of dried flowers or autumn leaves for the console table. Lanterns create a soft glow for the entryway and evoke the mood of the season.
Incorporate Fall Fragrances
Adding fall scents is an excellent way to layer your seasonal decor and evoke warmth and comfort. Scented candles are one of the easiest ways to bring the fragrances of fall, but there are other easy options like wax melts, diffusers, and room sprays. Place them in high-traffic areas such as living rooms, entries, and dining rooms to get the most widespread effect. Another great option is to use simmer pots, which are pots of water mixed with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. Allow them to simmer, and the aroma will linger in your home for days.
Consider using alternative fall scents, such as musk and sandalwood, in bathroom soap and scented hand towels for a more subtle effect. The key is to spread fall scents throughout your home for a more immersive experience.
Layer Your Rugs
Layering the rugs throughout your home is a simple but effective strategy, not just for fall but for creating an interior design with greater visual interest. Begin with a flat neutral rug for the base. Options like flatweave wool or cotton or a woven sisal or jute rug work well for this layer. Top the bottom layer with a smaller, more colorful rug option like Persian-inspired patterns or other rugs with fall colors.
This technique works well at your front door, in the entry, and bedrooms. For high-traffic areas, be sure to opt for durable rug materials as well as non-slip pads to keep your layers secure.
Focus on the Dining Table
Fall decorations are meant to reflect the abundance of the season, and nowhere should this be more evident than in decorating a dining table during autumn.
Setting a fall table will involve layering your decor, so start with an attractive runner or tablecloth as the base of your design. For the center of the table, line the middle with vases of flowers of varying heights, colors, and textures. Include a mix of gourds and pumpkins in different sizes and colors. Layer fall-colored candlesticks throughout the arrangement. It can be helpful to include personalized touches on the table, including name cards made using dried leaves. Use a mix of vintage glassware and dishes to give the table a relaxed but homey look.
Decorate With Garlands
Garlands are a highly visible way to bring fall decor into your home. Choose garlands that use fall elements like pine cones, acorns, and fall leaves. Look for garlands made of real materials or quality faux elements. Drape them along mantles, railings and over doors for a striking visual element. If you prefer a more whimsical look, weave the garlands with fairy lights to create a warm, soft glow in outdoor and indoor fall vignettes.
Add Warm Metallic Accents
Incorporating metallic accents is an excellent way to add a new texture and dimension to your fall decor. Consider warm metallic accents like brass, gold, copper, and bronze, which pair beautifully with rich fall colors. Use metallic elements for candle holders, vases, trays, and other decor. These items will be ideal for showcasing colorful candles, flowers, and foraged items like acorns, pinecones, and dried grass.
For a more subtle approach, consider metallic-colored ribbons that will add a hint of shine to wreaths and flower arrangements. Mixing metallic and natural elements allows you to walk the fine line in making your fall decor feel sophisticated yet inviting.
Swap Out Artwork
Refreshing your artwork with new options is an excellent fall project. It is not necessary to replace every piece; instead, pick a few that stand out visually. Look for pieces that capture the bounty of the season, such as photographs of in-season fruit, flowers, or fall foliage. Consider smaller pieces that you can lean on a shelf, mantle, or bookcase to discreetly add some autumnal style if you do not want to replace large pieces due to financial constraints or practical considerations.
