As the leaves begin to change color, it's time to prepare your home for fall. For some, this means going all out with their pumpkin decorations, while others prefer to just change their coffee pods in the morning. You may be at the center of it. I'm a casual decorator who takes a similarly seasonal approach, albeit less literally. We asked three interior designers for their tips for subtly transforming your home for fall. Here are some easy and inexpensive fall decor ideas that don't go overboard.
pull out the blanket
“In the summer, blankets are in blanket baskets,” says Bailey Ward, founder of her eponymous interior design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. “When the temperature drops, I hang them on my club chairs so they're ready to go.” Of course, they're there for a functional purpose, but also, every time I walk past them, I'm subconsciously saying, “Fall is here.” It reminds me.
For Emily Brown, founder of Emily Lauren Interiors in Austin, Texas, this means “transforming crisp summer bedding into the warmth of a wool blanket or cozy quilt.” Another practical detail is also symbolic.
replace candles
Create the ultimate sensory experience with your favorite fall scents. Choose something warm and spicy, or, like Brown, “light an earthy scented candle that reminds you of the upcoming holiday season.”
pro tips: Instead of lighting candles, consider using a candle warmer. Not only does it have a longer lifespan (you can use it longer), but it's also safer than using fire.
Incorporate a new color palette
This doesn't mean a complete redesign. Instead, Brown says it's important to focus on small (and less expensive) accents like cushions, blankets, and art. Audrey Sheck, founder of his own eponymous interiors design firm in Austin, Texas, is focusing on several shades of fall. “Mustard, crimson, burgundy, olive he greens all capture the seasons in the house.”
switch textiles
“We love swapping out materials to add mood and ambient vibes,” says Brown. Do you have cotton floral cushions? Instead, swap it out for a cozy bouclé. A linen tablecloth? Try flannel. You can also go all plaid and play with patterns. The updates will stimulate your senses in the best possible way and leave you wanting more.
Choose ambient lighting
Lighting has a way of setting the mood, and this is especially true when trying to convey the subtle energy of fall. “Reach for table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces for ambient lighting rather than overhead lighting,” advises Brown. Rather than reminding you of the bright sun, it creates an intimate coziness that makes you want to cuddle up with a hot cup of tea and a good book.
display dried flowers
Dried flowers vary greatly in texture and color compared to the fresh flowers you walk around with in the summer. Ward personally loves cutting and arranging dried hydrangeas, but you could also use baby's breath, amaranth, or rose spray. If you don't like flowers, consider dried fruits, herbs, and grasses that have the same effect.
