Fall kitchen decor is at its best as summer draws to a close. The days are getting shorter and the leaves are turning brown. Fall is definitely here when you step outside. And as the hazy late summer gives way to crisp, cool fall mornings, we inevitably head back inside.
Soon there will come a time when it's too cold to eat outside and the barbecue will be put away for another winter. As we move indoors to eat, creating a modern kitchen that's seasonally appropriate is critical to feeling at home.
Everyone dreams of cozy interiors come fall, but making a functional space like the kitchen feel warm and cozy isn't as simple as throwing a blanket on the sofa and a sheepskin rug next to the bed. there is no. Designing a fall-ready kitchen will take a little more effort, but it's certainly possible.
Whether you're completely redesigning your kitchen or simply want to update your decor and create a cozy winter vibe, we asked experts for tips on bringing fall vibes into your kitchen this season. Ta. So light a cinnamon-scented candle, sip a pumpkin spice latte, and read our advice.
Lilith is an expert in tracking news and trends across the world of interior design. She regularly shares articles with her readers detailing easy ways to stay up to date with style changes. The fall kitchen is no exception. In this piece, she spoke to top kitchen designers to learn everything you need to know about incorporating seasonal flair into your interiors.
1. Introduce soft, natural textures
(Image credit: Future)
Autumn is a season associated with softness. It is a luxurious time that should be luxurious and relaxing. The best way to achieve such an atmosphere in your kitchen is by adding soft, natural textures, often in unexpected places.
For practicality, kitchen floors are typically tiled or hardwood floors, which are easy to clean, but there's no reason why you can't include a kitchen rug. “Choosing an on-trend rug for the center of a room is also a great way to mix and match your color palette and add a homey feel,” explains Sarah Savery-Smith, brand director at kitchenware brand ProCook.
“Bringing a rug into your kitchen can create a living room feel,” says Lizzie Beesley, head of design at Magnet. “A woven jute or sisal rug can give your kitchen a very relaxing feel and can be juxtaposed with more modern themes.”
To minimize messes and spills, add a runner between the island and wall-mounted cabinets to create a space where you're less likely to carry food or liquids. If you have a kitchen diner, placing a rug under the dining table will add a touch of luxury. Be sure to use non-slip lining to avoid accidents.
Rugs aren't the only way to bring a homely feel to your kitchen. Sarah points out that there are many ways to incorporate textiles into your kitchen, and they can also help enhance your color palette. “Hang tea towels in appropriate colors outside. Hang them over the oven door or on the wall to make use of space,” she says. “If you have a table in your kitchen, be sure to dress it up with deep-hued table linens and a dining set.”
2. Paint in warm, earthy tones
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
Nothing says fall better than a beautiful earthy color palette of deep reds, oranges, and dark browns. Dark, warm tones are all the rage right now, and the kitchen is probably the last place that comes to mind when you think of the perfect room for earth tones. However, incorporating a fall color palette into your kitchen is one of the easiest ways to bring your kitchen in line with the season.
“Lately, we've been seeing rich, earthy hues making their way into the kitchen, including mustard yellow, deep fuchsia and even bolder grass greens,” says Lizzy. “Incorporating these bolder hues into your kitchen decor can bring joy and playfulness to your space.”
Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens, agrees. “Using deep, earthy tones in the kitchen is a very popular option right now, with many customers opting for dark green cabinetry,” she says. “The continuous dark color creates a striking, impactful design that adds drama to your kitchen.”
For the less fussy, Dawn suggests painting a feature wall in your kitchen or upgrading your kitchen splashback with dark green, deep blue, or earth brown tiles. .
Whatever color you choose, one thing is clear: white clinical kitchens are a thing of the past. Mo Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone, says color is a great way to coordinate your home with the seasons. “From autumn's rusty oranges and earthy reds to beiges and browns, these seasonal hues perfectly embrace the outdoors, connecting us with nature and rejuvenating our homes,” he says. . She also recommends keeping your countertops neutral so that it's easy to match with other shades.
3. Bring the outside in with organic decor and furniture
(Image courtesy of Smile Kitchens)
From wooden kitchen cabinets to stone floor tiles, natural materials have a striking effect in our kitchens. Not only does it look beautifully neutral and understated, but it also brings in elements from the outside and helps bring fall vibes into your kitchen.
“Wood worktops are perfect for bringing a rustic, autumn feel to your kitchen,” says Dawn from Smile Kitchens. “Choose to go all wood or create a statement island with a wood worktop. If you want to add even more impact, you can choose wood or woodgrain cabinet doors,” she says. say.
If you want to incorporate wood finishes in a more subtle way without changing the overall design, she suggests using elements like wooden shelves, stools, and artwork.
Bo Hellberg of String Furniture offers expert advice on choosing the right wood for fall effects. “Rich walnut and cozy oak are a great way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen, perfect for the fall season,” he says. “These earth tones are perfect for enriching a space and bringing a calming feel to your home.”
Wood isn't the only thing that adds a natural feel to a space. Tom Howley, owner of Tom Howley Kitchen, says that incorporating plants into your space can bring you closer to nature and add a seasonal feel to your room. “Fill your windowsills with potted herbs, decorate your mantle with seasonal foliage, or decorate your island with fresh flowers to lift your spirits as soon as you walk in,” he advises.
4. Use brassware for warmth
(Image courtesy of Smile Kitchens)
Brass accents recreate the charming flicker of a fireplace and can add a warm glow to any room. Brass kitchen ideas are the perfect way to add that cozy vibe that's synonymous with fall.
“Handles are a great subtle and budget-friendly way to introduce gold and brass into your kitchen,” says Dawn. “If you want more impact, consider matching sinks and tap into brass or gold.”
Other brassware accessories are a great way to incorporate metal elements with more flexibility. “Look for vases, statues, and artwork,” advises Dawn. “Another option is to consider tiles or splashbacks with an antique effect, which can add warm tones in a non-traditional way.”
Although typically traditional, Tom believes brass can give a great contemporary touch to a kitchen, while also having the potential to tie the overall color scheme together. “Brass finishes are a great way to add warmth and draw attention to your furniture, especially when combined with dark paint colors,” he explains. “The warm tones of brass complement blues and dark greens beautifully, creating a cohesive look.”
5. Create a kitchen book corner
(Image credit: Magnet)
Reading is the ultimate fall activity. There's nothing better than curling up under a soft blanket with a good book and a mug of hot cocoa. Your bedroom or living room might be your first stop, but there's no reason you can't create a cozy reading nook in your kitchen.
“Creating a small library or book nook within your kitchen design can work wonders for achieving the ultimate autumn coziness,” says Lizzie. “Insert some bookshelves in unused corners of your kitchen space and fill them with your favorite books.”
A bench or corner chair next to a window makes a great reading area. With some storage knowledge, you can even incorporate a book corner into your small kitchen.
“For seating, install a set of kitchen drawer units and choose a style and color to match your kitchen cabinetry to create a fully functional seating bench,” says Lizzie. “Finally top with a fluffy cushion and you'll have the perfect place to escape to a book on a rainy fall afternoon.”
6. Don't forget the dishes
(Image credit: Simon Bevan)
Walls and cabinets may be the first places you look when designing your fall kitchen, but it's important not to overlook your dinnerware set. Swap bright summer plates for earth-toned ceramic tableware.
“Functional items such as tableware, storage items and cutting boards are made from the right natural materials,” says professional cook Sarah. “Replace everyday items such as crockery jars and fruit bowls, which are typically made from glass or ceramic, with alternatives made from deep-hued acacia wood or light beech wood.”
There are more ways to incorporate the all-wood kitchen trend than you might think. Think spoons, spatulas, bowls, and even wooden shelves. Don't hide it in a drawer. “Put wooden cutting boards of different sizes and shapes against the wall of your countertop to cover sockets and wires and keep them on display,” advises Sarah.
“This is great for ease of access and storage, while also providing an element of style,” she added. “Alternatively, keep a butcher's block-style cutting board on your countertop at all times for a convenient yet rustic feel.”
Stylish cookware can be used to bring on-trend fall decor to any kitchen without taking up too much space. “Invest in deep-hued cookware, such as cast iron casserole dishes, to take center stage and add a pop of color,” says Sarah. “Whether placed on top of the stove or added to open shelves, it adds a stylish yet functional element to your kitchen and is the perfect accessory for fall cooking.”
7. Add some paprika
(Image credit: Colombo and Selboli Architecture)
Our editor Pip Rich recently called paprika the biggest color trend of 2023, and it's a great way to start using it now in your fall kitchen decor. It's a little more orange than terra cotta, a little spicier than brown, and adds a real pumpkin spice kick to your home.
“The great thing about paprika is that you don’t have to go all out,” says Pip. “It's easy to introduce with some linens, a few new plates, and some tiles as a backsplash. I love the cheerful vibe and it's perfect for a fall kitchen.”
But of course you can also go all out, like in this ultra-modern project. Autumn doesn't resist, so why resist?
