As summer comes to a close, people become bombarded by autumn decor and pumpkins galore. Personally, I find that a lot of the decor you find for fall is really one-dimensional. Decorating doesn’t have to consist of just orange and pumpkins.
Today, I want to show you how you can decorate with the season in mind, while still having a gorgeous home that doesn’t require pillows that say, “It’s fall y’all!”
Choose a Warm Color Palette
It is no coincidence that when we think of autumn we envision hues of red, brown, orange, yellow, etc. because these are the colors we see as the leaves change (depending on where you live). If you are in a climate where you get a true fall then you know that these colors are symbolic of the season.
However, I would argue that when it comes to decorating, what you are really after are more saturated and earthy tones. You can have the look of fall if you choose a color palette incorporating colors that are warmer.
Think of rust, burgundy or a deep brown to add hints of warmth to your home. These are saturated and give you a sophisticated take on the season.
Here are some examples of how to evoke this warmth without ever using a pumpkin on your coffee table.
Choose the Right Accessories
The choice of plums and Asian pears keeps the tablescape subtle and appropriate for the autumn season. The table runner is also pulling more moody and keeps the look subdued.
Accessories play a MAJOR role in making your home ready for the transition to fall. You don’t need everything to be in those deep greens or rust colors, but have a few strategically incorporated so it becomes intentional and effortless.
Incorporating iron candleholders is a winning recipe for success. I also love swapping out a piece of artwork for something more akin to the moody colors or landscapes of fall. This is especially helpful if said art is a focal point.
Keep Your Florals and Plants True to the Season
Dried flowers are more common for the cooler months and in the fall choose colors in the orange, red or yellow family. Mums are really common for fall and can be placed inside or on your front door step.
You can also go for something a little less obvious and use fall hazel leaves or marigolds.
Simplify Your Pieces
It can be tempting to just add decor to what you already have in your home. However, the key to a great looking home year-round is editing your home to strategically highlight certain things as the seasons change. If you want your home to feel autumn worthy, remove certain decor pieces altogether and then add in those pieces that create a moodier and saturated aesthetic.
Add Layers and Change Textiles
With the weather cooling down, add layers to your existing spaces. If you have a duvet, throw a quilt or an extra throw blanket on top of your bed. Do you have one living room blanket? Get another! Better yet, swap out lighter blankets like a gauze throw for something like a flannel or knitted chunky texture.
Pillows are a simple way to update your space and bring new color and texture! Want to make a statement? Add a boucle or velvet pillow to your living room. Not to mention play with different patterns. Plaids and checks are more traditional in appearance and tend to be associated with the changing of the leaves when done in the same color palette.
In the end, when it comes to decorating for the season just remember less is more! Simplify your overall pieces and try to look for some colors you can use consistently throughout your home for a cohesive look.
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From the time I was a young child, I have loved interior design and beautiful things. Ten-year-old me would create “floor plans” on notebook paper and design the dream homes of my siblings. We would have an initial meeting and after jotting down their wish list, I got to work creating the home of their dreams.
After designing the layout, I would take the Sunday newspaper ads (are those still a thing?) and cut out pictures of furniture, lamps, and accessories to create mood boards for each room in the home. When I was all done, weeks and weeks later, I would showcase my work and pitch my design ideas to a sibling.
If you too enjoy beautiful things and the process of turning a vision into a reality, welcome! If you love watching homes transform, but just don’t know how to start or have the resources to buy everything you like, stick around. I love finding affordable and practical design solutions to give YOU a gorgeous home you can be proud of.
Together, let’s reveal what’s possible.
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