BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
As the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn, there is no better time to transform your home into a warm and comfy space. Decorating your home for fall does not have to be a difficult or expensive task. With a few minor adjustments, you can change the mood with the leaves and make your surroundings feel more cozy and seasonal.
To help you with this process, a few design experts give their top recommendations for creating an autumnal ambiance. From velvety blankets to scented simmer pots, these ideas will transform your house into the ideal fall hideaway.
1. Bring in warm materials and earthy colors
One of the easiest ways to embrace fall is to replace summery items with snuggly textured fabrics. According to Anjie Cho, a feng shui expert, now is the moment to let go of what is no longer needed and make room for items that promote warmth. “Like the trees that let go of their leaves, let go of things to make space for new energy,” Cho says.
She recommends layering your home with soft, fluffy blankets and warm-toned pillows. Colors like reds, oranges, yellows, and browns help to create an attractive fall atmosphere. “In feng shui, we bring in fire and earth element colors in the autumn to create cozy warmth,” Cho adds. Focus on living areas such as the sofa or mantel, and finish the design with autumnal flowers, colorful gourds, or pumpkins.
2. Update your artwork for the season
Updating artwork is another simple way to welcome autumn into your home. Wesley Taylor, a home and lifestyle blogger, says he enjoys changing up his wall artwork as the seasons change. “I have a few leaning frames around my space that I easily update with warmer-toned art pieces as the leaves start to fall,” Taylor says.
You don’t have to go overboard with seasonal themes—think nature prints, darker tones, or even family photos that capture the mood of the season. It’s a subtle yet effective method to make your home feel fresh for autumn.
3. Add cozy scents throughout your home
While soft textures and warm hues are ideal for creating a welcoming ambiance, don’t underestimate the importance of smell. Anjie Cho suggests using essential oils or simmer pots with fall-themed aromas such as pumpkin spice, cinnamon, ginger, or orange.
“Fragrance plays a key role in making your space feel inviting,” Cho says. Whether you use scented candles, oils, or simmering spices on the stove, incorporating fall scents will instantly increase the cozy factor in any room.
4. Create a warm beverage station
Nothing says autumn like a nice cup of tea or coffee on a crisp afternoon. Wesley Taylor recommends setting up a designated beverage tray in your kitchen or dining room for convenient access to warm drinks. “In the fall, I’m always ready for a warm beverage, so I set up a tea tray on my kitchen island that stays out 24/7,” Taylor says.
A tray with your favorite tea or coffee, cups, and sweeteners makes it effortless to prepare a warm drink whenever the mood strikes. It’s a practical and fashionable item that will keep you warm all season long.
5. Forage for natural fall decor
You don’t have to go far to get lovely fall decor; often the nicest things are right outside your door. Ruthie Staalsen of Ruthie Staalsen Interiors suggests incorporating natural elements such as branches, dried blooms, or leaves to create an organic, seasonal look.
“I recommend bringing in rich burgundy dried florals and touches of warm yellow and orange,” Staalsen says. Arrange these natural findings in vases or pots to create a relaxed fall atmosphere.
6. Include subtle pops of color
If you prefer minimalist decor, Staalsen recommends using faint fall hues as accessories. “Bring in mercury glass pumpkins and maybe some wicker pumpkins so the color orange is not over the top in your house,” she suggests.
You may achieve the ideal blend of seasonal design and simple elegance by keeping your base neutral and adding little pops of color, such as warm-toned candles, throw cushions, or even a new bedspread.
By blending comfort, scent, and style, your home will feel ready to embrace the fall season in all its cozy splendor.
