October marks the true arrival of fall, and it’s a delightful time to embrace cozy living. As we settle into this season, it’s the perfect opportunity to create a warm and inviting space at home. I wondered how designers bring the essence of fall into their own homes. While trends are tempting, the experts I spoke with shared simpler methods. Here are some fresh fall home refresh ideas straight from the pros that might surprise you!
Add Fresh Blooms
Fresh flowers can brighten any season, and Sarah West from Sarah West Interiors makes it a point to incorporate them into her fall routine. “Every Sunday, I visit my local farmer’s market to pick up fresh blooms. It’s a ritual I cherish, and it’s a straightforward yet powerful way to refresh my home for autumn,” she shares. “Instead of chasing the latest decor trends, I focus on using fresh flowers and cozy scents to cultivate a warm and inviting atmosphere.”
During fall, West leans towards flowers in richer colors. “I love amaranth, calla lilies, and dried allium. Deep hues like plum and burgundy add a seasonal warmth to any space,” she adds.
For those with gardens, the best materials are often right outside. “I enjoy cutting a branch from my Japanese maple as it turns shades of red and orange,” says Danielle Balanis from Danielle Balanis Design. “It embodies everything I cherish about fall. It feels natural and fits beautifully in any room.”
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Warm Up Your Lighting
Lighting is crucial yet often overlooked in fall decor. The type and tone of your lighting are essential for achieving a cozy mood. Candles are a fall staple. “Using taper candle holders to highlight antiques and exquisite wood pieces is a classic way to set a warm ambiance,” says Devika Kanadé from The Itih?as Company. “Candlelight creates a unique warmth.”
Taper candles look stunning on surfaces like mantles and dining tables. Want a different warm glow? Change your bulbs. “Swap white bulbs for yellow ones in a lower wattage to achieve a cozy effect. It’s a simple change that can transform your space,” Kanadé explains.
Explore Cozy Lighting
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Embrace Nature
Nature is the ultimate designer, and Kanadé loves to bring the outdoors inside. “Allowing natural elements and earth tones to lead can enhance the rich colors of fall,” she advises.
Incorporate dried flowers and foraged items into your decor, or create unique pieces from natural materials. “A uniquely shaped piece of wood can serve as a centerpiece for taper candles, creating a distinct candle stand,” she suggests.
Explore Nature-Inspired Decor
Mixed Fall Dried Floral Preserved Bundle
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Add Cozy Scents
Who doesn’t love the aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon? Fall offers some of the best scents for your home. “Fragrance significantly contributes to a cozy atmosphere,” West says. “One of my favorites is Aesop’s Istros Aromatique Room Spray—a perfect smoky, floral blend for autumn.”
Choose candles, room sprays, or diffuser reeds with warm, grounded scents for fall. “For candles, I adore Aesop’s Ptolemy Aromatique Candle with its earthy scent, and Jenni Kayne’s candles add a cozy touch to any space,” West mentions.
Balanis keeps it straightforward. “Every fall, I look forward to the cinnamon broomsticks from Fresh Market. They bring warmth and charm to my breakfast room and liven up my kitchen,” she says.
Shop Fall Scents
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Incorporate Jewel Tones
Color plays a crucial role in fall decor. But don’t feel pressured to stick to bright oranges and reds! “I love showcasing deep jewel tones,” Kanadé shares. Shades like sapphire, ruby, and emerald green are perfect for this season, and Balanis agrees. “Saffron and mustard are my year-round favorites, but they shine in fall,” she notes. “These hues blend beautifully with the entire fall palette.”
Explore Jewel Tone Decor
Burgundy Solid Rib Stripe Knit Throw Blanket
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Incorporate Shades of Brown
Brown remains a hot trend this year, perfect for fall decor. Kanadé enjoys working with various wood tones and brown paint. Unsure where to start? “A fun, temporary way to add depth is to paint your ceiling a darker shade like brown, cherry, or burgundy,” she suggests. “It adds character without being overpowering and creates a stunning backdrop for lighter elements.”
If you’re hesitant about a dark ceiling, remember that paint can be easily changed. “You can always revert to a lighter shade come spring,” she reassures. “That’s the beauty of paint!”
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Mix and Layer Textures
A cozy fall home calls for soft, inviting textures. “Fall is ideal for blending different materials and layering on tables and in living areas,” Kanadé states. “Incorporating throws made from velvet, tweed, and corduroy adds warmth.”
Along with cozy throws, swap out your curtains for something softer, like velvet. Layering decorative pillows on your sofa with various colors and textures makes it even more inviting. If layering feels overwhelming, simplify your approach. “For fall decor, I believe in keeping it easy—fresh flowers, comforting scents, and a cozy blanket by the fire are all you need to appreciate the season’s natural beauty,” she advises.
Explore Cozy Textures
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Showcase Seasonal Tableware
These fall home refresh ideas also set the stage for holiday gatherings. If you’re hosting this year, it’s time to bring out your seasonal serveware and tableware. Rather than reserving them for special occasions, Kanadé suggests using them as unique decor. “Display beautiful china and distinctive tableware as part of your decor rather than just for serving to refresh your space,” she advises. “Darker glassware can be a simple yet impactful change.”
Explore Servingware
Whitewash Handcrafted Wood Salad Bowl
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