No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face. – John Donne
The season when everything is bursting with energy and life is behind us. We have entered the season of serenity, when we spend much more time indoors than during the summer. This simply calls for some interior upgrading – because fall is all about getting snug with a cup of tea, eating apple pies, and stopping to smell the pumpkins.
So, if you want to cozy up your home and turn it into an autumn-ready oasis, here are some ways to do it.
Ditch the Summer Colors and Fabrics
Depending on how your home is decorated, you probably have at least some of the summer leftovers when it comes to design. They can be in the form of light curtains, pastel colors, or seashell accessories. Fall colors are more toned down and they include various shades of brown, yellow, and orange. As for the fabrics, replace the lightweight ones with heavy, warm pieces. Start with the curtains and replace them with warm-toned draperies.
Throw Some Pillows into the Picture
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A picture-perfect autumn home calls for as many throw pillows as possible. Your goal is to make everyone in your household and your guest simply want to melt into the sofa and enjoy the moment. Plush throw pillows are just the way to do it and to amplify the fall vibe. As for the colors, you’ve guessed it – have fun with the fall palette!
Now Make It Even Warmer
We’re sure you have some blankets and throws stored in your closet with the first signs of spring. Now’s the time to take them out, get them through the washing machine, and put them back to use.
A hand-woven throw will introduce a great dose of comfort and add texture to the room. The colors can contrast the sofa for an additional effect. Do the same in your bedroom by choosing a duvet or a comforter to keep you warm when you sleep. There are some differences between the two, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Keep Your Feet Warm
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What about the floor? Well, we’re well past the time when everyone used wall-to-wall carpeting, not only because it is difficult to maintain, but also because of its incredibly unimpressive aesthetic, to put it mildly.
However, you can use area rugs, especially in the zones where you walk the most or where you keep your feet on the ground for longer periods. For a stronger visual impact, you can go for rug layering. This will add texture and depth to the design. Some fall-worthy suggestions are a hide rug on a natural fiber one, Turkish flat-weave atop a Moroccan piece, and a lush shaggy rug over a patterned one.
Change the Lighting
The days are getting shorter, but for most of us, this doesn’t mean we’ll be going to bed earlier. You need to prepare your home so that 7 PM doesn’t feel like bedtime.
More layers of light will help. No one is expecting you to spend tons of money on installing new ceiling fixtures, but you can surely afford some table lamps, lanterns, and candles. Also, you might want to switch from cool light bulbs to warm or daylight bulbs.
Make Yourself Wish to Be Indoors
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As we said, this is the season when you will be spending more time indoors. Rather than seeing it as depressing, this is a time to enjoy. Motivate yourself to remain inside by creating a space for your hobby. We believe the fall is the ideal season for catching up with your reading, so carving out a reading nook can be on this list. All you need is a well-lit corner, a table lamp, a throw blanket, a table for your tea, an armchair with throw pillows, and some scented candles to spice it all up.
Finish up with Some Accessories
Finally, give your home the final touch of the fall mood with accessories. Gold and bronze pieces (photo frames, candle holders, figurines, etc.) can help create a warm atmosphere. Also, instead of a flower bouquet, you can use an interesting tree branch. Colorful fall leaves and pumpkins are always welcome in the following months.
You can love it or hate it, but fall has immense visual power with great potential for home design. Hopefully, the tips above will help you use it and make the most of the golden-brown season.
Article submitted by Hannah Thomas.