After a long afternoon of raking leaves, there’s nothing like a warm house to welcome you. While light colors and sheer fabrics are perfect for the hot summer months, a change of season calls for a change of interior décor.
Even subtle changes can alter the entire mood of a room, so don’t underestimate the potential of basic modifications. Here are a few things you can do to get your home ready for fall.
Discover the wonder of wreaths: Whether on the front door or as a table centerpiece, wreaths are the perfect way to add natural colors and beauty to your home. Basic wreaths are inexpensive and allow you to add your own personal touch. Try golden-yellow maple leaves and wheat for a fall glow. CountryHome.com also suggests fruits, berries and ribbons, as well as “natural backyard elements such as leaves and grasses for a fall harvest look.”
Revamp your windows: Draperies can make or break a room’s energy, so it’s time to take down that white summer lace and opt for heavier materials and richer colors instead. Orange, red and yellow are perfect autumn hues, but make sure they’re deep enough to be warm and not burning bright. Any earth tone, like brown or green, also works for fall and is subtle enough to reuse with different color combinations all year. Adding autumn accessories can transform a window as well. A simple row of mini-pumpkins, gourds or pinecones is an easy and inexpensive way to dress up dull windowsills (and fireplace mantles, too).
Get Comfy: Nothing beats a cozy bed or sofa as the weather cools down. The designers at DoItYourself.com recommend texture and fabric changes to really warm up every room. They suggest “cotton flannel, faux leather, warm chenille and luxurious velvet.” Try a slipcover to hide furniture fabric that screams summer or just add a plush throw blanket for instant warmth.
Play with lighting and seasonal scents: Consider softer bulbs or lampshades that tone down the intensity of fluorescent lighting. Clean out the fireplace and try the warm glow of flickering flames. You’ll feel calmer with the natural ambiance of romance and warmth. Candles, too, have a soothing effect and scented candles in particular can create an autumn atmosphere. Try scents with spicy undertones like vanilla and gingerbread.
With so much natural inspiration, decorating for fall is easier than you think. Take a walk and collect some pinecones or visit your local pumpkin patch for some simple, but effective autumn pieces. If you like more muted color schemes, the earth tones of fall offer the best in browns, greens and beiges. If you want that burst of color, however, look no farther than the vibrant leaves on your front lawn – and bring them inside!
Now you and your home are ready for the new season!
