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Cozy Fall Home Décor Ideas

October 25, 2024
Kitchen details with pumpkins, fall flowers, and wood decor

As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, it’s natural to want to hunker down and embrace your inner homebody. There’s no better time to transform your home into a cozy sanctuary where you can unwind and settle in for the season. With fall also marking the beginning of the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to prepare your spaces for gatherings of family and friends.

While redecorating your entire home for each new season may not be realistic, there are plenty of small, affordable touches that can bring warmth and festivity to your space. From soft, inviting fabrics to the comforting scent of pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon, cozy fall décor plays off all the senses.

It’s time to pack away the light and bright of summer and embrace the rich textures and warm hues of autumn. Let’s walk through some simple steps to create a cozy, welcoming home that feels like a warm hug this fall.

Great room in Purcell 26 in Front Garage Conventional Collection at Rockland Park in Calgary AB

Purcell 26 Floor Plan, Front Garage Conventional Collection, Rockland Park Community, Calgary, Alberta

Add Soft Textures

As the temperature starts to drop, there’s no better way to make your home feel cozy than by incorporating soft, inviting materials. Now is the perfect time to pack away the light, breezy summer textiles and bring out the rich, comforting fabrics like faux fur and chunky knits that make you want to snuggle up.

Start in your bedroom and living room by introducing plush blankets, pillows, and rugs to create a warm and cozy space. Think fabrics you’d want to snuggle into – fuzzy sheepskin, rich velvet, or fleece. Draping a wool blanket or buffalo check throw provides a nice pop of fall color without competing with your existing décor.

Swap out your lightweight curtains for heavier ones in warm autumn colors and upgrade your bedding with thicker sheets and a duvet to really bring the warmth on those brisk fall nights. Try mixing textiles, like pairing the smoothness of silk with the rough feel of tweed, to create a dynamic, layered look that invites you to sink in and stay awhile.

Horizon 3 Living Room at Midtown in Denver CO

Horizon Three Floor Plan, Horizon Townhomes Portfolio, Midtown Community, Denver, Colorado

Warm Lighting

As the days grow shorter and the sunlight fades earlier, the right lighting becomes essential. While natural light rules the day, evening calls for a more intentional approach to lighting – one that can shift the mood from the bright, hustle-and-bustle of daytime to the relaxing, soft glow of a quiet evening.

Rather than relying on your overhead lighting, which can feel harsh and too bright for the cozy vibe you’re aiming for, opt for warm, varied lighting fixtures around your space for a comfortable, relaxing effect. Dimmable floor lamps, table lamps, and strategically placed candles work together to bathe your home in a gentle, golden glow. The beauty of dimmable lights is that you can easily adjust the intensity, tailoring the ambiance to match your mood—whether it’s a quiet evening alone or a cozy gathering with friends and family.

If you close your eyes and picture a cozy home scene, it likely includes the soft crackle of a fireplace. A fireplace naturally draws people in, making it the perfect focal point for any room. If you’re fortunate enough to have one, arrange your seating to take full advantage of its warmth and charm. Position larger furniture pieces like sofas and armchairs in a semicircle around the hearth to create a welcoming, conversational space. Add a few smaller stools or chairs that can easily be moved closer to the fire for an even cozier gathering spot. The flickering flames provide both warmth and light, making it the perfect centerpiece for fall nights.

No fireplace? No problem. You can create the same warm, flickering ambiance by grouping candles or tea lights on a coffee table, mantel, or buffet. Choose candles in varying heights and sizes to add visual interest, and opt for unscented or lightly scented candles to avoid overwhelming the room. For a more rustic touch, consider lanterns with LED candles, which offer the same warm effect with added safety. String lights are another great option, especially for adding a soft, whimsical glow to bookshelves, mantels, or window frames.

Family room in Ponderosa in the Laurel Collection at Blossom Rock in Apache Junction AZ

Ponderosa Floor Plan, Laurel Collection, Blossom Rock Community, Apache Junction, Arizona

Warm, Earthy Color Palettes

If you’re not sure what color palette to lean into for fall, take inspiration from the changing leaves outside. Switch out your throw pillows and blankets to autumn hues such as deep red, burnt orange, earthy browns, and golden yellow. Add neutral colors like beige, taupe, or cream to balance out the warmth.

If you want a more rustic or nature-inspired look, try grounding your space with earthy tones like forest green, deep brown, or plaid patterns. A classic plaid throw or set of pillows can bring a rustic, cabin-like feel to your home, bringing home the coziness of a fall getaway.

For an added touch of sophistication with your autumn décor, copper is the metal of the moment. The warm, metallic sheen of copper beautifully complements the more subtle earthy tones of fall. Whether polished to maintain its bright, new-penny shine or allowed to develop a vintage patina over time, copper adds a timeless elegance to your space.

Consider incorporating copper accents through small décor items like a pot filled with seasonal flowers, a charming kettle displayed on the stove, or a tray on the coffee table to showcase your favorite fall candles, pinecones, or decorative pumpkins. These subtle details can elevate the overall aesthetic, giving your home a cozy yet refined look.

Family Room in Picasso at Hiatt Pointe at Snowden Bridge in Stephenson VA

Picasso Floor Plan, 55+ Single Family Homes Collection, Hiatt Pointe at Snowden Bridge Community, Stephenson, Virginia

Touches of Nature

If the brisk weather outside is keeping you indoors, bring the outdoors in! One of the simplest ways to invite nature indoors is by gathering branches, leaves, or pinecones and displaying them creatively. A vase filled with tall branches—whether bare or adorned with colorful autumn leaves—instantly adds height and texture to a room, while a bowl of pinecones on your coffee table or mantel offers a rustic touch. Consider scattering some acorns or dried leaves alongside the pinecones for a more seasonal display. These natural elements are easy to find, cost nothing, and bring that perfect autumnal charm into any space.

Pumpkins are a quintessential fall decoration, and their applications are endless. From classic orange pumpkins to more modern choices like white, green, or even muted pastel varieties, these seasonal staples can be used in various ways throughout your home. Small pumpkins or gourds can be grouped together as a centerpiece on your dining table or arranged artfully on a mantel or windowsill. White pumpkins, in particular, offer an elegant and understated aesthetic, making them an excellent choice for a minimalist or sophisticated fall décor theme.

Another easy way to bring in some fresh fall color is with a stunning floral arrangement. Sure, summer brings some of the best and brightest blooms, but don’t count out fall. There’s nothing quite like the vibrancy of fall foliage found in beautiful autumn leaves and stunning green garlands.

Use golden yellow sunflowers, deep red roses, fiery orange dahlias, or rich maroon chrysanthemums paired with branches of silver dollar eucalyptus, and the final piece is a stunning display that will leave your home smelling fresh.

For a more rustic, woodland-inspired look, consider incorporating dried flowers or grasses into your arrangements. Pampas grass, dried wheat stalks, or preserved eucalyptus add a subtle yet sophisticated texture that evokes the essence of fall. These elements also last longer than fresh flowers, making them a great low-maintenance option for seasonal décor.

Fall inspired fireplace mantel with pumpkins and foliage

Focus on Your Gathering Spaces

Autumn is a season of warmth – whether it’s literal with cozy blankets or figurative with the feeling we get when surrounded by loved ones – and it’s the perfect time to blend the two by making your gathering spaces more inviting.

Start where you welcome your guests – your front door. Your home’s entrance sets the tone for what’s inside, so make it feel as inviting as the season itself. Try adding a festive seasonal wreath, a fall-inspired door mat, and, of course, some pumpkins!

With so many sizes, shapes, textures, and colors, pumpkins are a great way to add depth and visual interest while injecting a bit of vibrancy into an otherwise neutral space. Experiment with different groupings – vary the heights, play with the sizes, or use bales of hay to create different levels. There’s no wrong way to pile them up, so have fun and try a few different pumpkin decorating ideas.

Inside, focus on cozying up your gathering spaces. Start by creating an inviting fireplace mantel with garland, gourds, natural wood candleholders, or wooden beads. A welcoming mantel coupled with a roaring fire is sure to draw everyone in to gather together.

Fall inspired tablescape with greenery and pumpkins

When it’s time to break bread, a festive tablescape elevates your dining experience. Use the fall floral arrangement you created, couple your regular plates with colorful chargers, and add a dough bowl filled with wicker spheres, fall branches, and pinecones. Play with items already in your home to create a look layered in character, such as mixing polished metal candlesticks with rustic wood.

Aim for a look that feels relaxed and welcoming instead of overly formal. A more casual, festive setting helps create an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable and at ease – perfect for making lifelong memories around the table.

Wooden tray of coffee and candles on bed

Seasonal Scents

Fall is truly a season that celebrates the senses, and scent plays a key role in creating that nostalgic, cozy atmosphere. Say “pumpkin spice,” and everyone immediately thinks of fall. Scent is one of the most powerful senses and can evoke memories like no other. Warm vanilla may bring back fond memories of holiday baking. Pumpkin spice may remind you of walking through those crunchy fall leaves with your favorite hot coffee.

During the fall, woodsy, spicy, and earthy aromas create an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. Scents like apple, cinnamon, clove, and ginger are some other fall favorites that warm the air. Play with different combinations to create your own unmistakable, signature fall scent that welcomes everyone who walks through your door.

Try a simmer pot if you want to go beyond the traditional candle or diffuser. Add your favorite fall ingredients, such as apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, to a pot of water and let it simmer on the stove. Your home will be filled with the rich, inviting aroma of autumn.

Fall is the perfect time to turn on the oven again and try some new recipes. Bake up a batch of gingerbread cookies or cinnamon rolls to fill your home with a holiday-inspired scent and enjoy a tasty sweet treat!

Purcell 24 Dining Area in the Front Garage Single Side Yard Collection at Rockland Park in Calgary

Purcell 24 Floor Plan, Front Garage Single Side Yard Collection, Rockland Park Community, Calgary, Alberta

Organize, Organize, Organize

We’re all familiar with spring cleaning, but autumn is another great time to organize your home and clear out the clutter before the holidays. Instead of focusing on what you can add to your home to make it feel like fall, think about what you can remove to utilize your spaces better each season.

Let’s face it: we don’t all have an abundance of room to store tons of items that only get used a few months out of the year. By organizing and assessing your existing pieces, you may find you have items that can be used repeatedly and don’t have to be packed away when the weather changes. Invest in several basic décor staples that can be used season to season, like glass cloches or a coffee table bowl that you can style just by changing the fillers. You create festive vignettes without breaking the bank every time the weather changes.

Sometimes, less really is more. If you’re looking for a minimal look to bring in just a hint of fall, consider adding small touches, like a couple of small pumpkins to a bookshelf or a simple garland across a mantel. Too many decorations can quickly overwhelm a room, making it feel busy and cluttered rather than warm and cozy.

Wood bin filled with pumpkins and flowers in front of a couch with buffalo check pillows

As you embrace the cozy charm of fall, remember that the most important part of decorating is creating a space that brings you joy. Don’t worry about making everything look “perfect.” Instead, fill your home with pieces you love, bringing happiness into your home. 

If you’re looking for more design advice, homebuying insights, or moving tips and tricks, the Brookfield Residential blog covers it all. Be sure to follow along for more!

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