The weather starts to cool, the leaves begin to drop, and the desire to hunker down and embrace our inner homebody sets in. There’s no better place to lean into the coziness of autumn than at home. It’s the perfect opportunity to create your own warm sanctuary where you can unwind and settle in. Fall is also synonymous with the beginning of the holiday season and the gathering of family and friends, so it’s the perfect time to focus on getting spaces ready for entertaining again. While not everyone has the time or money to redecorate their entire home for each new season, there are plenty of little touches you can add to bring in some festivity without breaking the bank. It’s time to pack away the light and bright that goes with summer and bring out the warm and cozy for fall.

Let’s explore some of our fall home décor ideas:

1. Incorporate earthy, nature inspired colors

When thinking of autumn, there’s an association with colors such as orange and red, but there’s a wide variety of palettes you can choose to incorporate that are a little less obvious. If you want to go a less traditional route, choose two or three colors to highlight that may work better with your existing home décor. Some options include warm wheat tones mixed with soft blues or coppery browns. This gives you the chance to reuse some pieces you already own and add just a few fall-inspired items. The end result is a cohesive look that is more personalized to your taste and style. If you want to lean into the traditional look without being overly cheesy, fill a vase with oranges instead of pumpkins or red apples to go fresher and more modern.

An 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, orange dahlias, or multi-colored chrysanthemums paired with branches of silver dollar eucalyptus and the final piece is a stunning display that will leave your home smelling fresh.

2. Focus on fabrics

The best way to create a cozy atmosphere is by focusing on the fabrics found throughout your home. Since the temperature is dropping, it’s time to pack away the light and airy summer textiles and bring out the heavier, comforting materials like plush faux fur and chunky knits. Change out or add in nubby boucle throw pillows to the couch. Swap out your bedding for heavier sheets or a quilted duvet. Placing a chunky knit throw blanket at the foot of the bed adds another cozy layer if the weather cools or adds warmth without committing to being fully immersed in case the weather stays a smidge warmer in your region.

Using substantial patterns like plaid or thick stripes in warmer colors is a great way to set a seasonal tone if your home is more neutral. Draping a wool blanket or buffalo check throw provides a nice pop of fall color without competing against your existing décor. Plus, you get the added perk of having something conveniently placed that you can snuggle into when it starts to cool inside.

3. Spruce up your gathering spaces

Autumn is a time associated with 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. Try adding a festive seasonal wreath with a burlap bow, a fall inspired door mat, or simply pile up 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 to 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, create 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. 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, or add a dough bowl filled with wicker spheres, fall branches, and wheat. Play with items that are already in your home to create a look layered in character. Go more fun and festive, less formal, and you’re sure to have the perfect backdrop for lifelong memories.

4. Spice up your home with fall-inspired scents

Fall is a season of the senses and there are certain scents associated with this time of year. Say the words “pumpkin spice” and everyone thinks of fall. Other scents that evoke that warm feeling include apple cinnamon, pecan pie, cloves, sweet cinnamon pumpkin, and pumpkin chai. Play with different combinations to create your own unmistakable fragrance of fall. Added bonus? Candles help create a warm, cozy vibe that is perfect for that crisp weather.

5. 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. This isn’t about what you can add to your home to make it feel like fall, but more about what you can remove to better utilize your space 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 pieces that can be used season to season. Think items 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.

Most importantly, don’t get overwhelmed or place too much importance on making everything look “perfect.” Decorate with things you love and that will bring joy 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!