It’s only the end of September but by now we’ve seen fall decor come and go with Christmas already hitting the shelves and popping up in our social feeds. I cherish the change of seasons and appreciate them more with each year that passes, making me want to pause and soak up autumn as much as I can before the holiday hustle begins. So, if you’re like me – and you’re not quite ready to rush into the next thing – I have a few tips on how to transition your home for the season with intention and without buying an entirely new collection of home decor.
focus on textures rather than colors
It’s fun to introduce seasonal color into our decor, but not necessary. I personally like to invest in items that transition well from season to season and can be put to use anytime of the year, in a color palette that I’m naturally drawn to. My home is layered in neutrals with the occasional saturated hue in textiles or artwork and I like my seasonal decor to have the same feel. So rather than introducing more color, I utilize heavier, richer textures in the cooler months. Think: wool, velvet, mohair, boucle and cashmere blends. Incorporating great textures bring a subtle warmth and tactile experience to your home that feels in-step for autumn without being too obvious. Think in term of how the new fabrics and textures you introduce into your home feel rather than how they look. A cozy, wool throw blanket or boucle pillow that you physically cozy up to creates a deeper impression on you as you literally interact with the textile. The ritual of swapping out textiles is a great way to usher in the cool autumn weather that invites us to cozy up inside or sip on that coffee just a little longer.
tap into scent
Scent is very powerful: it can influence your mood, evoke memories and set the tone for your home. It’s also very personal. Different scents speak to different people, and choosing a scent for your home at the change in seasons is a way to express your favorite parts of fall, whether it be the warm aroma of cinnamon, apple orchards, pumpkin baked goods or the scent of freshly fallen leaves. Plus there are affordable, wonderful smelling candles everywhere this time of year. One of my favorite candles from last Christmas season was from Walmart that I happened to pickup with my grocery order. You can easily instill the warmth of autumn into your home by lighting a candle (or two).
utilize natural elements
I personally do not prefer faux branches, pumpkins or florals. I know sometimes maintenance friendly, organic elements seem to be the only option, but I would rather skip them altogether if I can’t get the real thing. Every time I see an obviously faux take on something that should have life in it, I think it tends to cheapen the rest of the space. The authenticity of nature and organic, natural elements simply cannot be replicated. And substituting them for something manufactured (usually of plastic) removes the experience of receiving the beauty and physical purpose that the real thing literally gives back to us through nature. Cutting bare branches from your yard or neighbors garden, picking up a few imperfect pumpkins or gourds from your local farmer, clipping drying hydrangeas at the end of the season, filling a bowl with fresh figs or potting a few mums will add so much more to your decor – and doesn’t have to cost a thing. Just like rich textiles made of natural fibers, live branches and pumpkins lend a tangible experience to your home that you and your guests can feel.
How are you transitioning your home as we usher in autumn?
