Embrace Autumn: Simple & Stylish Fall Decor Tips

Halloween & Thanksgiving

We have two major fall holidays—Halloween in October and Thanksgiving in November—that offer a plethora of decor choices. It’s easy to see how we could go overboard. The key question is: how far do you want to take it? Think about the mood you want to create.

Do you want your space to be bold, exciting, and fun? If so, lean into those decor choices and be adventurous. Keep a tight color palette and a central theme, and it’ll feel playful without being chaotic.

On the other hand, if you prefer a calm, subtle, and serene atmosphere, you can keep it simple by using fewer elements in a less literal way. Lean more into the colors and textures of the season to provide that autumn feel.

Autumn Color

One reason neutral color schemes are so popular is that they create a versatile and flexible backdrop for any design style or seasonal decor. This keeps the overall look cohesive and relaxed while allowing the season’s feeling to shine through.

For fall, it's all about bringing in warmer colors. We often think of orange pumpkins, and that’s a great traditional way to go if you enjoy it.

But also consider deeper or more subtle shades—not just orange, but earthy yellows, deep reds, warm greens, clay browns, and more muted tones of these hues.

These deep and earthy colors create an inviting sense of warmth and coziness.

Cozy Fabrics

A simple and subtle way to welcome the fall season is to swap out lighter-weight throw pillow covers for ones made of plush fabrics like mohair, velvet, or tweed.

Adding cozy blankets and chunky knits or faux fur also adds warmth and visual interest. This is a great way to pull in the colors of the season and add that fall vibe.

If you want something that literally says fall, you can add pillows in fun shapes or patterns to round out the look for the season while blending with your overall color scheme.

Natural Elements

Incorporating natural materials into your decor is a fantastic way to add color and rich texture to your home.

Gourds, for example, come in many varieties and colors, from very neutral to boldly colored to wildly patterned.

I recently snapped some photos of these beautifully neutral Seminole pumpkins at my bestie’s house on Labor Day—they would make a beautiful addition to any fall decor scheme, and I hear they're pretty tasty too!

If you prefer something that will last a few seasons, woven pumpkins are super cute and relatively neutral. These border on the whimsical but coordinate subtly due to their natural composition.

Dried stems and flowers can also add a sculptural touch in a vase or create a welcoming feel as a wreath on your front door.

You can even search for stems and pine cones in your backyard for a crafty DIY solution, which can be placed in vases, bowls, or used to create a beautiful tablescape.

Wood is another great way to bring in a natural vibe, adding instant warmth and texture to your space—think wooden candlesticks and vases.

Fire's Glow

Fall’s cool, crisp weather practically begs us to gather around the fire. A fireplace adds a warm glow, and the mantle is the perfect place to bring in those natural decorative elements.

If you’re looking to bring that cozy fire pit feel to your patio, a fire pit or fire table is perfect. And if you want to bring that feeling inside, a cute little fire bowl can do the trick.

Of course, no discussion of fall coziness would be complete without mentioning candles.

In addition to casting a beautiful light, candles with spiced and wooded scents like cedarwood, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and apple make your home smell amazing and add a spicy autumn aroma.

How will you decorate for autumn and the fall holidays this year? I’d love to hear your ideas, so please share them in the comments.

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