Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower. -Albert Camus
As the kids make their way back to school, you’ll need to start doing things like putting away their summer toys and cleaning the pool for cooler temperatures. We know that in the midst of changing schedules and autumn maintenance, it can seem overwhelming to think about updating your home decor to reflect the changing seasons. But without making changes, your decor can quickly become outdated and make your living space feel tired and dusty. Instead of trying to update all at once, there are ways to incorporate subtle fall decor that doesn’t take too much time, won’t break the bank, and leaves remnants of summer decor while high temperatures stick around a little longer. Check out these tips for both the interior and exterior of your home, and get ready to welcome fall with open arms and gorgeous decor.
Interior Fall Decor
Color
While summer boasts lush greens and vibrant floral displays, autumn is known for beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves begin to change. But before you rush to buy all of the orange candles you can find, settle in the in-between season by incorporating pieces in soft, welcoming whites. From using white frames for family photos to incorporating cream-colored cabinets in your kitchen remodel, soft whites are a great foundation color that allow you to incorporate whatever accent colors you’d like, from sunflower yellow while summer’s on its way out to the reds and golds of autumn leaves. Plus, off-white is trending this year and will match your decor for months.
Texture
Along with updating your colors, an easy way to transition from summer to fall is through incorporating texture in your interior decorating. You can add a warm blanket to the end of a bedspread or over the arm of a chair to signal cooler temperatures about to arrive, or switch out light, cotton curtains, rugs, and throw pillows for lush, heavier materials like velvet or knits. Gradually make changes when the time comes, only switching out what the season calls for.
Mantelpieces
The mantel is the perfect place to start putting away some summer decor and using more fall decor, especially if you’re expecting to use the fireplace beneath it. For cheaper options that you won’t have to store for months afterwards, think about using natural materials (we love these white pumpkins!) that you can compost afterwards. Seasonal flowers always work, and fall messages to remember to be grateful are wonderful reminders any time of year.
Exterior Fall Decor
Front Porch Displays
It’s natural for your front porch to need a bit of general maintenance after the summer months, but you can also use this time to start displaying some fall decor before Halloween decorations take over. Along with adding a DIY wreath (listed below) to the front door, we love the idea of giving your porch a makeover before fall pictures and parties. New, colorful paint on the door or railing, an autumn-themed doormat, and updated lighting can be easy ‘quick fixes’ that’ll prepare your home for the shorter days of fall.
Wreaths
Not just for the winter holidays, a well-designed wreath can help your exterior decor bridge the gap between summer and fall. Here are some of our favorite DIY autumn wreaths; choose one or switch between a few as the season goes on!
- Welcome Message Wreath from Country Living
- Corn-Husk Wreath from HGTV
- Rustic Fall Wreath from Crafts Unleashed
- Neutral Fall Wreath from Live Laugh Rowe
- Braided Burlap Wreath from Hoosier Homemade
- Easy DIY Fall Wreath from Artsy Chicks Rule