Getting Ready For Fall: Five Ways To Transition Your Decor From Summer To Autumn
I want to start this post by saying that I am not one of those "fall-obsessed-psl-everything-pull-out-the-pumpkins-before-labor-day" kinda gals. I have always struggled with needing to let seasons reach completion before preparing for the next... something I should actually be used to by now. When I was a magazine intern in college... when I spent a decade as a visual merchandiser... and now when I'm creating content as an interiors influencer... I should be very accustomed to being 1-2 seasons ahead; yet, in my own home, I'm usually more behind than I'm ahead lol. It's for that very reason that I've also gotten pretty well versed in being able to make quick updates to be ready from season to season at a moment's notice.
Going from Summer to Fall Autumn - by the way... I prefer to say Autumn over Fall, however SEO optimization dictates I use "Fall" so here we are - is probably the most dramatic of the seasonal transitions. There is, typically, a stark difference in the color palettes associated with each season, however because of the typical weather changes (especially for us 4-season regions) & holidays, the shift is usually a lot more dramatic... and I love it!
With Autumn being a season of renewal, harvest, and abundance, I always find myself feeling like it's a clean slate season. There's a mindset shift that happens as people are wrapping up vacations & saying goodbye to summer Fridays... parents & caregivers are getting all their kiddos ready for the new school year... and we're packing away our swimsuits in exchange for sweaters... it's a whole thing! Those shifts are just as easily reflected in the way we choose to adorn our homes for the season as well - going from bright, vibrant hues to moodier jewel tones; and trading in light & airy fabrics for more textured materials.
While I may speak of going from Summer to Autumn as a very noticeable shift, that doesn't mean it has to be an arduous one. There are ways to get your home ready for Fall - decor wise at least... seasonal readiness, is another conversation - with subtle changes that'll make a big impact, especially since the Autumn is a time of year that is filled with so many seasonal visual cues.
Last year, was the first time I really decorated for the season. I've put out seasonal decor before, yet last year was the first time I did so with a decor story in mind... it was the first time I did so with any real intentionality behind the choices. Yes... I can hear your collective gasps. Truth is, I would usually just be stumbling from Summer to Fall, just hoping to make it to the holidays. Last year, I decided to start chasing slow & return to a more hygge inspired lifestyle. It didn't take a whole lot to get my home pre-Fall ready and so by the time the season officially changed mid September, I was already primed for the shift and able to enjoy the entirety of the season around my home before shifting gears into the winter holidays... namely Christmas.
How do you transition your home decor from Summer to Fall?
Embrace Warmth With Color
To make sure we're all on the same page - we're talking warmth, as a feeling, and not as a temperature measurement. The Autumn season is typically marked by the change in foliage to a warmer color palette - warm whites, browns, reds, oranges, and deep yellows. These colors around the home are also indicative of "warming up" for the season - pillows, drapery, candle sticks, artwork, throws, dinnerware... there are a number of ways to introduce one (or all) of these colors into your home without necessarily disrupting the existing aesthetics of your home.
Layer in Textures
Layered textures evoke both physical & emotional feelings of the season, because being "cozy" is both physical & emotional. The right pieces can make you feel like you're wrapped in a hug...wrapped in softness & warmth. For a richly layered look, tactile textures to consider are cashmere, velvet, shearling, corduroy, linen, leather, flannel, chunky knits, faux furs, and natural weaves. From large upholstered pieces to smaller decor accents, there are a myriad of opportunities to incorporate textures in your designs... and the best part is, they can all be ways that are functional in your day to day.
Experiment With Ambient Lighting
Lighting is an easy way to provide visual cues of the season, especially as the days get shorter & the nights get longer. The use of light during this season balances out the slow loss of natural light, while also creating an ambience conducive to the warm & fuzzy feelings we all love about the Autumn season. Think about the light bulbs you're using in your artificial lighting - warm white versus cool white versus daylight. While the latter is going to give your a more crisp & energizing affect, the former two are most in alignment with the season for cozy, inviting, and calming. Your lighting design isn't limited to your portable & overhead lighting. This is also candlelight & fireplace season. Take advantage & consider them as part of your styling story.
Swap Out Simple Decor
Throw Pillows. Blankets & Coverlets. Rugs. Wall Art. Bedding. These are all relatively simply swaps that can be done to usher in the new season... and even multiple times throughout the season. I am especially fond of getting quality throw pillow inserts and duvet inserts so I can change out the covers throughout the year without worrying too much about storage. Even within your tablescaping, simple swaps provide the visual cues of the season change. All of these elements are where you can introduce those warmer tones & layered textures as well, without doing a complete overhaul of your space. The entire vibe of your space can change without moving a single piece of furniture.
Introduce Autumn Foliage Accents
When we talk about visual cues of the season, none are more iconic than the foliage of the season, specifically the notable shift from green to shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown. Maple is typically the most thought of, however, dried botanicals, such as pampas, are also indicative of the season. Magnolia, pine cones, birch, and so many others are great way to effortlessly introduce "plant life" - faux or real - in your decor in a way that speaks to the season.
As someone who has absolutely no love for Summer - not sorry - my seasonal transition happens pretty organically. Year round, my home embodies a hygge inspired design ethos, which parallels the sentiment of coming seasons. With a few quick tweaks, I am able to execute all five of these styling transitions, while still making a noticeable impact in my home's design. When the mini gets involved in the decorating, she likes to get literal and include pumpkins in the decor. While typically not my preferred cup of tea, it does add a unique layer of seasonality to the space - whether it's cookware or shelfie decor. And let's be honest... styling with pumpkins has come a long way from just putting an actual pumping on your front porch & calling it done.
I'm pretty sure I'll be going the same route with my styling this year. It all felt very natural while still in alignment with the season. Often, when it comes to seasonal decor transitions, people think they have to go all in with the theme of the season and its holidays... which is fine if that's what you wanna do; however, it's not required. You can still honor the aesthetic of your home while acknowledging the season.
