5 Ways To Subtly Transition Your Home Into Fall

Decorating your home each season can be an exciting and fun activity, though it might require you to take a few things into consideration. Spring calls for a different color palette than winter, and you want to think about everything from scents to plants and accessories before beginning. Fall is a favorite for many homeowners, thanks to the engaging hues, decorations, and smells. Picking out the perfect color scheme is just one of several tasks you'll want to complete, especially if you don't plan to design around a holiday and opt for a more general aesthetic.

Adding a festive theme without being too cliché can be tricky, but it isn't out of the question. There is no shame in using standard or basic ornaments and accents, but part of the fun of decorating is getting creative with your ideas. Pumpkins and seasonal quotes are great, but they can become repetitive, which is why these suggestions will allow you to explore the design elements without becoming too commercial. Small, subtle touches can actually make a huge difference in a space, and there are engaging ways to incorporate autumn in your home without relying too heavily on corny (no pun intended) accessories and additions. According to Maison De Cinq, you can still use fall colors without going over the top, toning them down to be more approachable, and the same goes for everything else!

A simple yet effective way to imbibe the fall feels is to add tons of texture to your décor. By incorporating everything from faux fur to thick blankets, you are creating a space that is reminiscent of the season. Start by placing chunkier throws on your furniture, especially in the living room and sitting areas. Opt for burnt orange, cream, and brown color schemes to really channel the autumnal palette. Replace smaller rugs with faux fur, especially thicker textures that exude cozy vibes.

Don't stop at the linens and blankets, though. Switching up metals, woods, and accessories will also bring fall textures into a space. Add more iron and brass ornaments, and swap out canvas baskets or storage for wicker. Anything that looks similar to straw will create the illusion of cornhusks and fields, which go hand in hand with the season's themes. Stacking books and adorning areas with natural elements will offer subtle dimension and texture, according to Curbly. Try pampas frass in your vases for an extra touch of autumn.

You probably have a good idea by now of what colors fall into this season's palette. Creating a warm theme will instantly transform your home into an autumn wonderland, and options like earthy browns, burnt terracotta or honey, and lavish, deep crimsons are all ideal for this. Combine reds, oranges, and deep golds together in every room, pulling the décor through and giving a platform for smaller accessories of the same hues.

Don't lean on bright reds or eccentric yellows, which can easily clash with existing home designs and aesthetics and feel cheesy. Instead, turn to the deeper, richer shades that produce an elegant air and could easily be used in the daily décor. If you want to add a little something extra, throw in sage green accents to provide a touch of summer that will provide a good contrast to the warm tones. Stacy Ling recommends going outside and pulling inspiration from the colors you see there, too.

Bringing fall-associated scents into your home will instantly set the mood for the season and create a cozy atmosphere in general. Having a home that reminds people of autumn both visually and fragrantly is key to introducing a theme, and scented candles or plug-ins are the perfect way to do this. During the summer and spring months, light, flowery aromas are useful in creating a fun, playful air, but during the fall, you want earthier, tastier perfumes in the house. Opt for cinnamon, pumpkin, and headier fruits like spiced oranges, apple flavors, and clove, all of which remind people of the cooler time of year. Maple scents are great too, and cookie scents bring a happy feeling to anyone who smells them.

Picking out candles that feature autumnal colors will also lend a hand to your décor. Oranges, reds, yellows, and even greens will add easy accents to tabletops and other surfaces. According to Stone Candles, these scents will keep the home feeling cozy all season long. 

Fall isn't just about pumpkins, gourds, leaves, and turkeys. You can subtly add autumn themes by switching up your home patterns, too. Instead of using pillows, throws, or even signs that feature fall imagery or symbols, why not use plaids and polka dots featuring the colors you've chosen for other elements? Table runners, baskets, blankets, and cushions can easily replace prints and overly decorated accents, bringing a more understated but engaging decor into each room. Ginghams and buffalo checkers are also both great options for any space, providing depth and dimension without feeling too intense.

These patterns can easily transition into winter themes and designs, especially if you decide to go for a black-and-white aesthetic throughout both seasons. Using green in your patterns is also an easy way to use them over the later months too and for other holidays. Ballard Designs notes that floral pillows can easily be swapped out for plaid to instill a fall environment, and the same can be said for other prints.

Fall is nothing without nature, and bringing those components into your home to decorate for the season is an easy option. This subtle yet charming solution will make your spaces feel alive with the outdoor elements but will also create a comfortable, safe respite from the chilly temperatures. Plants and bouquets are ideal for table tops, counters, and other surfaces, but make sure to stick to more seasonal selections. Lavender, succulents,  pampas grass, and roses will all flow nicely with your existing décor and bring a little texture in as well.

Using a color scheme in your natural additions as well as your synthetic ones is important. According to Wedding Wire, purple, brown, orange, yellow, and red are all acceptable tones, but remember to match them to what you already have. For a more subtle feel, stick to earthier hues, or if you're using jewel tones in the accessories, opt for a brighter bouquet to pull them through.