CNN
–
Although some people thrive in summer, others look forward to the season of sweater weather, pumpkin spice and all things apple, and the fun of adding fall decor and texture to every corner of their space.
Fortunately, since fall has a huge fan base, there are plenty of smart and elegant ways to incorporate pumpkins, candles, thick knits, dried flowers, and wreaths into your indoor and living areas. The key is to keep it simple by choosing pieces that exude the ambiance you want without cluttering the living room, front door, and dining room table.
Inside out, here’s our ultimate decorating guide, straight from the design experts who have mastered the perfect balance.
Classic Patio Pot Planter for Home and Garden ($38.84); amazon.com)
Do you think outdoor flowers are only for summer? Think again, says Rainey Richardson, director of Rainey Richardson Interiors. She recommends planting chrysanthemums, a hearty flowering plant that blooms in fall. “Choose yellow, orange, red, or even purple, and plant in a large pot,” she says. “With a little care, these plants should last through the fall season and make your balcony attractive.”
Fireplace and Hand with Eucalyptus Wreath Made from Rusty Magnolias ($34.99; target.com)
If you like to spruce up your home with a nod to fall but are constrained by time, this fall-inspired wreath will add character to your front door. Depending on your style, says Richardson, you can keep it simple with a twist or fall leaf swag or go luxurious, with many textures, dried flowers, and even a bow made of burlap.
Balmuda The Lantern ($199; amazon.com)
The scariest season of the year requires some mood lighting—even if you focus more on the ambiance than the spooky one, says Cynthia Montoya, lead designer and founder of Urban Gypsy: Styled. Instead of the ultra-bright bulbs you’d normally hit, consider an option that can dim or change color with Wi-Fi or with Alexa. You can also add some glow by using an outdoor lantern or two lights that give the same functionality.
Artoid Mode Pumpkin Welcome Decorative Doormat ($30.99; amazon.com)
Whether you go for the pumpkin squad or opt for a clever fall-inspired saying, a seasonal doormat goes a long way in updating your front door. In addition to keeping up with your overall theme, Montoya says, it also keeps your porch fresh and festive.
Artesia charger plate in natural rattan ($12.95); crateandbarrel.com)
Richardson says chargers are a quick and easy way to create a fall feel on your table. “Choose natural bamboo chargers or even plastic chargers in a cool fall color and place them under regular dinner plates to bring warmth and weight to the table,” she recommends.
Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Metal 3-Count Taper Candelabra ($16.99); target.com)
As Richardson says, this season is the perfect time to gather all your candle holders and run them in the middle of your table. “The different types, heights, and mount types will add extra interest,” she continues. “Fill in varying heights of colorful fall flowers to add color and ambiance to your tabletop.”
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Large Wood Paddle Serve Board with Handles ($39.99); target.com)
One of the biggest design trends for 2021 is bringing natural elements and textures into your home, Montoya says, and fall offers a great opportunity to experiment.
“Steping with nature, comfort and earthy tones, we use greenery and fresh and dried flowers to add natural pops of seasonal color throughout the home and especially as centerpieces in artisan pottery,” she says.
To pull this off, she recommends adding hand-woven cotton linens to your assorted table linens as a first layer. Next, pair them with round leatherette brushes and secure them to a rich marble or wood tray to hold the vase.
Project 62 Over the Mantel Mirror Natural MDF Back ($70; target.com)
“To create a focal point, place a large mirror over your mantle and place a framed picture of friends or family in front of the mirror on the right or left to make it off center,” recommends Richardson. This draws attention to the heart of your space (aka a fireplace).
Stove and Hand with 17.5-inch Artificial Wheat Magnolia Leaf Plant ($19.99; target.com)
Dried flowers are commonly found in fall-inspired bouquets and wreaths, but they can stand just as strong on their own. Richardson recommends finding an old urn or a favorite vase and placing it on one end of the mantle. Next, fill it with dry fall flowers and use ribbon in fall colors to add a decorative bow around the container to finish off the space.
Dried Autumn Leaves and Salal Garland ($249; potterybarn.com)
This season, Montoya says, is all about massive greenery. You can do this with a large garland that wraps around your mantel. Or, you can collect vases that mix ceramic, terracotta, and woven straw to fill them with dried or fresh flowers. “Seasonal colors can make a big impact with lots of color in, or you can maintain neutrality with dried okra, wheat, and pampa sprigs,” she adds.
Autumn Hayride Candle ($34; homick.com)
As with every season, says Richardson, one of the best ways to evoke the feeling of fall in your home is through scent. “Choose pumpkin, carnation, or cinnamon candles and light them in your family room. Lighting more than one room will fill the entire house with the unmistakable scent of fall.”
Pumpkin Glass Candle Holder ($50; uncommongoods.com)
And if you want to go a little further, try this festive tealight holder, which includes a mini LED candle light and creates a fun orangey vibe.
Pumpkin Embroidered Cushion Orange Threshold (15 USD; target.com)
Your sofa may already have a pillow or two, but now is the time to make it seasonally appropriate. Replace your everyday colors with orange, red, brown, yellow, dark green and other fall colors. Enjoy textures and sizes, too, because they’ll make your fall naps more comfortable, adds Richardson.
Sill Cable Knit Chenille Throw Blanket ($24.99; target.com)
Get a chunky knit blanket in olive, terracotta, or putty to continue incorporating these fall colors into your existing decor, Montoya recommends.
“For an enhanced look, finish with rich cotton or velvety drapes in copper and dusty pink to suit the fall and winter months and give your home the cozy warmth you want,” she adds.
Artificial Orange Pumpkin ($27.99; amazon.com)
Nothing says it falls like a pile of pumpkins. And the options are endless – from real to fake, classic colored or orange, textured or soft. Enjoy this part of decorating and try different combinations. “Pack the gourds next to a tree, along a sidewalk, or use bales of straw to provide a different level of display,” Richardson says.
Christopher Knight Home Catriona Outdoor Acacia Chair with Metallic Accents ($109.95, original $136.20; amazon.com)
Richardson recommends placing a bench in your front or back yard and adding some outdoor cushions in fall colors or with cute sayings like “Hello Fall” or “Happy Fall Y’all.”
“If the seat is covered, you can put a warm blanket on the back to make it more inviting,” she adds.
Stove and Handle with 30-inch Magnolia Wood Burning Steel Firepit ($150; target.com)
Depending on which zip code you call home, you may need to add a little fire to your backyard if you want to spend time comfortably outdoors. Montoya says you can easily do this with decorative freestanding fireplaces and/or freestanding fireplaces found on or around the patio.
“Either way, be sure to place your outdoor furniture comfortably around it so you can enjoy the patio while still being warm,” she adds.
.