Fall is a beautiful time of year to decorate your home. The colors of autumn inspire warm, cozy designs that are perfect for the changing seasons. We spoke with celebrity interior designer Jane Smith to get her top tips for fall home decor. Jane has designed homes for A-list celebrities and recently released her own line of luxury home goods. Read on for Jane’s fall decorating ideas to give your home celebrity style on a budget.
Use Texture and Warm Materials
Jane recommends using cozy textiles and natural materials to add warmth and texture to your fall decor. Here are some of her ideas:
- Throw pillows: Toss fun printed and patterned throw pillows on sofas and chairs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, or sherpa for extra coziness.
- Area rugs: Layer patterned wool or cotton area rugs over hardwood or tile floors. Rugs add warmth and a touch of texture.
- Wood accents: Add wood accents like shelving, side tables, trays or bowls. The natural material gives a homey, rustic vibe.
- Faux fur: Use faux fur blankets or pillows to make seating areas extra snuggly. Faux fur offers texture without the high price tag.
Incorporate Fall Colors
The colors of fall leaves are classic for autumn decor. Jane suggests bringing pops of fall colors into your home with accessories and accent pieces.
- Orange, red, yellow: Add pillows, throws, vases, table linens and decor in warm fall shades. These colors embody the season.
- Green and brown: Bring in earthy tones like olive green, sage green, and chocolate brown. These colors complement fall palette.
- Neutrals: Don’t forget neutral tones like cream, beige and tan. Neutrals balance bold colors.
- Metallics: Incorporate shiny copper, bronze and gold accents. Metallics pair perfectly with fall colors.
Display Natural Elements
Jane loves decorating with natural elements for an organic, cozy look. Try these ideas to bring nature inside:
- Dried leaves and branches: Use fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones, and bare branches in tabletop vases and decorative bowls.
- Houseplants and succulents: Potted plants instantly liven up shelves and tabletops. Opt for low maintenance varieties you can enjoy all season.
- Wood slices: Style wood slices from logs on shelves or coffee tables for organic accent pieces. You can find wood slices at craft stores.
- Mums and pumpkins: A few potted mums or mini decorative pumpkins make fun seasonal statement pieces.
Light the Way
Proper lighting sets the mood for fall. Follow Jane’s tips to make your home glow:
- Candles: Candles instantly make any space cozier. Cluster candles in mercury glass votives or mason jars for rustic flair.
- Lamps: Use table and floor lamps throughout your living space. Look for ones with warm bulbs and amber shades.
- Fire: A crackling fire in the fireplace sets the perfect fall ambiance. If you don’t have a fireplace, use a faux flame tabletop fireplace.
- String lights: Drape string lights along your stair rail, over a bookcase, on a headboard, or across a mantel. The soft glow sets an inviting mood.
Style Your Fall Table
An easy way to bring fall flair into your home is by styling your dining table or console table. Use these seasonal styling tips from Jane:
- A wood slab or cut tree trunk makes a unique natural table runner down the center of the table.
- Fill bowls or vases with gourds, mini pumpkins, pine cones, acorns, and other foraged finds from nature. Mix in faux berries or leaves for pops of color.
- Use a burlap or linen table runner and top with a long candlestick and seasonal blooms like mums or dahlias for an elegant touch.
- Style a chalkboard welcome sign with the words “Hello Fall” or use lettered wood blocks to spell out “Give Thanks.”
Add Cozy Layers
Layer your bed, sofa, and chairs with plush blankets, quilts and throws. Here are Jane’s layering tips:
- Play with different textures and patterns like wool knits, velvet, seagrass, sherpa fleece, plaids, and quilted bedding. Mix and match.
- Incorporate fall colors and neutrals for a cohesive layered look. Repeat colors from your throw pillows.
- Fold knit throws at the foot of the bed for a clean yet cozy hotel vibe.
- Faux fur blankets make any seating space feel extra lush. They instantly glam up a room.
- Toss your favorite chunky knit blanket over a sofa or chair to complete the fall look. Choose an organic pattern for a nod to the season.
Ask the Expert: Jane’s Fall Decor Q&A
Q: What’s the most budget-friendly way to decorate for fall?
A: Swap out lighter decorative accessories like throw pillows, blankets and table decor for cozier fall-inspired versions. Simple changes make a big impact without a major investment.
Q: How can I make my home smell like fall?
A: Fill a slow cooker or simmer pot with water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices for a deliciously fall scent. You can also use an autumn scented candle or room spray.
Q: What are your top 3 neutrals for fall?
A: Cream, light tan, and beige are my go-to neutrals for fall. I use them on larger items like sofas or chairs as a base. Then layer on bolder fall colors and textures.
Q: Any tips for decorating a mantel?
A: Decorate your mantel simply for fall with a garland of greenery, clusters of candles, and a few mini pumpkins or gourds. Add a “Hello Fall” sign or thankful plaque in the center for some seasonal flair.
Q: What’s your number one fall decorating tip?
A: Mix up the textures! Layer luxurious textures like wool, velvet, burlap, leather, and knits throughout the home. Combined with the colors of the season, it creates the quintessential fall look.
Conclusion
With Jane’s celebrity designer tips, you can easily give your home a cozy, elegant fall makeover without blowing your budget. Focus on texture, warm hues, natural elements and layers to embrace the autumn season. Display colorful gourds, light flickering candles, arrange lush pillows and throws, and infuse your home with the scents of fall. Bring the beauty of autumn indoors this season as you decorate your home with rustic, inviting fall style.
