In my previous post “A Slower Rhythm Through the Seasons,” I began our annual fall nesting series by talking about easing into each season with intention. Moving gradually from one season to the next is not only better for your home, it’s better for your well-being. If you missed that post you can find it on the blog, but today I want to focus on practical, simple ways to shift your decor from summer to fall.
These small changes refresh your space without demanding a full redecorating overhaul.
You don’t need to buy everything new or reinvent every room. Keep decorating simple and enjoy the process. A few thoughtful updates over the next few weeks will make your home feel ready to welcome the cooler season and its comforts. Many of these ideas use items you likely already have, or invite you to add one or two new pieces for fun.
Here are 7 simple tips for fall decorating.
1. Add more layers to create a cozy, snug feel.
Throughout spring and summer we lighten layers; in autumn, start adding them back. Woven textures like rattan and seagrass are versatile year-round but especially welcoming in cooler months. Use woven trays on coffee tables, dressers, and nightstands to group books and accessories and introduce warmth without clutter.
2. Introduce warmer tones, gradually.
If your palette leans neutral or cool, try adding a few warmer accents to signal fall. Small touches—like a book with a muted rust spine, a branch of autumn foliage, or a pillow in a warmer blue—can shift the mood subtly. Even woven accessories bring natural, warming tones into the room.
3. Swap pillow covers and rugs for seasonal texture.
I use zippered pillow covers so I can switch styles each season. Look for softer fabrics and cozy colors that complement your existing decor. Add a rug to bare floors or layer a smaller rug over a sisal or jute base for added warmth. Lightweight rugs are easier to change as the season progresses.
4. Let foliage feel natural and muted.
Nature becomes more muted as autumn approaches, so mirror that in your florals. Swap bright summer bouquets for arrangements in softer, autumnal tones—whether faux or fresh. Look for foliage and blooms that echo the season’s palette to make your displays feel timely and organic.
5. Use ambient lighting to transform the mood.
As daylight wanes, ambient lighting becomes essential for creating a cozy atmosphere. Add table lamps, floor lamps, and reading lights to soften corners and make spaces feel inviting. Overhead lights are useful but don’t create the layered, warm glow that lamps and accent lighting provide.
6. Create inviting, cozy moments.
Small comforts make staying in more appealing—battery-operated flickering candles for safe ambiance, a favorite book, or a special mug for hot drinks. These simple items help craft a cozy routine for cool evenings at home and make ordinary moments feel a little more special.
7. Use subtle visual cues to suggest the season.
Switch out or add seasonal artwork, or place a fall-inspired botanical or landscape print on a tabletop or shelf. Even a small framed piece propped on an easel can hint at the season without requiring a full display change. These touches nudge the eye and set a softer, seasonal tone.
Happy August, friend!
Sources for the mood board (items shown in the collage):
Fall eucalyptus stems, woven storage baskets, textured pillows, accent lamps, flameless candles, seasonal artwork, glass vases, tassel throw blankets, a striped mug, patterned area rugs, and a round seagrass tray were used to create the mood board. These kinds of pieces work together to build a warm, layered look.
Consider printing a seasonal planner to map out small decorating projects and goals for the coming months—preparing your home and intentions now makes the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
Stay tuned: there’s a special announcement at the end of our Annual Fall Nesting Series, so consider subscribing to the newsletter so you won’t miss it. You can also follow along on social channels for updates and inspiration.
More posts from our Fall Nesting 2022 series:
A Slower Rhythm Through the Seasons — thoughts on easing into each season.
How to Slowly Transition Your Home to Fall — more decorating tips and a mood board to inspire your updates.
Reversible Blankets for Sofas, Chairs, Beds and More — layering blankets for warmth and texture.
Affordable White Washable Slipcovers: Ikea Ektorp Chairs — practical options for refreshing seating.
How to Be Intentional in Planning for Fall and Holidays — strategies for thoughtful seasonal planning.
Savoring the Last Sunsets of Summer from Our Porch — embracing late-summer moments before fall arrives.
How to Decorate a Fall Mantel Using What You Have — creative mantel styling with existing pieces.
Vanilla Bourbon Latte: Make Your Morning Coffee Cozier for Fall — a seasonal drink to enjoy as the weather cools.