As summer draws to a close, you may find yourself eager to embrace the autumn season with cozy decor and autumnal accents. However, with temperatures still soaring, diving headfirst into fall décor can seem premature. The trick is learning how to gradually transition your home from summer to fall, while still beating the late-summer heat. Here are some tips for decorating for fall when it still feels like summer.
Enjoy the Natural Transition
Rather than fighting the lingering summer temperatures, take cues from nature and allow your home to transition naturally.
- Bring in branches, pinecones, acorns, and other organic elements that are starting to accumulate outdoors. Display them in vases, bowls, or on tabletops to lend an autumnal touch.
- Add pops of crimson, gold, and amber with accent pillows, throws, or fresh floral arrangements. Chrysanthemums, sunflowers, and dahlias evoke fall in elegant arrangements.
- Trade lighter summer linens for intermediate-weight textiles in rich autumn hues.
Let the seasonal metamorphosis occur slowly by drawing inspiration from the natural shift taking place right outside your window.
Incorporate Fall Fragrance
One of the easiest ways to infuse your home with autumn vibes is through fragrance.
- Display a bowl of whole cinnamon sticks or cloves to permeate the air with cozy spice notes.
- Burn autumn-inspired candles like pumpkin spice, apple cider, or maple pecan.
- Diffuse essential oils like cinnamon, clove, pine, cedarwood or eucalyptus to evoke crisp fall air.
Fragrance transforms the ambiance of a room instantly. It’s an simple way to create a fall oasis even when the weather is still warm.
Add Warm Lighting
The angle of daylight shifts as summer transitions to fall. Shorter days and earlier sunsets cast a warmer glow. You can mimic this effect by incorporating lamps, sconces and overhead fixtures that emit a cozy luminescence.
- Use smart bulbs to create customizable lighting scenes with sunset-inspired hues.
- Swap out cool-toned bulbs for ones with a warmer, amber or golden light.
- Position floor and table lamps strategically to cast a soft glow during the evening hours.
Trading harsh, bright lighting for warmer alternatives will make your home feel more autumnal, even if the mercury hasn’t quite dropped yet.
Embrace Layers
An fundamental part of fall décor is layering—blankets over sofas and beds, area rugs over existing carpets, throws crossed over chair backs. While too many layers can feel stifling during late summer, you can still incorporate the layered look in moderation.
- Toss a light cotton quilt or linen coverlet over your existing summer bedding.
- Fold wool or cashmere throws attractively at the foot of the bed or across chair arms. They’ll be ready when needed, but easily removed when the temperature climbs.
- Position furniture like side tables or ottomans closely to create a clustered, layered aesthetic.
Layering adds cozy texture and dimension perfect for transitional décor. Just be judicious until the weather truly cools.
Accent with Warm Metallics
The rich glow of bronze, copper and gold make these warm-toned metals ideal for fall. Incorporate metallic accents and accessories to lend autumn’s radiance on even the hottest days.
- Vivid throw pillows in deep golds, coppers and bronzes pop against neutral sofas or chairs.
- Metallic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass make lamps, sconces and hardware feel special.
- Mercury glass votives and vases in bronze and gold refract and reflect candlelight beautifully.
A little glimmer of gilded accent pieces can capture autumn’s spirit well before the temperatures fall. Their warmth and richness are ideal for this transitional time.
Infuse Autumnal Scents Indoors
Capture fall’s fragrance by infusing your home with seasonal scents, from baked goods to woodsy notes.
- Simmer a spiced apple or pumpkin pie-scented candle to evoke cozy bakery aromas.
- Display fresh wreaths, garlands, or potpourri containing autumn blooms and foliage.
- Use a scented-oil diffuser with woodsy essential oils like cedar, pine, sandalwood or fir needle.
- Brew a mug of chai tea, cinnamon-vanilla coffee, or apple cider to fill your kitchen with tempting aromas.
When you engage the senses, it’s easier to feel the change of seasons, even when the weather feels out of sync.
Incorporate Autumnal Colors
The changing leaves bring vibrant hues of red, orange, gold and brown. Bring these colors into your home through accent pieces, textiles and accessories.
- Toss jewel-toned throw pillows in crimson, amber and citrine onto neutral sofas or chairs.
- Use an autumnal area rug to define a seating area, update a dining space, or add coziness to a bedroom.
- Display cut flowers in rich fall hues like dahlias, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, or red maple leaves.
By mirroring the dazzling palette outdoors, you’ll feel autumn’s arrival within the comfort of your home.
Add Cozy Textures
As temperatures drop, we instinctively crave cozy textures. During this transitional period, layer in chenille, velvet, knits and softened leather pieces.
- Toss a chunky wool throw blanket over your bed, sofa or favorite armchair.
- Replace lighter linens with subtly textured quilts and shams in fabrics like linen, flannel or knit.
- Position plush floor pillows and poufs in comfy knits or velvets to create an inviting relaxation nook.
Surrounding yourself with soothing textures, especially in chillier-feeling materials, will ease the transition to fall.
Warm Up with Hearty Meals
As the days grow cooler, warming comfort foods beckon. Infuse your kitchen with tempting aromas through simmering soups, stews, chilies and baked goods.
- Bake an apple, pear or pumpkin pie from scratch for that irresistible just-out-of-the-oven fragrance.
- Prepare seasonal soups incorporating squash, sweet potatoes and root vegetables.
- Serve cozy baked casseroles, macaroni and cheese, pot pies, or smoky chili.
Indulging in hearty comfort foods will stoke anticipation of the autumn and holiday season ahead.
FAQs About Decorating for Fall When It’s Still Summer
How do I avoid making my home seem too wintry when it’s still hot out?
Opt for lighter, breathable fabrics in place of heavy wools and knits. Add pops of color and avoid going overboard with dark, brooding colors. Incorporate metallics and candles to add warmth and flickering light. Focus on transitional fall flowers and natural elements like citrus, berries and oak leaves.
What are some good colors for fall that aren’t too autumnal?
Softer, lighter shades of typical fall hues keep things seasonal without feeling too heavy. Try a sage green throw or pillow instead of hunter green, or opt for peach instead of orange. Gray, cream and taupe are calming backdrops that let you incorporate small pops of color.
How can I make my outdoor space feel fall-ish before it’s actually fall?
Switch out brighter summer pillows for more muted jewel tones. Add a cozy throw blanket to your patio furniture along with outdoor candles and lanterns. Incorporate pumpkins, gourds and fall foliage in planters and pots. Serve warm beverages like apple cider or pumpkin-spice coffee on the patio.
What are quick changes I can make to instantly make my home feel more autumnal?
Update your entryway welcome mat to reflect the season. Soften tablescapes with runner fabrics in rich fall hues. Arrange a harvest-themed centerpiece with wheat, flowers and mini pumpkins. Burn spiced candles like cinnamon-apple or pumpkin-maple. Change your soap, hand towels and aromatics to fall-inspired scents.
How do I store my fall decor so it’s not taking up space all year round?
Look for storage options like under-bed containers, lidded baskets or vacuum-seal space bags. Organize themed decorations together, like Thanksgiving items or Halloween décor. Label all containers and keep an inventory list so you can easily find what you need next season.
Conclusion
The transitional period between seasons can present unique decorating challenges. As summer winds down but temperatures remain balmy, introducing autumnal flourishes requires a delicate balance. By taking cues from nature, gently layering cozy textures and colors, infusing tempting fragrances, and indulging in warming comfort foods, you can usher in fall beautifully. With thoughtful touches that engage the senses, your home can feel like autumn, even during the dog days of summer.
