It's still hot enough outside, at least where I am, that Fall feels like a rumor. But if you're the type who likes to be a little ahead of the season instead of scrambling once the leaves turn, there's good news — you don't need cooler weather (or a full room overhaul) to start easing in Autumn. A few small, well-placed touches go a long way, and they're easy to swap in gradually, no sweater weather required – even if I am genuinely excited about when that becomes a reality!
If you're feeling a little antsy and want to start phasing out the bright accents of Summer, here are five simple ways to start layering in a little Fall, wherever you're ready for it.
Start with one bowl on the counter. This is the easiest way to bring in the season, and it makes a surprisingly big difference. Fill a bowl you already own with mini pumpkins, apples, acorns (maybe some Buckeyes if you're around my neck of the woods and know it's almost time for some Brutus!), or a mix of natural textures from around your house. And let's not forget the farmer's markets for other great natural options that serve a dual purpose. Set your creation on your kitchen island or dining table. It instantly signals Fall without touching anything else in the room.
Swap in one or two statement pillows. It's all about oversized comfort (not overstuffed) pillows that incorporate gentle geometrics, texture and neutral tones this year. Cotton slub, washed linen, boucle, and wool blend materials aid in making the space feel cozy and welcoming. Pops of color are often an easy way to change the seasons and this years' color trends include slate blue, charcoal teal, and brown-black all of which play into both the traditional and modern Fall motifs.
Add a little something to the mantel. A full mantel display might not be where your head is at right now, so maybe swap out, or add in, a single piece to get started. A small arrangement can bring that different punch of color or festive feeling to your space while we wait for the air to turn crisp.
Our Berry & Boucle is an easy way to start building this out one piece at a time.
Let your table do the talking! A centerpiece can be one of the easiest ways to bring Fall to a room you likely spend time in every day. Something low-key in warm, earthy tones works beautifully on a dining table or console, and when you find the right piece for your space, it can do double duty for you and be used from Fall through Thanksgiving. Our Ivory Harvest is a lovely option if you want something that feels finished right out of the box. A clean design of a velvet pumpkin nestled into muted leaves, pinecones, and acorns.
Bring in texture before you bring in color. If bold fall color still feels like too much while it's 90 degrees out, or you're opting for the softer palette we discussed last week, start with texture instead. Layered greenery, dried lotus pods, and organic wood elements bring in that seasonal feeling without committing to the colors of the changing leaves just yet. Our Woodland Textures Abound is a great one to start with. Truly a one of a kind piece with a natural, collected-over-time look that avoids feeling overdone. It's a gentler way in, and it gives you something to build around as we wait for warm apple cider donuts to be on our counters.
Hope one of these tips helps out with your attack plan. Whether it be a simple kitchen bowl filled with apples, cinnamon sticks and acorns (which you can pick from to make a warm cobbler) or finding that perfect pillow that you will soon be nestled into while keeping warm under your favorite blanket, pick whichever one gets you the most excited. The bonus to gradually bringing in Fall is that by the time it actually feels like the season, your home will already be feeling cozy, and you'll just be able to sit back and enjoy that well deserved cup of mulled wine.
~J