Welcoming Fall… 4 Easy Moves

I am not a fancy decorator. I love beautiful things, but I like to call my style “simple authentic contemporary.”

What? Is that a “style?”

Your style is whatever you like.

I strive to be more minimal, but I like my stuff. When it comes to my home, meaning and comfort rule.

My strategy for changing seasons is pretty simple, too.

When the days get a little shorter, and the light falls more golden, I look forward to the crisp chill that comes first in the night, and then seeps into the days. The smell of fallen leaves and evening fires again, feels like home.

Autumn and cooler air means coming inside, coming together… a layering, a hunkering down.

I make some changes to welcome my family and friends as we gather inside again.

The four areas I address are color, texture, scent and light.

Color

Moving from clearer, brighter or softer colors in warmer months to deeper, richer, more mottled shades brings a closer, warmer feel. Look at pillows, linens and throws, as well as hand towels in the powder room and comforter covers in the bedroom.

Texture

For cooler days, warmer throws and blankets at the ready are beautiful, and functional. Choose mohair, cable knits, heathered yarns and faux fur to add beautiful, textural depth to your room. Drape them on sofas or roll them in baskets.

Opt for pillows in fabrics with dimension, like cut chenille, velvet, or jacquard patterns. Faux fur and and three dimensional fabrics can be fun, too.

Scent

Fresh air is by far my first choice. Open windows and doors when you can to circulate the fresh autumn magic out there! I have a few strategic partial screens, which in conjunction with my beloved screened porch, I can open windows and get a good cross breeze. Essential oils can add a level, too. I love the woodsy notes of fir and juniper, and clove, cinnamon and ginger can bring a warm cozy feel.

Light

In the fall, I love a roaring fire and lower lights. We are awake for longer in the dark, and the soft ambiance of candles and low light is comforting and intimate. Install dimmer switches on lights you use a lot. Have reading lights. Use candles! Real (be careful and don’t forget they’re lit!) or the wonderful electric ones that look like they are really flickering.

You can also change accessories, especially if you are decorating with something like shells for summer, or pinecones in winter. My accessories tend to stay the same because they are mostly photographs or items that have some meaning to me, and are seasonless. I will sometimes put some away and bring out some that have been stored, or add something new to the mix.

All the changes I make have to do with how they make me feel. When it’s cold outside I want to feel cozy and comforted inside. I let that guide my choices. Have fun with this! It is rejuvenating changing up your space with the seasons! After a few years of doing this you may feel like you’re welcoming old friends back into your home with each seasonal change, reminding you of happy memories that come with them.

What do you do in your home to usher in the new season?

Take the Home Quiz and find out your style! Learn more about raising your vibration and creating your happiest home and life at HighVibeHome.com.