Seasonal Decor: How to Decorate for Fall in Style

I love seasonal decor, it really makes you feel like you’re experiencing the season and/or holiday to the fullest. Now that we in the western hemisphere are in the fall season, we are all changing out our flip flops for Uggs and our booty shorts for jeans. Well, I don’t know what you wear but we all change our wardrobes from season to season and we should also be swapping out our house decor from season to season. I’m going to be honest when I say that most people decorate in a very tacky manner. Now, of course this is subjective but I really know my stuff when it comes to home design. So, I think my opinion is valid. Plenty of folks just don’t get it right. People tend to over-decorate with random objects they found at Micheals and their home just ends up looking like a hot-tacky mess. 

But how do you infuse your space with autumnal charm without veering into the realm of tacky or cliché? In this blog post, I will give you my top tips and ideas to help you decorate for fall with elegance and sophistication, ensuring your home embraces the beauty of the season.

Some inspo photos: fall seasonal decor

My tips for seasonally decorating for fall:

Be mindful of the size of your decor pieces

People have different decorating styles. Some people like a ton of little chachkas everywhere and some don’t like any decor at all, I am somewhere in between. However, I have a strict rule when it comes to decorating. This goes for decorating in all seasons. My rule is: do not decorate with objects that are smaller than your fist! Make a fist right now, it is probably the size of an orange. Use this as a guide to scale items before you buy/ incorporate them into your home. The reason for this is simple – small decor items make your space look cluttered and tacky. Small things don’t take up much physical space, but they do take up a lot of visual space and create the look of clutter. 

Add some seasonal colour

Infuse your space with colours of the season, the exact hue is up to you and your taste. For autumn I love burgundy, navy blue, magenta and burnt orange. Adding these colours in could mean swapping out your accent cushions and/or throw blanket or swapping out your random nik-naks for seasonal decor pieces. You would be surprised at how easy it is to make an impact with small changes in your space.  

Avoid themed prints, but do add patterns

I encourage adding patterns to any space at any time. When it comes to seasonal decor and patterns, avoid immature-looking themed prints. Meaning, prints that include things such as pumpkins and ghosts…in my opinion, these prints are just tacky. For fall, I love prints that are whimsical and traditional. These types of prints are warm and beautiful and transition into the home better than tacky themed prints.  

Incorporate natural elements

For the fall season, embrace the season’s bounty. Incorporate natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, pinecones, and acorns into your decor. Arrange them in tasteful groupings on tables, mantels, or as a centrepiece. I would also add natural elements that are more universal for all seasons such as wood, stone, plants etc. You do not want your home looking too “themed” so make sure not to go overboard with the pumpkins and/or Halloween boogie-monster figures. 

Add an elegant wreath

This one is a favourite seasonal decor piece. There is just something so homey, cozy and lovely about an elegant wreath. A wreath adorned with dried flowers, eucalyptus, or preserved fall leaves can add a touch of sophistication to your front door.

Add soft textures

Fall is all about cozying up, so bring in soft textures with throw blankets, accent pillows, and area rugs. Choose materials like wool, cashmere, or faux fur in earthy tones to create warmth and comfort.

Add seasonal scents

Scent really transports us. When you smell a freshly baked pumpkin pie I’m sure you feel like it’s fall. I love pumpkin pie but I prefer pecan. But anyway, scent is a huge factor. Even though you cannot see scent, I would still classify it as a seasonal decor element. Use candles, incense, and/or essential oils to really bring that delicious fall feeling into your home. My favourite smell is sandalwood. This is especially lovely in the evening. 

Add seasonal floral arrangements

Consider fresh or dried floral arrangements with a fall twist. Nowadays, I’m really seeing people digging the dried floral arrangements. I think dried floral arrangements are super beautiful, and a plus is that this seasonal decor piece will last past the season. For fall the flowers I prefer are, sunflowers, hydrangeas, and dried wheat stalks. These florals can make stunning centrepieces or accents throughout your home. Arrange them in elegant vases or vintage pitchers.

Add metallic accents

Incorporate metallic accents in your decor to add a touch of glamour. Copper, brass, or gold candleholders, vases, or picture frames can complement the warm tones of fall beautifully.

Swap your artwork and wall decor

Swap out your artwork that reflects the season’s charm. Botanical prints, vintage maps, or autumn-inspired artwork can create a visually appealing focal point in your living spaces and really give your space that earthy-fall vibe.

& those are my keys to seasonal decor

I hope this post helped you with selecting and staging your home for this fall season. I think seasonal decor is such a fun way to make your home feel refreshed and make you feel like it’s really the season. I’ve learned in life that we really need to embrace the small things and indulge in the different seasons. I am a summer person, (who lives in Toronto, Canada – which doesn’t mix well). But I think I am growing to enjoy all seasons for different reasons. So, this fall I will really be embracing getting into the spirit. I have been burning incents, amber scented candles and making pumpkin-spiced lattes. Enjoy and embrace your home this season and in the next.