5 Secrets for Fall Decorating

So you are pulling out your fall boxes out of the attic, and wondering if THIS is the year you can have that beautiful fall home that you see all over pinterest. Their homes always look so perfect: with their perfectly inviting living room, their most welcoming entryway/foyer, and their fabulous entertaining dining room, blah blah blah!!! That’s because they know the 5 Secrets for Fall Decorating!

So how do they know them…..and how can you snag them?

Stick around – and I will share the main tools (the secrets) to get that beautiful fall home you’ve always wanted.

FIVE SECRETS FOR FALL DECORATING

First things first:

The good thing about fall decorating is that it should be very simple and understated to be the most effective. You do not have to go all out to make a beautiful fall home.
You simply pick and choose the things that remind you of fall, or childhood memories, or granny’s favorite dish, etc…that create the environment that works best for you.
Make it personal, tell a story….. fall decorating is all about YOU (well or maybe your husband too – lol) ***

Secondly:

Decorating for fall is a little different than some of the other seasons because it evokes all of the 5 senses.

So what in the world does that mean?

It means that the reason you want to lounge by the fireplace, or sit on the entryway bench, or eat at the table in those other homes, is because they create a mood, a feeling, a setting that arouses the senses.

You want to be there because they created an inviting space that lures you in. And that is why you FALL (haha!!) in love with their homes.

So, how do you do it? Let’s get to it!!

FIVE SECRETS FOR FALL DECORATING

SECRET #1: NOSE

The sense of smell is by far the most important part of fall decorating.

If someone were to walk into your home with a blindfold on, there should be NO mistake that they know it is fall time.

Fall Decorating Tips:

candles
potpourri
pine cones
baked goods

Use colored candles like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or sugar cookie scents in the kitchen, living room, dining room, hallways, and powder bathrooms.

Don’t be afraid to use white candles for fall also. They look great with natural greenery, in clear hurricane vases, and in lanterns filled with fall decor accessories.

Or try pumpkin shaped candles. Aren’t they so fun?

And don’t forget about baked goods.

Besides baked goods smelling incredible…. just placing the delicious-looking cookies, pies, and pastries out in the kitchen evoke the sense of smell.

SECRET #2: EYES

Decorating for fall is all about colors, accessories, & fabrics that you associate with fall time conditions (cooler weather).

For example….what comes to mind when you first think of fall??

Maybe leaves falling from trees, temperatures beginning to cool off, fall festivals, and of course pumpkins?

So now you will pull from all of those ideas to create your decorating scene (environment).

Fall Decorating Tips:

warm colors
accessories with “fall” words
heavier fabrics & darker colors
mums or sunflowers
nature- inspired wreaths
scarecrows & cornucopias

Use darker colors: golden/mustard yellows, cinnamon/spiced oranges, deep reds or burgundy pinks, olive greens, deep teals, dark browns, rich purples, and black.

Choose accessories that have words on them that you associate with fall events:

throw pillows that say “gather” or “autumn blessings,” pennant banners that say “thankful” or “happy harvest,” or wooden signs that say “hello fall,” or “hayrides $1.”

Incorporate fall fabrics: plaids, tweed & buffalo check; leopard prints, suede, & velvet; fur, flannel & corduroy.

And of course the more obvious decor: fall flowers (mums, sunflowers, and nature-inspired wreaths); pumpkins, scarecrows and cornucopias.

SECRET #3: TOUCH/FEEL

When you see pictures of fall decorating ideas you love, they make you feel warm and comfortable.

And how is this achieved – through texture.

Fall Decorating Tips:

throw blankets
toss pillows
rugs
woven baskets
hay bales

Use throw blankets and toss pillows that are made from cable-knit wool, fleece, fur or cashmere.

Try thinking outside the box too, like using a ladder for blankets or quilts.

Don’t be afraid to use deeper shades of pink and some fun pom-pom pillows to add a little whimsy.

Rose and blush colored pinks mix well with orange, burgundy, and purple fall hues.

Rugs are another way to add texture. Again stay with darker colors, wool or shag rugs to create warmth.

Don’t forget about woven baskets. They are a great way to add texture and function.

Use them to store blankets, pillows, magazines, & firewood.

Hay bales provide a lot of texture also. Just popping in a couple of hay bales to an area creates a perfect little vignette- without a ton of thought.

If you don’t want the mess, keep in in the plastic it comes in.

SECRET #4: TASTE

Taste can go in a lot of different directions. This involves putting things out that you associate with food/drinks or dining.

Fall Decorating Tips:

coffee/hot chocolate mugs, tea cups
baked goods: cookies, pies, pastries
fruits & vegetables: apples, cranberries, pumpkins, gourds, & squash
s’mores

DRINKS:

Use coffee mugs/tea cups in “fall” colors in your table decoration or leave out and make a small coffee/tea/hot chocolate bar.

Coffee, hot tea, and hot chocolate are warm drinks, and people automatically associate these drinks with “hot” temperature.

So, I am telling you….it works!! Put some cute mugs out girl- you’ll get it!!

FOOD:

Same for baked goods (like I mentioned above)….sprinkle them around your kitchen/dining room.

Add them to cake plates, or fall-themed “gather” serving platters/trays.

Don’t forget about fruits and vegetables as well.

Apples and pumpkins are associated with warm baked pies, or use gourds, cranberries, and squash to associate with thanksgiving dinners.

The great thing about using fruits and vegetables is that they are inexpensive and provide a ton of natural color.

Plus, they just happen to be the colors that we associate with warmth- win-win!!!

***TIP*** S’mores is another fall favorite of mine!!

It reminds me of fall, fun, & family time. So try to make some this fall – you (& your kiddos) will NOT be disappointed!!

SECRET #5: EARS

There is nothing more soothing than listening to wood crackling in the fireplace on a chilly autumn night – am I right??

Just lighting the wood makes you want to snuggle on the couch with warm blankets, play your favorite movie, and sip on hot cocoa (or maybe some wine – LOL), as the stress of your day melts away.

Fall Decorating Tips:

firewood holder (baskets or metal)
garland
floor pillow or pouf
fireplace tools set
football accessories: hand towels, spoon rests, mugs, wreaths, throw blankets, signs

And why do you feel this way? Well, it’s because you associate the burning of wood in a fireplace with warmth, relaxation, and a sense of togetherness.

It’s a place where family and friends come to gather for a night of s’mores & game night (if you have kiddos) or for hors d’oeuvres & drinks (if you’re having an adult party).

So it makes perfect sense to “dress” up your fireplace and hearth during fall time, and make both of these decorated focal points.

Use garland or pennant banners on the mantel, and place some of you favorite candle sconces or flowers there as well. But don’t forget the hearth (or base if you don’t have one).

Use baskets or metal bins to put cut firewood in (or extra throw blankets and pillows), add a fireplace tools set, and square floor cushions and poufs for extra seating.

Make it c-o-z-y!!! Can you hear the wood crackling already??!!

FOOTBALL:

This is a personal favorite for my house for fall decorating, but I wanted to add it to this section. Football (both professional & college) is another event/sound that reminds me of fall.

What I mean is that I love the sound of the the band playing during college football games, and the announcers/fans cheering for their teams, and even the smacking around of helmets.

So…… this is another way I decorate for fall (because it’s a pretty big deal here at the Prothro house). So, if this is something you love also, pull out all things football to decorate with during fall time.