Happy Halloween
Textiles are another easy way to introduce an autumnal touch and color scheme in small doses. "As fall approaches, swap out any summer textiles for warmer tones and cozier fabrics for those chilly autumn days," McKay says. "Subdued reds, earthy and rusty hues, and golden tones will set the stage for the cooler months."
If you prefer a neutral color palette, she suggests going for a Nordic retreat look. "Find some heavier neutral knit blankets and cushions, sheepskins, candles, and woven pieces for a cozy fall atmosphere," she says.
Designer Stephanie Perez O'Boyle agrees with this one-step-at-a-time approach. Slowly transition your interior from summer to fall by making small changes throughout the early fall season. "The easiest place to start is your tabletop," Perez O'Boyle says. "A summer table can easily be changed over to fall with a simple refresh that doesn’t break the bank."
2. Take the Layering Approach
Interior stylist Emily Henderson suggests easing into fall decorating by taking the layering approach. Instead of waiting until October and then bringing out every piece of fall decor you own to give your home a complete makeover, this method is a way to pace yourself, stay intentional, and make the decorating process more enjoyable. "You can add a wreath to your door and switch out some pillows or throws," she says. "Then maybe a few weeks later add some pumpkins and other fall decor."
6 Expert Tips Can Help You Plan Ahead
The return of the pumpkin spice latte can only signify one thing—fall is just around the corner. With that comes the great debate about when to start pulling out the pumpkin decorations. There are two camps when it comes to seasonal decorating: Those on team 'it's never too early,' and those who adhere to a strict 'wait until October' rule.
This year, the first official day of fall lands on September 23rd, but you don't have to wait to deck the halls with pumpkins, leaves, and scarecrows. If you're already itching for the warmth and coziness that your favorite autumnal pieces add, we're sharing how to seamlessly begin transitioning from summer to fall.
As summer winds down, we asked interior designers and stylists to share tips and tricks for getting started on autumn decor. They also weigh in on the age-old question of when to start decorating for fall. (Spoiler alert: It's whenever you want!)
1. Start Outside
You don't have to jump headfirst into fall decorating all at once. Interior designer Ami McKay recommends starting with the exterior of your home. "As summer winds down, you may notice your outdoor plants need some TLC, whether it be your vegetable garden or flowers, so take some time to tidy those up for fall," she says. Then, arrange any potted plants that still look good around the front door or on the deck.
To seamlessly transition your outdoor space from one season to another, McKay recommends incorporating plants that have year-round appeal. "Whenever you plan your landscaping, think about potted and in-ground plants that look good in the fall and winter as well as the warmer months and ones that bloom at different times throughout the year.
Both interior and fashion designers are agreeing on the color for this year, HONEY.
The fashion industry is calling it honeycomb, which is a more saturated offshoot of honey.
This fall color is luscious!
Honey and its softer and more muted tones are perfect for fall! Bee honey can be a pale, almost transparent gold and as dark as a golden amber color.
Think about the golden-yellow leaves on autumn trees, the color of freshly cut barley fields, and the caramel in candy. Honey is a warm color that works with so many other colors.
Be sure to add it to your fall color palette this year.
DIY pumpkin displays, lanterns and more cozy touches to delight everyone in the neighborhood.
With autumn comes cooler weather and the chance to lean into all things cozy with budget-friendly fall decorations. There's everything from DIY fall crafts and grapevine wreaths to creative carved pumpkin ideas.
But while you might only be set on decorating your interior for autumn, don't forget about upgrading your outdoor space. You can instantly boost your home's curb appeal with fall porch decor.
6. Metal finishes
A gray scheme finished with metallic accents in gun metal or silver is great for industrial decor, but if you're trying to make a cool gray room look warmer, then warmer metal finishes will work best.
Incorporate metals such as gold, silver, copper, or brass to add warmth and glamour to a gray room. These metals can reflect light and create some shine and dimension in the space. You can use them for lamps, mirrors, trays, vases, or hardware.
So there you have it! 6 ideas to warm the greys without having to get the paintbrush out!
5. Colors to use with grey
Use warm-toned colors such as blush pink, mustard yellow, maroon, or caramel to add some warmth and contrast to the cool gray.
Opposite colors, such as gray and yellow, can sit in perfect harmony together, and will work as one to create a well-balanced scheme rich with both warm and cool elements.
4. Use highly layered textured finishes
A simple way to make a room feel more warm, cozy and inviting is to dress the space with lots of layered texture.
This can be anything from soft pillows, throws and rugs, to decorating a room with an eclectic mix of materials and colors.
