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Shana Beck

Decorating for Fall with a Designer’s Approach

Updated: Sep 19

The time has come. The breeze picks up, the temperature decreases slowly, and the days are starting to get shorter. September is quickly ushering in a new season. As the sun is seen less and less and the weather turns not-so-nice, most find themselves spending a lot more time inside their house than they have for the previous months. When the sun’s warmth diminishes, I wonder, “How can I bring more warmth into my home?” Seasonal decoration is a term often thought of in a tacky manner with cheesy signs and faux floral garlands. But that definition is far from what seasonal decoration should be thought of as. Creating an autumn ambiance and warm environment does not have to be difficult, and it certainly can be simple and aesthetic. Read on to discover how an interior designer would approach fall decoration.


Conceptual Approach over Thematic Approach

What I am about to say is not only limited to this context. When thinking about decoration, whether for interiors or parties or whatever else you may be decorating, it is always best to think of your desired style as a concept instead of in a thematic literal matter. Applying this to decorating for autumn, you don’t want to bring in fall-colored leaf garlands and other such paraphernalia. Instead, derive the conceptual elements of autumn: colors, textures, and the gathered vibe of the season. You will see as you read on that this conceptual approach is the foundation of decorating for fall.


Colorful Accents

Home accessories are a great way to bring in that fall aura. Selecting products within an autumnal color scheme is an easy way to set the mood of fall. Deep hues of forest green, eggplant, and burnt orange embody all of the fall glory. Colors can be showcased in all sorts of items from vases, to throw blankets, and accent pillows; the list truly goes on. Homegoods, West Elm, and H&M are great places to start sourcing these items. 

Photo Credit: West Elm


Faux Flowers, Done Right 

With the approaching season and inevitable turn of the leaves, a bountiful amount of nature creates endless opportunities for replication. Faux flowers that duplicate autumn foliage can be placed in colorful vases and decorate your space without being too in your face. I’m not talking about those small and rumpled faux flowers you’re thinking of. (But I must point out that dollar tree can be a great source for bud vases and smaller bunches of autumnal flowers) Think of tall branches with small buds and silk flowers on long stems. There are also produce-inspired versions, like slender branches with apples hanging from them and wheat stems.


Photo Credit: West Elm


Utilize More Senses 

While decor is generally associated with vision, it also extends to the other senses. When thinking of decor, consider what I call the five-senses approach. This means that all of the senses are being utilized when entering a space. Touch; when fall arrives I tend to think of warm or fuzzy textures. Look for pieces made of fleece, flannel, as well as faux fur, and suede. Smell; grab a pumpkin pecan waffle candle from Bath & Body Works or my most recent fixation, Diptyque’s biscuit candle. Sound; I tend to associate fall with a crackling fire, so I like to ask Alexa to play some crackling fire sounds. But whatever is synonymous with fall sounds to you then that is what you should put on. It can even be the sound of crunching leaves. And taste; while this is a bit harder to achieve because there is a physical action that must be done, I just take it to mean having the option to taste. As in, a bowl of colorful apples sitting out. Or some maple glazed rugelach displayed, as featured in our September/October issue.


Photo Credit: Diptyque


Falling for Textures

Textural selection is an important part of home decor in any circumstance. As briefly mentioned in the previous paragraph, some textures to look out for are those that exude warmth. Something to snuggle up on the sofa with. To walk around and feel surrounded by coziness and just a sense of stepping into your grandma’s house. Textures play an integral role when creating this ambiance. Some examples of fall textures to get you started are faux fur, knitted/crochet, fleece, and velvet.


Photo Credit: CB2


Let the Lights Shine

Shorter days, and a darker mood, all the more reason to focus on the lighting. While our summer selves may want to focus on bringing in as much light, especially natural light, as possible, fall sparks a major shift. I find myself drawing the curtains closed and reaching for the switch of accent lighting. In this case, I find lamps most beneficial. With so many fun and unique options on the market not only do they add their own decor element, but the lighting from floor or table lamps is fitting for the approaching autumn.


Photo Credit: Anthropologie


Talking Tables

Having a table that is constantly set is something I've noticed to be of debate. However, if you are team keep the table set, this can be an amazing opportunity for fall decor. Using the helpful tips above, you can create a tablescape that screams autumn and looks earthy, inviting, and cozy. You can leave these settings in an eat-in-kitchen or dining room, it makes no difference. It can be simple, or over the top, whatever your prerogative is. Just think of every time you pass by, how inviting it will look, as if you are hosting a dinner party every night.


Photo Credit: Maison Margaux ltd


I’ll leave you with this parting thought. Decorating for fall does not need to be overly complicated and should not be seen a a difficult task. There are many ways to do so; this is only a scratch on the surface. There are also many places to find the products that were mentioned here. From budget-friendly to high-end options, there is plenty out there. Feel free to reach out for any assistance! 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born and raised in New York, Shana Beck is an interior designer and writer with a degree from the New York School of Interior Design. Her work focuses on blending design principles with insightful commentary, offering a fresh perspective on trends and innovations in the field. With a passion for writing and a deep understanding of aesthetics, she aims to make complex ideas accessible and engaging, bringing a fun and cool approach to professional content. You can reach her at 845.825.1537 or shanabeck7@yahoo.com


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