8 Easy Ways to Welcome Fall in Your Home
As the seasons change, it's natural to want our homes to reflect this shift. The excitement of open-air brunches, patio dinners, and outdoor activities begins to fade, and we find ourselves drawn to early nights in, slow mornings, and reflective practices. While the weather doesn't always align with the feelings of fall (I'm looking at you, California), I've found the best way to support this season's energetics is to bring some changes right into our homes. Transitioning for the cooler months means leaning into stability, comfort, and warmth. So whether you're focusing on specific spaces, rearranging furniture to feel something, or simply craving a little home refresh, I have some suggestions worth exploring.
No.1 Celebrate Texture
Fall is all about coziness, and what better way to achieve that than through texture? Think plush rugs, soft throws, and inviting pillows. Opt for materials that are soothing to the touch and provide warmth during the rough and dry season. Layer different textures to create a rich, inviting atmosphere that begs you to snuggle up for movie night or that stack of books you’ve been wanting to read.
No.2 Set the Mood with Fragrance
Grounding foliage and notes of sage, eucalyptus, hemp, and teas create a nostalgic freshness that is gentle on sensitive noses and feels connective to the earth. These lush notes are the perfect transition from summer to fall. Still a little green and reminiscent of the outdoors, they will help you savor the sun and prepare for the harvest. These fragrances are perfect for creating a spa-like atmosphere in bathrooms and adding a touch of aromatherapy to living spaces. Don’t be shy about layering these notes in smaller spaces or blending them in open-concept rooms.
No.3 Layer Your Lighting
As the days grow shorter, lighting becomes crucial. Create a cozy ambiance by strategically moving lamps and layering different light sources. Think of lighting less as illuminating everything, and more as focused areas—like the sun moving throughout the day. Illuminate reading chairs and workspaces, and add softness with candles on the table, in the bedroom, and in cozy corners of your common areas. Begin tucking away the blue lights of screens a bit earlier, and mix in some candlesticks for that perfect warm glow that makes evenings at home feel truly intimate and special.
No.4 Create a Beverage Station
Fall is the perfect time to show reverence for warm beverages. Make pouring, steeping, and savoring the most luxurious start to your day. Set up a dedicated coffee or tea station, creating a special place with your favorite mugs, seasonal ingredients, and all the fixings. Keep it well-stocked, and you'll find yourself looking forward to your morning ritual—even if it means putting your feet on a cold floor.
No.5 Bring in Fall Flowers
Introduce some autumnal flora to your space. Eucalyptus adds a fresh, calming touch, while chrysanthemums, sunflowers, marigolds, and dahlias bring pops of seasonal color. These additions not only look beautiful but can also improve your mood and air quality. If you spend time in your garden (or have a green-thumbed neighbor), pruned branches in a tall vase can create a striking focal point in a dining room, entryway, or living space.
No.6 Indulge in Food Favorites
Fall is a feast for the senses, especially when it comes to food. If there's ever a time to celebrate seasonal produce and comfort foods, it's as the leaves turn and the air crisps. Swap cold smoothies, overnight oats, raw salads, and quickly grilled dishes for roasting, baking, and braising. Not only will you end up with delicious meals, but your home will be filled with cozy fragrances and slowly made-to-enjoy dishes. The harvest season is all about breaking bread with loved ones, so use larger bakeware and pots for gatherings. You can always turn extras into meal prep or make a loved one's life a little easier.
No.7 Incorporate Natural & Vintage Finishes
Bring warmth to your space with natural and vintage elements. Set out wooden cutting boards in the kitchen, dust off that vintage stemware for your next gathering, or layer vintage rugs for a cozy, lived-in feel. These touches add character and a sense of history to your home, connecting us with our past, style, and nature. Fleas and early mornings at open-air markets make for fun fall activities, too! Instead of ordering online, head to a market and transform marble vases into lamps, snag a vintage chess board for decor (or game night), and organize your desk with a hand-carved letter sorter (hello, Virgo energy).
No.8 Practice Gratitude & Reflection
Fall is a season of introspection. Foster a sense of gratitude by saying good morning and goodnight to the rooms in your house (yes, really!). Put some extra love into home projects that express attention and care—even creating a cleaning schedule can be a form of mindfulness. Tackle those cleaning and home maintenance projects that will be a gift to your home and future self. Clean off reflective surfaces and windows to let in that beautiful autumn light, and create inviting spaces for books and journals on tables, encouraging moments of quiet reflection. If you're ready to bring the outdoor BBQs inside, sit at a candlelit table and make it the heart of your home.
Transitioning your home for fall isn't about following strict rules or buying lots of new things. It's about creating a space that supports you as you move into a new season. Refreshing your space for your needs will help you invite the warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic this season can bring into your everyday life. Light that 29 Palms candle, wrap yourself in your softest throw, make a pumpkin spice potion or bread, turn on your favorite fall film, and settle in for a cozy autumn at home.