Many thanks to Evelyn Long with her article, We’re Falling for these 6 Trends that Create a Warm Inviting Space, just as fall begins to surface with crisp, cool, brilliant days. Be sure to read Evelyn’s bio at the bottom.
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Autumn is a favorite season of many. You finally get to pull out the thick blankets, comfy sweaters and fall decor that have been stashed away for the past few months. Before you go all-out with the Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations, why not try starting the season with a cozier vibe? Check out these six trends that can make any space feel warm and inviting.
1. Layered Bedding
A big, fluffy bed is where it all starts for fall trends. Begin with a plush mattress to get the full fall-cozy vibe. After tucking in your sheets, add two duvets — a lighter-weight one underneath for sleeping and a bigger one on top.
Next, add texture using a large blanket of a different material. The mismatching makes your bed feel more like yours than a sterile hotel’s. Place two large shams in the back, a couple of pillows for sleeping and a lumbar cushion. An extra blanket at the end of the bed ensures you’ll be warm during those chilly nights and makes it look even more inviting.
2. Additional Carpeting
Do your floors get cold when the weather changes? If you don’t feel like donning socks every time you get out of bed, consider adding extra carpets around your home. You feel warmer, and the visual of a plush rug adds luxury and coziness.
No longer will you look at your living room or kitchen floor with a wince in preparation for the cold that awaits you. The extra cushion is there to comfort you as you grab a book or cook up a nourishing autumn meal.
3. Fall Shades as Accents
Including fall shades as accents rather than making your whole home orange is a better way to get the comfy fall vibes. While it is perhaps the most common fall color and certainly is warm, it’s also associated with enthusiasm and energy. Too much of it can make you feel more ready for a workout than curling up by the fireplace.
Instead, go for a more neutral overall interior design and add pops of fall colors. For example, wallpaper with a white background and a range of orange-shaded stripes is the perfect balance. Use it for an accent wall or to add gorgeous seasonal backing to shelves.
Oranges aren’t the only hues you can go with, though. Browns, darker yellows and sage greens can also bring out the fall feel and warmth. Imagine waking up to a warm yellow sky full of white, puffy clouds on a dreamy, idyllic autumn accent wall. Can you get any more cozy?
4. Pillows
Pillows make beds and couches inviting spaces to rest, but use some restraint. Professionals say a maximum of four pillows on a piece of furniture helps balance comfort, aesthetics and functionality. While you have a bit more surface area to work with on your bed, moving a bunch of decorative pillows every time you sleep there hardly creates a restful atmosphere.
Picture going over to someone’s house. They have the cutest fall throw pillows stacked up on the couch, making it look right out of a seasonal photo shoot. The only problem is there isn’t anywhere to sit. Ensuring you can still use your furniture while dressing it up is key. If things still seem a little bare, toss a textured blanket over the back of a loveseat or armchair for some dynamic texture.
5. Wood Decor
Decorating with wood is an absolute must for autumn. Your mind quickly associates the piece as coming from nature, making you feel more relaxed. That’s not just a personal phenomenon — connecting with the outdoors is vital for mental health. Though you probably won’t want to sit outside as much as you did in summer, adding decorations made of wood or looking like it can keep you warm as the leaves fall.
For example, switch out your current wall clock for one with a natural wood face. When you check the time, the subtle natural feel helps destress you. Also, the invitation to sink into a faux wood pillow is hard to pass up.
[Resource image: Casart Decor Organics Collection]
6. Lighting
More than a fall trend, warm lights create a cozy vibe. If your current bulbs have a bluer hue, switch them out for low, soft lighting. However, ensure they’re still LEDs, as they use 75% less electricity than incandescents. Go even warmer with string lights, which have the same effect while producing softer light, making any space instantly feel more inviting.
However, standard lamps work best for visibility. Find one with gold, copper or brass accents to increase the fall feel. These warm-toned metals are a quick way to make a space cozier.
What Does Adding Warm Light Mean
If none of these ideas sound appealing but you’re still looking to make your space warmer, it helps to know how to do so. Adding warmth to a room means making it feel comfortable. To many minds, that brings up images of cozy furniture, warm tones on the color wheel, a bit of disorganization and a blanket to curl up in.
However, what coziness looks like to you may differ from others. If blue makes you feel happiest, a massive cornflower comforter could have you itching to crawl into bed. Wood may not be your style, but perhaps a leaf pattern or stone is. Working your own taste into redecorating for warmth helps ensure the space comforts you, not everyone else.
Before Autumn Arrives, Fall in Love with these Trends
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Additional posts & resources:
- Wrapping Up Summer’s End to Get Ready for Fall Inside
- Ginger & Spice and Everything Nice
- Ways to Use Wood and Fig for Fall
- Chic and Natural Halloween Decor for Your Home
Many thanks to Evelyn for her thoughtful article to keep your interior cool this summer.
About the author:
Evelyn Long is an interior design writer passionate about helping homeowners bring life and personality to their spaces.
She is the Editor-in-Chief of Renovated, where she provides interior design tips and guides.
She also contributes to sites like DecorMatters and National Association of Realtors.
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