There’s really nothing like autumn. The falling leaves, the crisp air, and the warm colors of fall are truly irresistible. That’s why it is such a surprise, this year, that autumn totally snuck up on me! In a desperate attempt to kick my autumnal spirit into high gear, I’ve compiled a list of décor influences to bring into your space. Check out these hacks to bring Fall 2022 inside!
Tip #1: Build With What Nature Gave
Natural materials are all the rage this year. Wood, metal, stone — This is where it’s at. These materials bring in warmth, coziness, and a sense of calmness (much like you might get going for a walk). Autumn brings with it the chill of approaching winter; it’s the perfect time to enhance the “coziness factor” of your home.
I have to say, I am a huge fan of exposed masonry like this. I love the reminder of history, but the fact is it’s rather cozy as well. There’s something very old-fire, warm home, hardworking people about stone walls, and the exposure adds a grounding affect.
The wooden ceiling adds something 2022 about it, modernizing the aesthetic for those less historically inclined.
Hardwood floors have almost entirely taken off carpets, and exposed overhead beams are not new either. However, neither are going away any time soon. Exposed wooden beams not only give a historical vibe for someone, it honours the masonry of grand houses. And that is something every homeowner and designer can appreciate.
Natural tones, although beautiful, can make a room darker and therefore, feel smaller. If you’ve got a smaller space, keep your large surfaces in shades of white and add natural materials in your décor. This chandelier from Walmart is a great example. Wooden framing with metal corners brings both tones into the space as accents, so they don’t alter the “size”.
Tip #2: Dry It Out and Bring It In
Natural materials can also take the form of accessories or accent pieces. If the wooden island is not your style, try instead to pick flowers or grasses and stage the dried-out versions. (HACK: It’s a great way to repurpose your dying herbs.)
I’ve been a long-time lover of the wall stickers that look like nature or animals. That said, I am down for this bringing-the-outdoors-in vibe. If only I didn’t have a cat.
Dried orange garland has become a favourite in the DIY Christmas decorations world, but it’s not uniquely wintery. If you’re making your garland yourself, you can add colourful, fallen leaves from outside to make it feel more autumnal. Or you can take guidance from CottageandCoven on Etsy and just string plain citrus garland across macramé or other autumn wall décor.
(Forgive me, I couldn’t help myself.)
If you prefer not to bring tree branches inside or you are not an arts-&-crafts person, you can decorate with gourds, pumpkins, and multi-coloured corn. You’re likely to be buying these at the food market anyway. Buy a basket-full and group them up like this on your tables, haltries, and mirrors.
Tip #3: Make It Cozy
In case you haven’t noticed yet, I’m a huge fan of all things cozy. (Come see me in winter for the extreme coziness!)
One of the best ways to make your space feel cozy and homey is to layer textures. The easiest way to do this is to buy (or make!) a chunky blanket and throw it over a couch or bed. The dewy texture of a bedspread with a chunky blanket tossed across one corner will call to you all day. All you’ll want to do is curl up with a book or your fur-friend.
But chunky blankets aren’t the only way to achieve that feeling.
Textures matter the most. If the only thing you have is a stack of things all with the same texture, not only are you likely to get tactile overload, it doesn’t look good. This photo is a great example: thin, wooden sofa with a flat, but clearly poofy cushion, a thrown blanket of tightly-woven material, pillows, a chalkboard atop shiplap walls, and a bunch of dried leaves over the corner.
The photo itself is interesting, and I’d love to have a room look like this.
In a similar way, this table setting is also cozy. If we had all hard ceramics or metals, the table would look cluttered. The napkins laid between plates, the embroided table-run, and the plush pumpkin all add softeness to the setting, which makes it feel clean and warm, rather than clean and sterile. (The dried foliage make it all the more 2022.)
Tip #4: The Coloured Leaves are the Best Part of Autumn
If the coloured leaves are so damn beautiful, why can’t we bring them indoors? (You totally can bring in the fallen leaves and tape them to your walls, but I was talking colours.) Warm, fall colours are some of the coziest. Bring them inside in the form of accents–or repaint your walls if you’re bold–to jazz up your spaces as the days get shorter.
Everyone knows the colours of fall come from autumn leaves: reds, rusts, oranges, yellows, greens, browns. Grey, of all things, has joined the list in 2022, particularly those of the lighter shades. Add these colours to interior design as themes or accents to make the perfect autumnal vibe.
(P.S. HomeGoods suggests jewel tones have appeared in home decor for this autumn. I am very excited about it.)
Tip #5: If All Else Fails…
If all else fails… think #cottagecore. If you don’t know what that is, I know you don’t have a TikTok. (No shame. Seriously. Escape the addiction while you can!)
Cottagecore romanticizes rural life, so think thatch roofs, praires full of wildflowers, windowsill gardens, woodland animals, mushrooms, bicycles, flowy dresses, and cowhide leather shoes. There’s nothing more aesthetic than searching “cottagecore” in Google Images.
