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Interior Design Tips for a Beautiful Transition to Fall

September 30, 2025
5 min read
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Tips from our Interior Design Team

No matter where you find yourself this time of year, chances are you’re already feeling the impulse to create some warmth and comfort in your home as we ease into Autumn and the temperatures cool down. Fall sets the stage for the holidays, and ushers in a time of gathering, reflection and coziness.  Without too much heavy lifting, you can create beautiful spaces that reflect the mood and the activities of Autumn. Whether you’re entertaining outdoors in Arizona or settling down with a good book by a fireplace in Colorado, here are some of our favorite design tips to help set the stage for Fall in your Home.

Focus on Texture

Adding texture is one of the simplest ways to make a space feel more inviting, and during Autumn and Winter, more is more.  

Layer Textiles: Just as we dress ourselves in layers during Fall, dressing your home in layers for Fall adds interest and depth visually.  Drape a chunky knit throw blanket over the arm of your sofa or on a bed. Toss a few velvet, faux fur, or boucle cushions or pillows onto your favorite armchair. Layer tablecloths in Fall colors with organic, woven placemats. Curating a variety of woven textures makes a space feel both luxurious and comfortable.

Warm Underfoot: Consider swapping out a lightweight summer rug for a new woven wool or jute rug. This adds warmth and a grounded feeling to a room.

Earthy Materials: Introduce materials like stone, reclaimed wood, and organic textiles like wool or linen. A raw-wood accent or a ceramic vase with a curvy silhouette can add warmth and dimension.

Embrace Natural Elements

Pumpkins aren’t the only way to use natural elements in your fall décor.  As nature transforms for Autumn, bring the outdoors in by decorating with natural elements that reflect the change in season specific to the nature that surrounds you.

Forage for Decor: Use branches with dried leaves or berries in a large vase or basket as a centerpiece. Gather pinecones and acorns and display them in a decorative bowl on a coffee table or mantel.

Simple Harvest Accents: Incorporate decorative gourds, small pumpkins, or even a simple wooden bowl filled with apples or pomegranates. These elements are a subtle nod to the season without feeling overly themed or "in your face".

Add Wood Tones: Introducing wood elements through furniture, picture frames, or decorative objects adds warmth and calm to any space, and it creates an intuitive connection with nature.  Woven baskets stand in for wood in creating warmth and texture in a space.

Play with Color

Fall colors don’t have to be limited to bold oranges and reds. While you can certainly use those, think of this as a transition rather than a full transformation.

Classic Rich Warm Palette: The classic Autumn color palette is a favorite for good reason.  It not only reflects the changing colors in nature but also adds a sophisticated sense of comfort and warmth to any space.  The mainstay of this colorway is rich, earthy orange which pairs well with deep greens, beige and soft browns.

Muted Tones: Consider incorporating rich, muted tones like deep forest green, spice colors like jasmine and turmeric, or a rich terracotta. These colors can be introduced with accent pieces like pillows, throws, or even a new piece of art, adding a subtle nod to the season.

Warm Neutrals: If you prefer a more minimalist approach, use warm neutrals like cream, beige, or taupe. Add warmth by layering these colors with different textures and materials. You can accent with black, for an extra touch of sophistication.  

Start with a Neutral Foundation: Whichever colorway your Fall décor takes, use a palette of whites, grays, or soft beiges for your walls and floors to create a clean backdrop.  These neutrals easily welcome the warm tones of Fall.

Creature Comforts

Enhance your space with simple comforts that encourage you to slow down and enjoy the season.

The Perfect Nook: Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable armchair, a soft blanket, and a good book. Place a small side table nearby for a cup of tea or a candle.

Beverages: Set up a warm beverage station with your favorite mugs and a selection of teas, coffee, or hot cocoa. This invites guests to feel at home and take a moment to relax.  Live in a warmer climate?  Set up a bar that lends itself to easy entertaining.

Books and Music: Display a few of your favorite books on a coffee table. Create a curated playlist of relaxing music to set a calm and inviting mood. These small additions invite pause and reflection.

Engage the Senses

The feeling of a home is more than just what you see. Use sensory cues to create a welcoming and memorable environment.

Scented Candles & Soaps: Light a scented candle with notes of cinnamon, clove, cedarwood, or pumpkin spice. Use hand soaps and lotions with warm, earthy scents in your kitchen or bathroom.

Acoustic Ambiance: The sound of a crackling fire, a gentle wind chime, or a curated playlist of relaxing music can instantly transform the mood of your home.

Soft Lighting: Dimmer switches or strategic lamp placement can create a soft, warm glow that makes a room feel more intimate. Consider adding string lights or a few votive candles for a magical touch.

Embrace baking: Maybe you are on the sourdough band wagon, or maybe cookies are your thing. Whatever it is, the fragrance of warm foods just out of the oven harken, memories of warmth and home.  

Add Luxurious Textures: We may have mentioned this earlier, but it deserves a second look – or feel. Soft Flannel, luxurious faux furs and smooth gourds can all work together to create the perfect fall ambiance.

Make a Great First Impression.

Don't forget your entryway.  It’s the best way to set the stage for the season, and to create a natural transition between the indoors and outdoors.  It’s the first thing people see when they arrive, so make it count.

Wreaths & Garlands: A wreath on your front door is a classic way to welcome people in. You can also use a simple garland of dried leaves or berries to decorate a banister or mantel.

Think Beautiful, Functional Decor: A small table with a seasonal floral arrangement, a bench, decorative bowl for keys, or a basket for blankets can make the space feel both warm and organized from the moment you step inside.  Create a natural spot for people to leave sweaters, jackets and coats. Add your favorite Fall scent with a candle or diffuser.  

Wherever you find yourself this time of year, enjoy experimenting with your space, and share your favorite design ideas with us at hello@storyrenovations.com and check out our Autumn Mood Board for some seasonal inspiration.

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