6 Ways to Embrace Fall in Your Home Right Now
Autumn never looked so good.
Lance Gerber
In many parts of the country, you can basically sense the shift of seasons. More often than not, fall ushers in a gust of crisp, autumnal air, leaves that become a vibrant palette basically overnight; and whiffs of pumpkin-spiced everything. That said, things are different on the West Coast. In much of the region, the weather can be sunny, warm, and lush year-round—making it all too easy for the seasons to come and go undetected.
One way to embrace the seasonal shift is to decorate your home with the incoming era in mind. Problem is, a garland made with faux fall leaves and a cornucopia of gourds might appear a little out of place on the West Coast. But, thanks to some professional know-how, it’s possible to get the best of both worlds. Here, interior designers share their top tips for finding a way for fall to fit in your West Coast crib.
Wonderful Wreath
For some instant (and indisputably seasonal) curb appeal, Linda Hayslett recommends hanging a wreath on your front door. “A lot of Californians don’t really decorate with wreaths outside, so when the nice greenery goes up, we know that summer is over,” the Los Angeles designer explains. The key to making it work, Hayslett says, is the proper palette. “We don’t get the cool weather, but we can definitely tone down the beachy vibes by taking out the vibrant summer hues and putting in some richer colors like plum and mustard,” she notes.
Fashion Your Foliage
Bring a little bit of outdoors in by placing some clippings from your backyard in a chic vase. As Amy Pigliacampo points out, every city has some physical changes in the fall, though they’re typically more subtle. “There are endless wild plants in every manner of fall color,” the Los Angeles designer explains. “The jacaranda trees which are purple in spring, darken up their pods in fall as they dry and I love making wild arrangements with their branches.” The lush, asymmetrical arrangement here offers an organic quality that feels like it was plucked from Mother Nature.
Let There Be (Layered) Lighting
Fall is all about rediscovering the joys of staying inside, and what better way to do so than employing some well-appointed accent lighting. “Introduce soft lighting with candles or lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere that feels appropriate for the season,” says Katie Browning, who runs Los Angeles firm Lucas Browning Design alongside Heather Lucas. In this meditation room, a curved table lamp is strategically placed next to an oversized armchair—providing an idyllic spot to curl up with a juicy book.
Rethink Your Palette
Most people might settle for a sea of ruby reds, burnt oranges, and sunny marigolds, but Browning and Lucas want you to rewrite the script on the typical fall palette. “Instead of traditional fall colors, think coastal-inspired hues like deep greens, soft grays, and sandy beiges—tones that blend seamlessly with your year-round decor while still offering a nod to autumn,” Browning shares. But just because your new color scheme is considerably lighter than that status quo scheme doesn’t mean you have to forgo those moody moments altogether. Lucas adds: “Small accents in browns, mustard, and purples add a seasonal touch without overpowering your space.”
Down to Earth
That said, you don’t have to write off the usual suspects quite yet. “To harmonize the seasonal change within a coastal environment, we focus on incorporating earth-toned accessories and elements that seamlessly blend with the home’s coastal ambiance,” says Denise Morrison of Morrison Interiors. “Soft, muted hues evoke fall’s warmth without overwhelming the space.” The earthy tones seen in this room’s painting and throw pillows are subtle, but stealthily create a more autumnal edge.
A Textured Touch
A little bit of texture can go a long way—just ask Morrison. “Textured fabrics and bold upholstery create a cozy atmosphere that feels seasonally appropriate while preserving the home’s breezy, coastal charm,” the Orange County designer explains. “This approach ensures that each element contributes to a cohesive design that celebrates fall without losing its West Coast cool.” For an easy and affordable tweak, envelope your throw pillows in velvet or canvas covers as seen here.
