Subtle Fall Decorating: How To Create A Simple, Autumnal Home

Today I am sharing tips on subtle fall decorating to create a warm and welcoming space without going overboard!

When I first began decorating my home for fall, I admit I would go a little overboard and fill every nook and cranny with bright orange and red leaves and put a pumpkin on every available surface. I used a lot of hand-me-down fall decor and would thrift the rest, using anything and everything to make my home feel like fall. It took me a few years, but I finally came into my own style of simplicity, and I decided subtle fall decorating was the look I really wanted achieve in my home.

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Now, this is just my personal preference and style! If you love to go overboard for fall, please do! There is absolutely nothing wrong with a bright fall color scheme and hanging fall garlands throughout your home. Everyone has their own unique style and you should embrace what you love.

However, if you are like me and you want to bring fall into your home but don’t want to overdo it, this blog is for you! My fall inspiration for my home comes from looking outdoors and trying to emulate what I see. I love the shades of neutrals, warmth of color and the varieties of florals and stems I find in late September or early October.

Subtle Fall Decorating: Embrace the Fall Color Palette

Typically, when you think of fall colors, what likely comes to mind is yellow, orange and red. These are all beautiful colors, but my preference are the more muted tones you find in nature during the autumn season.

My fall color palette consists of cream, olive, camel and terracotta, with a few subtle touches of burgundy or burnt orange. When I am shopping for fall décor, these are the colors I am drawn to. I find having a calming autumnal color palette creates a cozy mood that doesn’t overwhelm the eye.

Now is the time to swap your bright summer colors for warm, muted tones. Try switching out throw blankets or pillows in your family room with these tones to instantly make your home feel like fall. Try swapping your artwork for moodier fall prints. Hand towels, wreaths and floral arrangements can all be changed over to autumnal colors. Even small color changes can evoke a fall feel!

Subtle Fall Decorating: Use Nature as Decor

Using nature as decor is a tip I like to share every year because it is one of the most frugal ways to decorate for the fall season! Go outdoors and clip some stems or branches to use throughout your home. Every year I clip stems from my own backyard to use in vases or wreaths in my home.

I also love to dry stems and flowers to use year after year. Dried hydrangeas are a favorite in my home and are great to use in seasonal wreaths for your front door or a centerpiece on your dining room table. I love the texture of dried fall stems and how they really bring the outdoors in. What better way to decorate for fall than to use real fall elements!

Subtle Fall Decorating: Opt for Understated Seasonal Accents

It’s very easy to fill your home with themed decor, but for an understated look, try to avoid going too literal. I love mini pumpkins, but I’ll usually buy only a few that are either green or white and place them sparingly throughout my home. Avoid scarecrows and use dried corn stalks instead on your front porch. Hay bales are cute, but maybe opt for fall planters of mums. Pinecones could be swapped with dried gourds or faux fruit.

For actual home decor, try using wooden trays or bowls to add some natural warmth. Replace your candles for fall scents of cinnamon and pumpkin spice. Use ceramic fall staples; I have a lovely little white ceramic pumpkin I use in my kitchen! Again, consider switching out your artwork for autumn landscapes. Subtle changes can make a big impact!

Subtle Fall Decorating: Edit, Don’t Add

Subtle fall decorating is more about intentionality than quantity. Consider removing or rotating decor to make space for fall accents. If you are just throwing fall decor over what you already have in your home, it can get crowded quickly.

I have a space in my home dedicated to unused decor, whether that is seasonal or just decor that I am temporarily storing until a season is over. If you have a dedicated space, you can easily decide what decor you want to pull or or store for the fall season. Don’t feel pressured to use every single piece of decor you have. Keep it simple and understated.

Subtle fall decorating doesn’t have to be loud to be impactful. I always try to take a fresh, minimalistic approach to the autumn season to create a simple yet cozy space. How do you subtly bring fall into your home? Let me know in the comments below and sign up for my free mini homemaking course for more home decor inspiration!

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