As the days grow shorter and the air takes on a crispness, it’s time to bid adieu to summer and welcome the cozy charm of fall. While Southern California’s mild climate doesn’t drastically change, there’s still a wonderful opportunity to infuse your home with the warm, inviting spirit of autumn. Here’s how you can refresh your space for a stylish, seasonal update this September.
Embrace Earthy Tones
California fall is synonymous with golden sunlight and the rich hues of nature. To capture that in your home, consider introducing earthy tones like burnt orange, deep brown, and olive green. Start with your living room by swapping out summer throw pillows for ones in these warm colors. For example, this set of textured velvet pillows from West Elm adds a touch of autumn richness. You could also drape a cozy, knit blanket like the Cable Knit Blanket from Pottery Barn over the back of your sofa.
To take the look further, introduce an accent chair or ottoman in a rich autumnal fabric like velvet or leather. Mixing in these textures and colors will give your space a cozy, inviting feel without overwhelming your existing décor.
Introduce Textured Elements
Fall is the season for layering textures. Incorporate cozy elements like faux fur throws, chunky knit blankets, and velvet accents to add dimension and comfort. For instance, layering a faux fur throw from CB2 on a leather chair creates a luxurious, warm look.
Natural materials like wood, wicker, and jute also evoke a grounded, earthy feel. Consider adding a woven jute rug like the Hand-Woven Jute Rug from Target or wicker storage baskets to organize blankets and books.
Bring the Outdoors In
Even if you don’t experience drastic seasonal changes where you live, bringing nature into your home can make a big difference. Southern California’s beautiful fall foliage provides perfect inspiration. A simple way to incorporate these natural elements is with dried flowers, branches, or small pumpkins. Try arranging dried eucalyptus or palm leaves in a ceramic vase on your dining table—Terrain has stunning dried floral arrangements perfect for the season.
Alternatively, add warmth to your space with seasonal accents like mini pumpkins, gourds, or even a few dried corn stalks. You can pick these up from local farmers’ markets or order a curated fall centerpiece from The Bouqs Co..
Warm Up Your Lighting
Lighting is key to creating a cozy fall ambiance. As the daylight hours shorten, swap out bright white summer bulbs for warmer-toned ones to create a soothing glow. You could also add string lights or a set of twinkling fairy lights around your mantel or bookshelves to bring a soft, magical feel to your living space.
Candles are another must-have for fall—opt for autumnal scents like pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or woodsy cedar. For a modern, long-lasting option, consider diffusers like the Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser, which allows you to switch between scents like Pumpkin Chai and Apple Spice effortlessly.
Refresh Your Scents
Speaking of scent, fall is all about cozy, nostalgic aromas. Candles, diffusers, and simmering potpourri can all add to the sensory experience of your home. Try a fall-inspired candle like Diptyque’s Ambre, which has notes of amber, cinnamon, and wood, or pick up a seasonal diffuser like Nest’s Pumpkin Chai Reed Diffuser.
For a more interactive experience, you can simmer potpourri on your stovetop. Just combine cinnamon sticks, cloves, slices of orange, and a few sprigs of rosemary in water, and let it fill your home with comforting, autumn scents.
Easy Styling Tips:
- Layer rugs: Add a plush, textured rug like this one from Anthropologie over your existing rug for extra warmth and depth.
- Update artwork: Swap out your summer artwork for fall-inspired pieces. Consider a set of autumn landscape prints from Minted or Etsy sellers who offer seasonal downloadable art.
- Incorporate metallic accents: Gold, copper, and bronze bring warmth and a touch of luxury to fall décor. Try adding a few metallic candle holders or picture frames to your living room, like the Brass Candle Holder Set from Crate & Barrel.
- Create a cozy reading nook: A comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and a stack of your favorite books are all you need. Consider the Pello Swivel Chair from Article for a minimalist yet comfy reading nook, paired with a plush throw from Nordstrom.
By incorporating these simple yet impactful changes, you can transform your Southern California home into a cozy and inviting retreat for the fall season. Whether it’s updating your lighting, bringing in textured elements, or simply refreshing your scents, you can effortlessly create a space that reflects the warmth and comfort of autumn.
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