Have you ever been in a living room and you just instantly felt autumn? As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s a natural desire to reflect the season’s warmth and depth inside our homes. however, how do you change a space to have textures and tones that hit the heart of fall? This guide will tell you how to conduct a textural Symphony of fall decorations, furniture pieces, and interior design all in harmony. Whether you’re layering textiles or introducing organic materials, you’ll find 67 elegant ways to bring autumn’s cozy spirit to life.
Embrace Earthy Color Palettes for Autumn Warmth
The best way to actually bring the fall into your living room is first to choose a base with earthy-tones of the color pallet. Warm fleshy shades, dull terracottas, deep caramels and mossy green make people think fall instantly. In and by this, I tend to discover that a single repainting of only one of my walls of some sort of clay or ochre color suffices in making the whole room resound seasonally suitable. These autumn decor hues are very much effective with natural and contemporary decor.
I will use a cinnamon-colored sofa combined with beige walls decorated with olive-colored throw pillows. It is comprised of wooden coffee tables in warm stains, antique brass accents and a couple of dark green ceramics that provide a stable but welcoming feeling. To bring these tones into reality, I tend to recommend sunlight to illuminate them, more so in cases where you have immense windows.
At home, I once painted an accent wall mostly on the home accent wall with a desert clay tone combined with some cushions with a rust color. It immediately elicited that warm hug that I wanted. Elle Decor also says that even though subtle, warm tones such as burnt orange and mustard should be used sparingly, they can provide a lot of depth with a sense of emotional warmth without dominating on the room.
The only thing I would propose to be added here is the balancing of the coziness with opposite textures: matte walls combined with shiny vases or rough fabrics making the palette more 3-D.
Layer Chunky Knit Throws Over Sofas and Chairs
Probably the easiest but very effective technique of adding some texture of fall decor is to layer chunky knit throws. These heavy textures trigger in my mind of warm sweaters and the sound of fire. I tend to hang them on an armchair, or across the bottom of a couch to help round out the edges of the furniture and add some coziness.
It is little too warm and I would replace it with an oversized cable-knit throws in cream, deep rust or taupe. Material made of wool or wool blend is superior with regard to warmth and authenticity. Combine them with leather or linen upholstery to make them contrast well. A neutral sofa can be supplied with a pumpkin-colored knit and turn into a seasonal highlight. The space can also be combined by adding knitted poufs or cushions.
My favorite is to find hand knit throws which are locally made. They introduce a certain story and craftsmanship to the room, as well as unique texture. One way to emphasize this, which Better Homes & Gardens tends to do, is to demonstrate the importance of layered textiles as a means to turn fall spaces into roomy or lived-in areas.
If you’re missing something here, it might be the addition of other natural elements—such as a jute rug beneath the seating area or a wood-framed mirror nearby—to complement the throw’s texture.
Introduce Faux Fur for a Luxe Fall Feel
Faux fur is my fall season cozy obsession. It is the feel that makes you want to just slide in and just sink. Placing a fake fur blanket or cushions on a leather chair or velvet sofa design enhances the coziness of the place, and one can enjoy the sophisticated style modernity.
My favourite piece is a faux fur cream blanket, carelessly placed on a dark brown chaise lounge. Add some matching pillows, and right away the whole corner becomes a retreat. Identify furs that are either in ivory/ sable or in of moody greys to coordinate with the color scheme of your room. Faux fur has also featured over coffee tables in form of rugs which add a surprise texture beneath the feet.
Last fall, I added a white faux fur rug under a low walnut coffee table, and guests couldn’t stop complimenting the cozy transformation. House Beautiful suggests that faux fur only looks good in moderation so as not to be too much in a room; two to three major pieces is perfect.
What would help to develop this idea? Maybe some bits of gold or matte black color accents to add a contrast to the silky fabric and make it even more prestigious.
Use Velvet Accents to Add Soft Sophistication
An autumn and velvet are a couple perfected in designing. The original texture of the touch makes it a velvet-like highly textural surface that blends into fall decorations ideally. I personally adore using velvet with accent chairs, throw pillows or even an ottoman. It’s one of the most effective ways to add depth and a touch of vintage charm.
Two deep-green or crimson velvet cushions on a pale gray couch makes an immediate touch of taste. Or, think of exquisite velvet armchair the shade of mustard or navy adjacent to a toasty wooden bookshelf. Amber or aubergine-colored velvet curtains will not only emphasize the texture but will also provide some insulation against temperatures changes.
In my case, I have traded my linen bench with a copper-tinted velvety ottoman in October last year, and it has brought a dramatic yet comfortable touch to my minimal living room. AD frequently observes that nothing can be more crucial than a touch of velvet (preferably in a warm and sensible color) as part of a fall decor.
Going a step ahead, you could consider matching it up with similar textures i.e. introduce leather armrests, a coffee table made of marble and glass lighting fixtures to provide the contrast and balance.
Style with Leather for a Rustic Autumn Look
Leather has an ageless and rustic look, which works perfectly in the fall. I like how leather brings in both depth and texture, whether it is an old sofa in leather, club chairs from yesteryear or the small things like a leather covered book or a tray. Warm colors of such colors as saddle, cognac, espresso are particularly suitable and flattering leather in this season.
The best fall-inspired arrangement I put together is a plaid-pillowed caramel leather sofa with a knit blanket in a room where almost all the furniture is wood-colored and there are brass fixtures. A faux fur carpet together with one dark armchair made of leather turns into a classy reading corner. Even leather handles on drawer cabinets can be used to blend the theme.
I have always been attracted to aged or distressed leather by the patina and the story that this gives. Indeed, Veranda Magazine once cited that the use of leather both at big and small scale can change a dry room into something soulfully embraced.
If anything’s missing here, it might be the inclusion of live edge or reclaimed wood to complement the leather’s natural quality and reinforce the rustic vibe.
Warm Up Floors with Braided or Jute Rugs
One of the most missed regions in creating seasonal atmosphere is with respect to flooring. When it comes to fall, my go-to as of late has always been braided or jute rugs as they create this organic, textured element that is natural with the ambiance. Their textures of weaves look natural with the earthy palette of materials, and seasons are related to fall.
In my personal preference, I like to put a round jute rug under a wood coffee table or under a reading chair. Rugs of braided wool in rich hues of burgundy or the caramel variety will also do their magic in anchoring a living room area. These materials are real, homemade and cozy, which is just right for autumn.
I have one big oval jute carpet in my living room which is overlaid with a smaller plaid wool one. This mix serves as both depth and purpose making the area applicable and down to earth. The multilayers of rugs are as stylish, as they are practical in busy areas (HGTV).
To be more visually appealing, it is possible to match such rugs with large floor cushions and poufs that are woven to provide a lounge atmosphere on the floor, which should be in demand during a cozy party.
Incorporate Woven Baskets for Texture and Storage
The accessory that I would always choose to incorporate when I am in a marriage between form and function during the fall is woven baskets. The material and designs used in their development are aimed at giving them a handmade feeling that best suits a fall inspired interior design regardless of whether you intend to use them to hold blankets, magazines, or even firewood.
I usually have two or three huge baskets next to the sofa or the fireplace. Baskets with natural shades wheat, brown, or charcoal, will be pretty on white walls or on wooden floors. The lidded type keeps the clutter under wraps and an open type is used in displaying the chunky throws or decorative pumpkins.
Last fall, I arranged three of the baskets in different sizes next to my reading chair and each held soft blankets, few books related to the fall, and some seasonal trinket. In seasonal styling, Real Simple tends to mention that baskets are a necessity, creating visual texture as well as an every-day utility.
What’s missing? A little wooden bench near or a woven tray on an ottoman would add further to the aesthetic and enhance a layered lived-in finish.
Display Autumnal Branches in Ceramic Vases
There is something quite magical in involving the outside into the inside in autumn, and fall branches are one of my favorite means of achieving that. It might be a couple of hot red maple branches, or a little hold of precious yellow ginkgo, but either way it tells you right away it is time to change your gear. I rather apply them in accents such as coffee tables, mantles of the fireplaces or sideboards. They give the room that vertical interest and soften it down with natural beauty.
In the case of containers, I prefer warm shades, such as ivory, sand, or terracotta, matte ceramic vases. It is the perfect contrast between them and the crisps of the branches. Two or three vases of different sizes can make an impressive setup by grouping them up. To supplement the detail I may include acorns, pinecones or dried wheat around the base to give a more detailed picture.
I found faux branches are lovely also, that is, as far as lasting is concerned. I have applied them in photo sessions and in homes of clients and they have never failed to add the seasonal ambience. This is a very common fall decorating trick advised by Martha Stewart living that does not require a lot of time or effort to achieve a huge impact in the fall decor.
Personalizing in this area, I would suggest that as you flank a fireplace or entry way console, you add large vessels with big branches hanging out the top of them helping to frame the area as well as add height and movement to the room.
Mix Matte and Glossy Surfaces for Visual Interest
Autumn interiors do not need to be monotonous and too rustic. One of the beautiful means to do that is to combine the matte surface and glossy one in one room. The use of such a technique makes it rich, diverse and at the same time sophisticated, so that each material can be put in sparkle without suppressing the others. I consider this particularly useful in intermediate areas between classic and modern design.
I may put a matte painted wall and a lacquer coated coffee table or satin finished vases and polished metal lamps. Some ceramic bowls become a conversation starter as soon as you put them on a matte wooden console especially the high-gloss counterparts. When having such stark contrasting finishes, the way light plays on the room will give it some subtle motion and when combined with warm fall decorations, it will be even better.
I experimented with this kind of approach in the previous season, using a matte leather sofa and chair to work alongside a sleek black glass side table and a satin brass light fitting. The outcome was classy but welcoming. Domino recently mentioned that mixing textures and finishes is one of the best methods to update the seasonal styling and not to get rid of the warmth.
To make this idea even stronger, I would recommend adding some even more successful textures, i.e., the matte fabrics such as linen curtains or woolen throws with more glossy elements such as glass candlesticks or steel and chrome frames.
Add a Plaid Touch with Seasonal Pillows
There is no better way to say fall than plaid. It is traditional, vintage, and suitable to practically any interior design style. I do tend to import plaid into the room through pillows–playing with pattern and scale in go-with colors such as burgundy, forest green or burnt orange. Plaid cushion even just one of them can transform the attitude of a neutral sofa.
I am now in favor of wool or flannel pillows, and particularly the ones of a faint herringbone check, or a window- pane. Plaid is more curated combined with solids and textured knit garments, which makes the whole idea a bit more relaxed. At my own sofa, I put a big rust-plaid pillow against smaller ones made of velvet and faux fur, and it works perfectly and is not overheating.
I have even designed a reading corner out of three pillows: an oversized plaid, a caramel suede and a cream boucle. The outfit appeared as though it were taken right out of a fall catalog. To create a feeling of old-fashioned rustic timelessness, Southern Living suggests using the old patterns such as buffalo check.
Anything that would take this further up? Putting some plaid wool throw or overlaying it with a patchwork quilt thrown over the sofa back to extend the theme all through the room.
Drape Woolen Blankets in Oversized Layers
Layer up, then layer more: that is another one of the fall fashion trademarks and I adapt it to the home style with equal zeal. The use of woolen blankets over sofas, chair and benches is a sign of comfort and welcoming and people come to relax. These huge fabrics literally fill the room even though they also play an artistic role when used during cold nights.
I am fond of thick wool throws of deep seasonal colors rust, cranberry, charcoal and neutral colored ones. One of them I fold over on the back of the couch, the other is thrown casually on an armrest. Blankets are a great way to take a room to the next level and coming in various colors, fringe, or even texture layering adds depth and motion to a room.
When I stayed at a Vermont Airbnb in fall, the cottage had piles of wool blankets in a basket in the corner and spread through the furniture. This incident totally changed the way I viewed seasonally comfort. Follow the piece of advice offered by HGTV Magazine and do not be scared of supplementing a couple of throw blankets, which will lead to a curated, yet easy-going environment.
If you’re looking to deepen this idea, I’d recommend adding a rustic ladder for blanket display or a low bench at the foot of the sofa to stack extra throws for both style and convenience.
Style a Textured Gallery Wall with Fall Tones
I am obsessed with creating a textured gallery wall. I prefer to bring dimension to a traditional framed print with mixed materials, framed textile, carved wood panels and accents of metal and even to use dried foliage art. It is a possibility to demonstrate the character, returning the matter to the season.
I pack my wall into warm-toned woods and rustic-looking old brass frames, aiming to combine landscape images in amber hues with antique botanical prints. Soft pieces, such as pieces made of fabric, such as handwoven art or quilted squares, are used. I also like to add small mirror or sconce to add reflectivity and diversity. This wall is a living personal style.
At my own house, I refreshed my gallery wall last fall in burnt sienna and featured a shadow box of dried leaves. Friends have pointed out the contrast instantly, stating that it was warmer and cultivated. Better Homes & Gardens recommends mixing and matching layered pieces on the wall as being among the simplest methods of changing your space into a seasonal one without having to begin again.
Sick of going to that extent? Also, attach a floating shelf right under the gallery, with sculptural pieces or candles to create a visual bridge going down the wall and to the eye level.
Add Sculptural Wood Pieces for Organic Texture
To create an autumn design, my thought process will typically be to incorporate sculptural pieces made of wood to create an earthier down-to-earth vibe. The organic shapes can be carved trunk of trees, re-claimed wood, or driftwood which add visual interest and textural relief to the plush seating, linen textile environments of the fall living room.
Add small wooden stools, sculpture of abstract wood or trays of a live-edge. Even a lamp base or a table lamp made by raw wood can become a sculptural statement. These items bring the outdoors in, reflecting the essence of fall’s natural textures. I fluff up a wood bowl with walnuts or acorns to give a little shout out to the season.
A vivid memory is a driftwood coffee table, and a hodgepodge of wooden shelves on a charcoal-colored wall, which were exquisitely amazing in their surface and minimalism. It is especially suitable to autumn themes as natural wood is most appreciated in the form it consists of some imperfections and grain that shows Dwell magazine.
I would suggest, to complement it, to locate soft woven fabrics to be adjacent to sculptural wood, including, say, a wool ottoman or a boucle decoration pillow.
Use Corduroy Cushions for Tactile Comfort
When it comes to home decor, corduroy is one of the biggest fall fabrics that is underestimated. It has a beautiful ribbed texture and a warm finish as well as being retro-chic, this makes it an awesome material to use in fall decoration particularly in the shape of throw pillows or poufs. I discover that corduroy evokes a nostalgic coziness, at the same time presenting a trendy visual formation.
I normally select corduroy cushions in the seasonal colours such as ochre, pumple yellow and forest green. Combine them with suede, wool or linen pillows to create a textural palette of mix-and-match color. I particularly enjoy laying them on neutral-colored couches or leather sectionals so as to create texture-based contrast to offset the otherwise flat surfaces.
One of my most loved fall decorations embodies mustard corduroy plush cushions, accompanied by plum velvet blanket and a dark green faux fur blanket. It was delicious, soothing and surprisingly modern. Corduroy is a material suggested by Apartment Therapy when one wants to make bare spaces friendlier and more comfortable.
What can be done to make this better? Variety could be achieved by using a matching corduroy pouf or a variation of lumbar pillow to add more texture to the place of sitting.
Play with Rattan or Cane for Light Contrast
The ideal natural materials to bring a little contrast to a fall-themed living room will be rattan and cane. I have a taste of employing these fabrics, which are lighter and airy to stabilize a more heavy distributed fabric, such as wool and velvet, during fall. The addition of cane details makes this very light and earthy, which suits both seasons with ease. Either as part of the backrest of a chair or on a storage console, these details echoes the colors of nature without bullying the room.
An armchair made of rattan and designed in curved form provides the central anchoring of the room, whereas another cane media cabinet repeats the design in a slightly muted form. There is greater tactile interest created by a coffee table trimmed in rattan that stands on a jute rug. The appearance of rattan lighting – pendant lighting or lamp stands, emitting warm lights and visual pattern in the room is another of my favorites. All of them harmonize perfectly with decorations made during fall and they create a weigh against the upholstered furniture as well.
I am a fan of rattan and cane personally and I think having it in your home is similar to bringing the outside indoors in a very classy manner. These materials can make the entire design look calm and organic (as House Beautiful designers usually say it is especially applicable in fall) and suits any season especially during this fall.
To improve this area I would place a rattan frame mirror over a sideboard and a cane tray on the coffee table as both will serve a purpose and will look beautiful.
Incorporate Burnt Orange and Mustard Yellow
The use of color is critical in presentation of seasonality. My favorite colors to use to make a space have fall vibes are burnt orange and mustard yellow. These bright and warm colors remind autumn leaves and golden sunsets that immediately envelope the room into autumn atmosphere. I prefer mixing them with earthy neutrals to achieving a coherent and discreet palette.
I would begin with chunky knit or velvet pillows with one of these colours. Take a burnt orange blanket to add to a beige or grey sofa, and couple of mustard-colored ceramic vases on a wooden console. These colors can also be stated with accent chairs, particularly those that are in tactile materials such as mohair or suede.
The natural wood and linen fabric provide the best background to this two-color palette. The use of mustard colors should be combined with ivory or walnut (according to a design expert Emily Henderson) to keep the room simple. And that works, where I use these colors: immediately the room looks more lively but a domain of elegance.
To reinforce this area, you may want to introduce framed abstract art with these colors to make visual connectivity between cushions, vases and blankets.
Swap in Linen Curtains for Seasonal Sheerness
New curtains may totally change a room. During fall I prefer to change the heavier drapes with linen curtains, which is just perfect to maintain a balance that derives both structure and softness. They admit filtered light to penetrate to imitate the diffused sunshine of shorter days in autumn. Linen texture also introduces a hint of subtle elegance and nature in the decor of your living room.
The most palettes are complimented by off-white or flax-colored linen curtains. I will usually select ones that have a little wrinkling in them to add to the organic quality. Combine them with brass curtain rods or matte black curtain rods to bring in modern contrast. For added softness, I sometimes layer them with semi-sheer panels in oatmeal or ivory, enhancing the fall living room’s depth and dimension.
One of my regular rituals is putting up linen curtains in September, the time of the year to be in my own home. I have heard of designers such as Amber Lewis suggesting to switch this painterly palette to make more of a tone change in the room without a total makeover.
To make it even more powerful, I would also introduce one more element, tiebacks in braided jute or calfskin, to introduce additional texture and to make those curtains appear hand-made to order.
Decorate with Dried Florals and Grasses
Speaking of seasonal decor, I would always suggest dried florals and grasses to add a very little-maintenance but quite a dramatic feel. They offer an organic texture that mirrors fall’s fleeting beauty, without needing constant upkeep. Whether they are puffs of pampas grass or wheat in amber-hued vases, these make beautiful and classic arrangements.
I prefer to arrange high arrangements, in ceramic or stoneware vases, on reception tables or around fireplaces. Larger dried responses such as eucalyptus and thistle placed on the book shelves or coffee tables are also very attractive. The decorations are year-round and help provide a subtle, natural elegance to any fall living room.
Personally, I am crazy about that they instantly add height, space in a room adding movement. Dried florals have become sleek, as Architectural Digest highlighted in a recent feature, and specifically when mixed with contemporary vessels and placed skillfully.
I would recommend hanging a glass cylinder with upright stalks to the wall to get verticality and balance with the upholstered furniture that is soft to touch.
Choose Terracotta Pots for an Earthy Foundation
Terracotta is such an everlasting material that will never fail in fall. To create a grounding color and warmth, I tend to place terracotta containers and pots to provide a little texture. The earthy tone presented by these pieces supports the changing of the seasons and keeps within the modern aesthetic.
A living room that follows a fall type of design may contain medium sized pots of terracotta filled with dried eucalyptus or olive on the window or entrance. They are put on shelving units or console tables in smaller sizes. Another decorative element that I adore is terracotta bowls stylishly deployed as parts of decorative accents, which besides functionality, also brought with them an element of sculpture.
I have learned that combining new and old terracotta pottery makes the result more curated and multi-layered. According to designers of Domino magazine, they should be combined with wood or matte black accessories to make them visually deeper and warmer.
The next thing that a viewer might not notice about these scenes is a corner of three terracotta candleholders standing on a floating shelf a detail that might seem to be insignificant, but which helps unify the room.
Hang Macramé for Boho Autumn Texture
Art can also be utilized in the form of a macram and is used as texture through a well placed hanging on the wall. During the fall, I will go into ivory, ochre or rust-colored patterns with heavy knots and fringe to make a homey grounded environment. This does not need to be blatantly boho but it is the aspect of adding dimension that is in a soft form and it is woven that complements the autumn living room look.
And one thing I will recommend is to take one of the statement macram at above a sofa or a reading nook. Smaller sizes work fabulously in the stacked walls of a gallery. Vintage or crafted were the key to add something special. They usually work well with boucle or shearling furniture and do not fill up the space so much to make a comfortable corner.
Using macram as a texture anchor personally is my favorite thing. Designer Justina Blakeney of The Jungalow is usually promoting handcrafted wall hangings to rejoice seasonal rhythm and natural craft as well as I do.
I would place a macram be plant holder in the corner with dripping pothos as a way to extend the fiber art working vertically as well.
Add Metal Accents in Aged Bronze or Copper
There can be nothing like antique bronze or copper finishing to add some classy sparkle. These warm metals also project the richness of fall as it adds a dimension of subtle glow to your place. I prefer to have them arranged in moderation, that is, just to reflect the light, and not to occupy the room.
Consider coffee table trays, lamp bases or candlesticks. My favorite is to accessorize an antique mirror comprised of dark bronze or an accent of copper with a matching side table. They are exquisite in combination with wood, and natural materials, such as linen, wool, and leather, creating a texture of layers of the living room.
Interior designers such as Leanne Ford have led the fight to bring copper back because it provides a glow but is not too glamorous. I guess that warmth is particularly crucial on days that are shorter and nights much longer.
In case I were going to make this space a bit more perfect, I would include some old copper curtain rings or use some vintage bronze lamp on the floor with frosted glass globe.
Use Felt Decor for a Cozy, Modern Twist
You may not think of felt when you think of decor ideas at home, but I have found it is an incredibly surprising stylish addition to add depth and comfort to a fall inspired living room. Its high softness provides it with a visual and touch warmer effect that is perfect in colder seasons. I prefer to use it without overwhelming the spaces by creating something subtle but still to feel the change of the season.
Begin with some decorative felt pumpkins, felt coasters or even a felt garland across a mantel or a bookshelf. I also adore wall paintings made of felt in large scale or even mobiles with a bold but not overwhelming centre piece. Select such tones as charcoal, burgundy or mustard that can relate to the color palette of the fall. Combined with wood or leather, felt gives a kind of earthy, soft touch that is hard to compete with.
Personally, I think felt should be used sparingly. Some of the new modern materials mentioned in an Elle Decor article include felt, which receives positive attention because of its architectural appearance and contemporary minimalist style. That is why I am mixing it with structured furniture and matte finish to make everything intentional rather than crafty.
To conclude this part, I would recommend to include a pack of felt storage bins in dark autumn hues, which are both tasteful and practical to change between the seasons.
Layer Table Runners with Natural Fiber Weaves
Table tops are the ideal place to pile on some texture, particularly when such tables are covered with runners made of natural fibers. Dining table, console table, coffee table, it does not matter: combining burlap, linen and cotton with a sense of overlapping brings depth and refers to the harvest season without being too much in design.
The base runner I usually use is raw linen covered with a thinner layer of either jute or seagrass weave. I add other accessories that include ceramic vases, brass candlesticks, or woven chargers on dining tables. I use fewer ceramics or garlands made of wooden beads on console tables and make them lighter. The point is to maintain the amount of texture somewhat even.
Interior stylist Sara Ligorria-Tramp believes in this style and usually uses layering on a flat surface to add a seasonal touch without omitting neutral palette. Yeah; it is a loose design gimmick that provides an element of warmth and deliberateness.
To make it even better, I would add a chunky knit runner in deep olive or terracotta as the third layer to provide a depth and drama.
Frame Fall Leaves or Botanical Pressings
One of my quietest favorites to celebrate fall is framed botanical pressings. These pieces of art create the feeling of being out and open, yet at the same time, quiet which is nature-related and feels sophisticated yet intimate. I usually pick up some leaves of red oak, Japanese maple, or ginkgo and then press them between some sheets of parchment and frame them.
Consider picking affordable floating glass frames or simple wooden frames and display them in a grid on top of a console or with a casual attitude at the top of a shelf. When you cannot find actual leaves, botanical prints in sepia or a very soft green would do as well. It has a curated collected look, mixing few pressed real specimens with illustrations.
I think such decoration of walls is an emotional connection, it is slow, seasonal, and indirect. Better Homes & Gardens never fails to suggest this method when it comes to the personalised decorating during the season, and I must accept that it adds a type of museum type quiet to each fall living room.
In case anything needs to be plugged in, I would include a triptych with giant-sized leaves with metallic edges in big frames to add the element of sophistication to the inspirational botanical motif.
Use Soft Lighting to Highlight Texture
The correct lighting brings all the textural details alive. In fall, I encourage you to build up on soft sources of light, such as floor and table lamps, sconces, and even fairy lights, to reflect the luxury of the materials in your room. Do not use overhead lights as a display of everything.
Select warm-light bulbs within the range of 2700K to maintain the place welcoming. My favorites are fabric lampshades, rattan bases, sculptural ceramic shapes which have a tactile appeal in themselves even switched off. Place focus lights close to those parts that are highly textured such as boucle upholstery, macram e walls and layered rugs.
In my case, I do not need illumination only to see where I am going, it is also a matter of mood. Bobby Berk, an interior designer, tends to pay much attention to lighting as part of the very core design, and I adhere to this principle religiously, particularly when it comes to designing fall atmosphere.
To go further with this notion, I would incorporate under-shelf battery operated lighting on bookshelves or consoles to provide architectural interest with soft shadow.
Integrate Shearling or Sherpa Upholstery
There is nothing like shearling or sherpa that is perfect to remind you of something cozy. I prefer to add them to the fall living room by means of accents chairs and footstools or supplimentary bench cushions. The materials are rich and cocoon like to balance other fall finishes such as wood, stone, and leather.
An armchair in sherpa upholstery is a wonderful centre piece. Introduce a shearling blanket over a sparse sofa or incorporating sherpa pillows to an existing furniture. I prefer more neutral colors, such as off-white, camel or warm grey as they are more universal and elegant.
I have found that sherpa is better in moderation, it is a statement texture. Even HGTV recommends that shearling should be scarce in the fall interior otherwise it looks too winter. It works most effectively in the company of earthy, matte materials and accents of contrasting materials, metal.
To put even more over the top to the room, I would suggest including a bench with a sherpa cushion at the window or at the fireplace- it would be stylish, practical and oh so touchable.
Style Bookshelves with Autumnal Hues and Textiles
Bookshelves do more than hold books, they have styling gold on them. Fall is my turning point, to update mine with books in autumn-hued covers, piled fabrics, and fall decorations, such as ceramic pumpkins or dried flowers. Woolen scarves or folded plaid blankets used as textile can be warm accessories that also create a visual layer when put on shelves.
I group books by color, burnt orange, deep red, or caramel, and combine them with other pieces of amber glass bottles, leather-bound journals, and woven baskets. A finely woven patterned hangings to cover the edge of a shelf will make the structure a bit soft and adding casual and lived-in effect.
I like that this styling makes a basic item dynamic and an antagonist in seasonal pointage. To renew your room, Real Simple offers to change shelving vignette into seasonal in an easy, nor expensive, and quick manner. It is something that I do in September.
To take this a step further I would include a trailing plant in an old copper pot and a clock to give a sense of vertical movement and texture to the vignette.
Hang a Fabric Tapestry with Seasonal Motifs
One of the quickest methods that require little effort to generate a warm focal point is a fabric tapestry. I adore oversized artwork with seasonal imagery in mind say abstract fall leaves, unobtrusive geometric imaginings, or cozy old botanical artworks in warm coloring.
Select tapestries made out of linen, cotton or even velvet to give it more depth. To complement and add some interest and softness, hang them over a sofa or behind a chair where one likes to read. I like wires with natural dyes and raw edges as it adds the touch of personality and craft to the room.
In my opinion, tapestries fill the gap that is left by the paint; they create a combination of aesthetics and physicality. The design sources such as The Spruce recommend the fabric wall hangings as a replacement of a gallery wall with the intent of being warm and soft to the eye rather than cold and hard such as it is in the fall.
To improve this, I would include a wooden dowel and a piece of leather in the new detail and hang the tapestry in the more natural way but at the same time ensuring the rest of the appearance to be contemporary and not at all accidental.
Set a Cozy Fall Mood with Candlelight
The candles bring in action, smell and heat in addition to light. The relationship of the ambient lighting with the natural textures is necessary in the fall. My seasonal freshens always start with piling a few stacked candles of different sizes on side tables and mantels. The soft glow so quickly morphs the area into a comfort zone. It is not about the light, it is about gleam, about accentuating tiny textures of woven throws and soft-velvet seating detail in the room.
In this environment, I will choose large lanterns, brass candelabra and even concrete bases with a contemporary industrial contrast. I additionally combine tea lights in clear amber or smoky-grey glass containers. Every single candle is in the proper place, and it leads the eye through the room showing the fall decor items, dried florals, leather-bound books, and fall table clothes.
One of my best tricks that I have found to swear by; is to add a combination of candles that are scent-free, but add one or two lightly spiced or wood scented scents. This does not make the smell so pronounced. One of the designers whom I follow in Architectural Digest recommended this technique in one of its panel discussions on seasonal decor last year, and it is indeed a particularly significant change in how well-centred the space now feels.
To be even better in this area, I would introduce hurricane-style enclosures to protect and design the candle holdings. They are weighty to space and can be used as focal points to consoles or as center points.
Add Quilted Textures to Ottomans or Benches
Transit to fall is the ideal period to reconsider sitting supplements. Immediately a padded bench or quilted ottoman brings some comfort and pattern. I have always been a great fan of how, whether in subtle stitching and tufting or deep tufting, quilted material provides that point of touch that a plain surface never does. Naturally, these nuances reflect light in a different way that demonstrates the abundance of autumn earth colors and the depth of your fabrics.
In such cases, I tend to advise faux suede or velvet or even chunky knits in either ochre, terracotta or forest green. A plain window seat draped with a slipcovered quilt turns out to be the reading nook of choice. Ottomans in caramel or chocolate brown and stitched in a diamond or channel pattern will add the element of upscale coziness. Match with other soft fabrics such as wool cushions or linen throws to get a balanced design in the living room.
Design-wise, softness exteriors and textures go with sleek, cold surfaces such as leather sofas or metal hardware: the softness counteracts chilly sheen. Nate Berkus once said, “Texture is what makes a space feel lived-in.” I simply have to agree with you there, quilted pieces give a bit of that fall sensory experience and sense of warmth without the tradeoff of style reflected.
What would finish this scene? This is to add a handwoven rug under the ottoman or bench that will stabilize the area and extend the textural layers.
Display Pinecones and Acorns in Glass Vessels
There is nothing more gratifying as I think to me of bringing the outdoors in in fall. A shelf or a table near a window can become a seasonal still life by using pinecones, acorns and dried seed pods set in clear glass containers. These natural elements are full of texture and meaning- a call of change, a reminder of harvest and earthiness and the smell of fall below freshly falling leaves.
Practically, I gather a combination of open and closed pinecones, intact acorns and even cinnamon sticks. In I put them in apothecary jars, or large glass vases, or brass-rimmed bowls. The lack of opacity is the container perfectly contrasting the organics of the matte finishes of what is inside them. I add a little dimension at times by overlapping them with dried moss, or little faux pumpkins.
One of my decorator friends insists on putting in a few drops cedarwood or clove essential oil in the display. It quietly fragrances the atmosphere and sets ablaze the look of fall. At home, I have embraced the concept and it has changed a lot as people walk into the environment.
What I would add to this arrangement is pillar candles at its side or form the vessels in such a way they look clustered but unevenly, and have more dynamics to the eye.
Create a Sensory Corner with Mixed-Texture Layers
A retreat is necessary in every living room, the place where people can rest and recover. In fall, I prefer turning this place into a sensory corner where you can feel a lot of mixed textures and colors. Consider a tufted chair and a thickly woven throw, a side table that is loaded with textured books, and a basket that is filled with knit or sherpa blankets. It is a sign of economy as well as design.
I select my textures deliberately: a boucle or mohair pillow, a leather magazine rack, a flannel-covered armchair and, maybe, a plush one of jute or wool. The combination of these materials brings forth a symphony that is sophisticated and at the same time, incredibly comforting. The theme can be taken a step higher by adding dried florals or other touchy pieces of art to the wall.
Jeremiah Brent is one of my favourite stylists; he also makes quite a few references to emotional design, places that you want to reach out to. That is what this corner turns out to be. It is not crowded and theatrical but the overlapping of surfaces and volumes make it intensely human. It instantly pulls the visitors in, and I frequently go there and read myself a book on relaxing afternoons.
I would top it with a low textured ottoman and subliminal scent diffuser – it would be multi-purpose and resonate well with the mellow message of the room.
One of the most satisfying ideas in the way of updating your living room is by welcoming the warmth of fall in texture. All the ideas, presented here are meant to help you add some warmth, deep flow, and character to your environment as seasons change. I’d love to hear which textures you’re planning to use or if you have your own cozy fall rituals—feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
