Caring for home:
This time of year we all want to bring a touch of cozy inside. We gather inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and our favorite decorators. But what’s a girl to do when working with limited budget or space? There are several fall home decor ideas you can incorporate right now that are both quick and affordable!
Nothing is free…except maybe a little nature
One of the best ways to incorporate fall decor into your home without breaking the bank, or even spending a penny, is to walk right outside your own front (or back) door. Choose a vase or vessel that is big enough to withstand the weight of a few well chosen branches, and create a stunning autumn focal point by brining the outside in.
Do you live in an area where the trees stay green until later in the year? Simply choose some fallen pinecones or acorns to bring inside. You’ll want to bake them in a low-temp oven for approximately 30 minutes to eliminate the chance of bringing in bugs. Then simply store them in a beautiful bowl on a coffee table, on a tray, or in a clear vase.
If you’re looking for a beautiful table center piece, try foraging your own yard first.
Warm up those textiles
Swapping out a summer table cloth, placemats, or cloth napkins from a light and breezy pattern to something with more texture and warmth is another easy way to bring in those cozy autumn vibes. Remember to stay within your home’s color palette, but bringing in a plaid or gingham print is always a beautiful nod to the change of season.
I like to store my table cloths and cloth napkins in gallon sized zip top bags to keep them dust free during their off season. It makes them easy to ‘file’ if you keep the bags inside a basket or bin. Then, when you’re ready to swap them out, simply flip through and find the ones you’re looking for.
Putting away those linen textures and trading them for a woven or leather option is a great way to warm up your everyday table setting without adding too much print or pattern.
Display the everyday items
I find it amazing how simply displaying my everyday items can bring in a touch of autumn. I love to swap out our lighter weight throw blankets for warm, furry, or knit options. Whether you want to display them on a blanket ladder, folded neatly in a beautiful basket, or draped over the arm of a sofa, displaying your everyday items can totally transform the look and feel of a room.
Depending on the climate where you live, you may want to keep a few blankets tucked close by for those chilly evenings curled up watching your favorite movie. If the climate is warmer, opt for a blanket ladder or basket where the cozy vibes are seen, but not necessarily heard. It’s okay to display a blanket or two in the event of a cuddle session, even if you aren’t going to be using them on a daily basis.
Follow your heart
If I had a dollar for every time I bought something simply because I was chasing a popular trend, or because a familiar designer told me something was ‘in,’ I’d had a lot of dollars left in my bank account. I do love to switch out and freshen my decor. But I have found that if I search through what I already own and build a theme or color palette from my hoards, I can often put together a look and feel I love without spending any money at all.
In addition, not every trend is exactly what our heart desires. It may look beautiful online, but feel out of sorts in our own spaces. So my last bit of advice to you, is to always follow your heart. If you love a clean modern look, don’t try to incorporate too many frilly details. They will feel out of place. Likewise, if you prefer a more traditional look, adding in too many modern touches can feel stark and cold.
When bringing fall home decor into your space, seek to find a balance in your home. Then, when you do purchase a new item, be sure it fits the style of your space, the color palette of your home, and is something you truly love.
How are you brining in touches of autumn into your home this season?
