How do I start decorating for fall? Interior designers share their simple tips you can follow right now

Cozy season is almost upon us, and while there still may be a few weeks of summer left, there's a change in the air for sure.

Early fall is the most lovely time of year, before the weather really changes and there's still a hint of warmth in the air and the days are yet to get shorter. It's the best time to start switching out your decor too, giving it a cozier more welcoming feel but how should you start bringing fall decor ideas into your home?

We asked interior designers for their top tips on when and how to start decorating for the change in season. All these ideas are quick and easy and will see you through from Labor Day until Thanksgiving.

Learn from the experts on how best to decorate your home for fall

From cozy, layered lighting schemes, to enriching a room with plenty of warming, tactile textures, this is how to begin your fall decorating.

1. Start with subtle changes

'Lean into nature,' is designer Bethany Adams' suggestion for how to start decorating for fall. 'A foraged branch of fall foliage with some lit tapers will send a subtler message than a sign emblazoned with "Happy Fall Y'all!" but it will be the same message: fall is here, and I'm excited about it.'

‘An easy way to begin transitioning to a fall aesthetic is through florals and foliage’, agrees Eleanor Trepte of Dekay & Tate. ‘Think about changing the flowers on your kitchen countertops or dining table centerpieces. This is an easy and very natural way to bring some of that outside crispness in’

Consider using festive fall wreath ideas to introduce seasonal or dried flowers both in your fall porch ideas as well as within your home. Outside your home, think about incorporating plants for fall color into your garden ideas to maintain some life and blooms in your yard as many other plants begin to fade away for winter.

2. Create a cozy, layered lighting scheme

Of course, having layered lighting schemes throughout the rooms in your home is important no matter what time of year. But during fall and winter when the days get shorter and the nights get longer, ensuring your home feels cozy and well-lit is key for a more warm and inviting atmosphere.

From a mix of lamps, pendants and wall lights, to lit fires and glimmering candles, having multiple pools of light around a room will only help to make your spaces feel more snug and welcoming.

3. Favor richer earthy colors

Adding warm-toned fall color schemes is a great place to start decorating for fall, and we aren't just talking about painting walls. You can bring in autumnal colors in many ways – pillows, throws, rugs, bedding, lighting.

Colors trends are in fact all very in keeping with fall shades too. Greens, browns, terracottas, and earthier colors have all been popular throughout this year.

4. Refresh your throw pillows

'One way to start decorating for fall is by re-doing your throw pillow covers with a new color palette. If you have lighter tones, try swapping all of them out with a richer palette of fabrics. I'm currently showing a space with navy pillow covers that immediately make the room feel layered and warmer for the upcoming season,' says interior designer, Brooke Spreckman, founder of Design Hutch.

You can also refresh your blankets and throws in a complementary palette. Or if you already have plenty collected over the years ensure they are draped across your seating areas and bed for an enriched feeling of texture, warmth, and coziness.

5. Introduce tatseful harvest motifs

With fall being a wonderful time to invite friends and family into your home, consider fall table decor ideas to spruce up your dining room and celebrate the fall harvest season.

‘Change up your dining tablescape to have a harvest feel – decorate the tabletop with dried floral arrangements along with votives and candles to illuminate the space and bring a warm and inviting glow to the room,’ suggests Caitlin O’Keeffe, merchandise field manager at Serena & Lily.

6. Look to pieces you already own for quick switches

'When looking for items to start decorating for fall, look within your home before running out to buy new things,’ says Judy Pickett of Design Lines Signature. ‘Start with items that have warm tones and cozy textures – could you perhaps swap out easy items like pillows, throws, and bedding? We always recommend keeping the seasonal changes subtle so as to not shake up your overall interior design too drastically!’

‘Make the home feel like a cozy fall haven with effortless transitions – switch out crisp, cool summer decor items with pillow coverings or bedding that have warmer color palettes, incorporate fall aromas like sandalwood or spiced apple, and bring in a lovely fall wreath to tie everything together,’ adds Caitlin.

7. Begin to layer up warmer textures

With the end of summer, start decorating for fall by using texture in interior design. thicker, heavier materials such as wool and cashmere, velvet, furs, and cords can help make your home look and feel lush and luxurious.

‘Fall decor doesn't have to be cliche. Instead of focusing on adding a ton of, say, decorative pumpkins into your home, think instead about color. Incorporating warm fall colors like neutral browns, earthy greens, burnt oranges, and complimentary beiges and taupes is an easy way to change the mood in a space. Also, consider textures,’ Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions adds, ‘Perhaps you can move away from materials like rattan or wicker and instead start to incorporate leathers, suede, approachable velvets, and even faux fur if it fits in the space.’

Starting to decorate for fall is such a joy, but adapting your home for the season needn't mean a total overhaul. You can make subtle switches to your decor that will have a big impact and don't try and do everything at once either. Start changing your decor slowly, adding more and more fall decor and colors as the weeks go on.