There is something instinctive about wanting to layer up our homes as fall arrives. Just as sweaters and blankets emerge from storage, rooms seem to call for a little more warmth and weight as the days shorten. But adding another throw pillow or blanket isn’t the only way to create it.

In fact, the most beautifully layered rooms rarely look as though they have been decorated specifically for fall at all. Instead, designers make small but considered shifts to texture, color, lighting, and even the arrangement of furniture, building up a sense of warmth without completely changing the character of a space.

From pulling chairs a little closer together to introducing pools of lamplight and bringing fall's color trends into an existing palette, these are the subtle layering techniques designers use to make rooms feel richer, warmer and more inviting for fall.

1. Layer Texture, Not Just Textiles

Textiles are the natural starting point for fall layering, but simply adding more of the same soft texture can leave a room feeling one-dimensional. Instead, think about creating contrast between materials: nubby wool against smooth linen, a vintage quilt over crisp cotton bedding, aged timber beside upholstery, or leather and brass among softer fabrics.

'A great way to get your home ready for those cooler autumn months is to layer up the textiles,’ says Ailsa MacConnell, founder of Studio Mac. ‘Whether that be a fun curtain behind the bed or multiple bed throws layered on top of each other. Also mixing in darker wooden tones in the way of artwork or antique pieces of furniture adds that much-needed warmth that those winter months call for.’

The key is that layering doesn’t have to mean softness everywhere. ‘I think layering doesn’t always have to mean textiles,’ says Toronto-based designer Ashley Ylanko, who recommends bringing warm woods, aged brass, leather, ceramics and antiques into the mix, which add depth in a subtler way than simply piling on more fabric.

2. Give Your Palette More Weight

You don’t need to repaint a room every September to make its palette feel right for the season. Often, introducing just one or two deeper fall colors is enough to shift the balance.

‘To make a room feel richer for fall without completely repainting or redecorating, I love incorporating deeper tones like plum, rust, and olive, along with tactile materials such as velvet, wool, and aged leather,’ says New York-based interior designer Jennifer Hunter. ‘A velvet pillow or cashmere throw can instantly add a cozy, layered feeling without making a major commitment.’

Rather than introducing several stereotypically autumnal shades at once, choose a color that makes sense alongside your existing palette. A pale neutral living room might take a deep olive pillow or tobacco-colored leather particularly well, while blues can be made richer with plum, burgundy, or chocolate brown.

And don’t restrict color to fabric. Jennifer also recommends a darker landscape or still life, or a few deeper-toned ceramics, to ground a room without overwhelming what’s already there. These smaller accents are particularly useful if you favor a lighter palette year-round: they add visual weight, but can easily move around the house as the seasons change.

3. Make Your Furniture Layouts More Intimate

Layering isn’t only about what you add to a room. Sometimes, it’s about changing the relationship between the things already there. ‘As the weather cools, I like to bring seating slightly closer together and create more intimate groupings that encourage conversation,’ says Jenny Dames, Lead Designer at TOM Design Collective. ‘I’ll also introduce more visual weight through layered furniture pieces and lighting at different heights. As we enter the fall season, I want the room to embrace you.’

It’s a subtle shift, but particularly effective in living rooms that are arranged to feel airy during summer. Ashley Ylanko suggests bringing lounge chairs and sofas inward to form a conversation nook, then introducing smaller pieces such as stools, drink tables, benches, and antique tables to fill some of the negative space.

That doesn’t mean filling every empty corner. The aim is to make the furniture feel more connected. Try moving an occasional chair a few inches closer to the sofa, placing a small table within arm’s reach, or pulling a stool toward the fireplace.

Haley Dermenjian, Associate Designer at TOM Design Collective, suggests giving the arrangement something to gather around, whether that’s a fireplace, a beautiful living room lamp, or a favorite piece of art. ‘Let the furniture acknowledge it,’ she says. ‘A room can feel more inviting simply by allowing people to gather around something, while also adjusting the negative space.’ The result is a room that shifts from open and expansive to somewhere you naturally want to settle.

4. Build Up Layers of Light

As natural daylight becomes scarcer, it’s tempting to compensate by simply making a room brighter. But the coziest rooms tend to do the opposite: rather than flooding every corner with uniform light, they create smaller pockets of illumination at different heights.

Think beyond the standard combination of ceiling fixture and table lamp. A statement floor lamp beside an armchair, wall sconces washing light across a wall, a small lamp on a bookshelf or console, and candlelight at coffee-table height all create separate layers that give the room depth after dark. ‘I don’t think a home should ever feel like it only works for one season,’ notes Kate Stuart, partner at TOM Design Collective. ‘The bones stay the same, and you make small shifts as the year changes. In fall, I love bringing in branches, berries and turning leaves, then relying more on lamps and candlelight as the days get shorter.’

Ashley Ylanko similarly recommends adding floor and table lamps, or even battery-powered sconces, to create smaller pools of light throughout a room as the hours of daylight shorten. It’s worth paying attention to where you actually spend time in the evening, too. Rather than lighting empty areas indiscriminately, concentrate lamps around the places where you read, talk, or sit. Allowing a little shadow between these pools of light makes each one feel warmer and more intimate.

5. Make Your Windows Work Harder

Windows provide another opportunity for layering, particularly when the quality of natural light begins to change. But that doesn’t necessarily mean swapping lightweight summer curtains for heavy drapes every fall.

‘Window treatments have a huge influence on how a room feels, particularly as the light changes through autumn,’ says interior designer Rebecca Hughes. ‘We tend to create bespoke window treatments that work beautifully year-round, rather than changing them with every season. The key is choosing the right combination of fabrics, textures, and linings from the outset, so the windows can adapt naturally to the changing light and atmosphere throughout the year.’

Layering a shade or blind with full-length curtains can give a window visual depth year-round, while how you use those layers can change with the season. During fall, Rebecca recommends opening curtains fully during the day to make the most of the warmth and golden quality of natural sunlight, before closing them as dusk falls. This helps retain warmth while creating a barrier between the room and the colder glass.

6. Bring Your Collected Pieces Forward

Fall layering can happen on a much smaller scale, too. Books, ceramics, candlesticks and favorite objects all help a room feel more collected, particularly when they are arranged in small groupings rather than scattered individually around a space.

‘For me, fall layering is often about the quieter details,’ says Laura Fremont, lead designer at TOM Design Collective. ‘A stack of books, brass candleholders and a few accessories can completely change the mood of a room. They add warmth, depth and that slightly collected feeling that makes a space feel more intimate as the days get shorter.’

The best place to begin, then, might be your own shelves and cupboards. Move a favorite stack of books onto the coffee table, bring a ceramic bowl into the living room, or group brass candlesticks together rather than buying accessories purely because they have been labeled as fall decor.

When building these small compositions, vary the height, shape, and material of each piece. A low ceramic bowl beside tall candlesticks and a stack of books creates more depth than three similarly proportioned objects, while mixing wood, pottery, metal and paper prevents a vignette from feeling overly styled.

7. Let Nature Do the Decorating

If you do want to introduce an unmistakably seasonal layer, look outside rather than to the fall decor aisle. Branches are particularly effective because their height and irregular form introduce something that conventional accessories can’t. Haley Dermenjian recommends organic stems, dried flowers and grasses, berries or bare twigs, noting that taller, more sculptural foraged elements can make a room feel grounded and connected to the season.

And in the kitchen, you barely need to decorate at all. ‘I’d rather let the harvest do the work,’ says Tommy Smythe, founding partner of TOM Design Collective, who suggests leaving vegetables from the market in a basket, herbs on the sill and fruit piled into a bowl. ‘There’s something about that abundance of color and ingredients that makes you want to gather, cook and enjoy the season’s bounty. Add warm wood, pottery, and deeper greens, and suddenly the kitchen feels completely right for fall, without anyone having to announce it.’

It’s perhaps the easiest fall layer of all because it is temporary by nature. A branch loses its leaves, the fruit gets eaten, the flowers fade, and the room moves on with the season.

Ultimately, successful layering isn't about how many things you can fit into a room. It’s about creating relationships between them: a dark wood table against soft upholstery, lamplight falling over a favorite chair, a deeper color anchoring a pale scheme, or furniture drawn slightly closer around the fireplace. Small changes can be enough. Rather than redecorating your home for fall, think about where it could use a little more weight, warmth, or intimacy, and add just the layer that’s missing.

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Every stylish host knows that when throwing a dinner party, the tablescape is just as important as the food itself. Especially during the fall, when hearty meals and cozy cocktails are served, no accoutrement complements the dining experience quite like fall-themed table linens.

From tartan tablecloths and autumn-toned runners to heritage-inspired napkins and matching placemats, fall table linens can set the tone for a fall feast well before the meal is served. These fall table decor ideas act as the foundation upon which you can style even more season-specific accessories – like warm metal candle holders, harvest-inspired floral arrangements, and even fall toile dinnerware.

While fall table linens in traditional autumn colors like browns, greens, and oranges are the classic choice, we’re seeing fall color trends adopt shades like mauve, mustard, and navy blue this year – and we’re eager to bring these colors to our tablescapes. Whether you need all new linens for the season or just a few pieces to set the scene for your next dinner party, shop the chicest fall table linens below.

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An autumnal bedroom should be one thing above all: deeply comforting. While low lighting, soft layers, and tactile fabrics can instantly make a sleep space feel cozier for fall, rich, grounding colors are what truly transform a room into a warm, cocooning retreat.

And a cozy bedroom doesn't have to follow a predictable fall color scheme. You can create an inviting, enveloping space without a hint of pumpkin orange or traditional burgundy. In 2026, designers are embracing some of the season's familiar moody hues, but they're also introducing unexpected shades that feel fresh, sophisticated, and just as suited to the season – offering a refreshing take on fall color trends.

Fall Bedroom Color Schemes

From all-gray, cabin-inspired retreats to bedrooms wrapped in warm neutrals, these are the three color palettes designers are choosing this year – and the combinations that could make your bedroom feel instantly more inviting.

1. Gray Green

Gray-green might not typically be included amongst fall trends, but they work just as well as the usual color culprits. Moody, heritage-inspired gray paint is perfect for creating an enveloping feel. Think Jojo's Green by Coat Paints or Millstone Gray by Benjamin Moore.

'This is the guest bedroom (pictured above), up in the attic of a house in Portland', explains Interior Designer Jessica Helgerson. 'The clients are British, and it feels at the same time very right for them, but also right for the Pacific Northwest. It looks out onto tall cedar trees, and we wanted to echo the gray-green of the trees while also creating a welcoming, cozy cocoon of a room. It’s really more of a green than a gray, and it feels calming, cozy, and welcoming.'

To keep the scheme balanced, Jessica scattered earthy tones. 'The decor (pillows, bedding, rug, curtains, wallpaper) all have warm golden and blush tones that help to balance the cool background color of the room,' she says.

2. Warm Neutrals

Decorating with neutrals doesn't need to be reserved for summer. Interior Designer Niamh O'Sullivan, Founder of Studio Kiri, proves this with a recent bedroom project. 'As a north-facing space, it was important that the palette worked with the natural light rather than making the room feel darker,' she says. 'The brief was to create something light, refined and luxurious, so I drew on earthy tones but pitched them at the softer end of the spectrum. Pale olive, warm brown and muted orange sit alongside a predominantly cream, beige and white base, creating a space that feels calm and light while still having warmth and character.'

'A fall palette doesn’t have to be dark or moody. It’s really about the undertones and the colors you layer alongside your neutrals,' Niamh says. 'Olive, ochre, rust and warm brown can all bring that autumnal quality to a room, while a lighter neutral base keeps it feeling soft and airy. You can scale the richness and depth of those colors up or down depending on the overall atmosphere you want to create.'

'The neutral paint (Dimity by Farrow & Ball) became an anchor for the rest of the design. We layered different textures and carefully placed color against the pale backdrop, keeping the palette restrained. When you're working with fewer colors and patterns, every element has to work that little bit harder, so each choice was very considered.'

3. Ochre Orange

A cozy bedroom wouldn't be complete without a little orange. This luxurious sleep space comes to life with the ochre-infused orange linen wallpaper. Its designers, Ika Ramel and Sanna Nathanson, Founders of Studio Ramson, explain the power of deep orange.

'The façades visible through the windows became a natural starting point for the palette. We wanted the interior to have a dialogue with its surroundings, almost bringing the colors of the exterior into the room. We loved the idea of letting that warm, burnt orange tone take over the space. It’s quite a bold choice, but at the same time it creates a very calm and harmonious feeling.'

'The walls are actually not painted, but covered in Dedar’s Natural Chintz linen wallpaper,' Ika and Sanna explain. 'We chose it not only for its color, but also for the beautiful depth and texture of the linen. It gives the walls a softer, more nuanced quality and changes subtly with the light throughout the day.' While the fabric wallpaper brings a beautiful snugness to the bedroom, paints like the Long Room by Paint & Paper Library or Benjamin Moore's Masada.

'Warmth was one of the key words for the entire apartment and an important part of the client’s brief,' add Ika and Sanna. 'The burnt orange became an anchor for that feeling. We used it as a starting point for building a palette, introducing different tones, textures and materials that complement one another.'

These bedrooms prove that the best fall color combinations are balanced. Whether you're committing to a gray-green paint that drenches every wall or keeping it classic with a neutral base, going beyond the tried-and-tested autumnal palettes will make your sleep space feel comforting and endlessly inspiring.

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Halloween is one of those holidays that’s inherently nostalgic – it reminds me of being young, dressing up with my siblings, and trotting around the neighborhood collecting candy from the spookiest houses. And for 2026, I want to channel that same energy – which is exactly why I’ll be staging my house with vintage-inspired Halloween decorations.

Bring on the kitschiness and the playful charm; I want to feel like I’m back in the '90s with my Halloween decor this year. Luckily, it seems to be a big theme with some of my favorite brands too, who are bringing out far chicer renditions of what used to reside in my childhood loft.

Hanging ghosts are a must, like this set of three from Pottery Barn. They remind me of the handmade apparitions my neighbors used to suspend from the trees in their front lawn. Terrain’s frightfully festive critters will bedeck my seasonal mantel – reminiscent of the felt forms my mother still stages around our home at the start of spooky season. The most important Halloween decoration of them all – the candy basket, that is – will be this animated witch hand bowl from Amazon. Even though I was terrified of these as a kid, I can't help but feel nostalgic when looking at one now.

This Halloween, don’t let an aesthetic or fleeting trends get in the way of the nostalgic charm of the holiday itself. Instead, lean into your memories by decorating with vintage-inspired Halloween finds.

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Blue has made a strong comeback in interiors lately, and even going into fall, when the colors usually get warmer and cozier, it's still topping the trend lists. With neutral fatigue setting in, homes are beginning to once again embrace a palette of richer tones that add character to rooms, which blue does perfectly.

That said, the risk of decorating with blue is that it can feel a bit frosty and unwelcoming. Since it is a cool color, it needs to be balanced carefully with warmer tones, texture, and natural materials, and it's important to choose the right paint shade so it doesn't come across as stark.

And so, to help you pull off this endlessly stylish color trend in a way that's every bit warm and welcoming, designers share their favorite decorating ideas below – from bedrooms to kitchens.

1. Pair Blue With Wood Tones in a Kitchen

The idea of a blue kitchen can quickly conjure images of an overly cold space, but with the right material pairings, blue can be endlessly warming in the heart of the home. Here, the blue kitchen cabinets are softened and warmed alongside the rich wood tones on the island and ceiling beams.

'We wanted coziness and warmth without wrapping the space in wood,' explains interior designer Heather Peterson. 'This lovely shade of blue-gray brings approachable color to two walls of cabinetry and balances the wood floor, island, and beams, without overwhelming the space.'

To complete the look, brass hardware adds extra warmth. 'Something about the brass hardware brings out the warm side of this blue, and the black metal finishes provide just a touch of edge,' Heather adds. 'We generally like to double down on our choices to make them feel super intentional: here, a navy vintage runner at the sink does the job.'

2. Use Neutrals to Soften a Blue Bedroom

Blue bedrooms are known for being a restful choice, but the wrong pairings can make it feel drab rather than cozy. Take inspiration from this bedroom and pair blue walls with soft, earthy neutral tones across the rest of the decor.

'We essentially wrapped the room in this color, painting the walls and trim the same color so that there was no jarring contrast in the space, with the exception of the white ceiling,' explains Debbie Mathews LeRoy, founder of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs.

'The main fabric used on the bed has a similar soft blue floral pattern, promoting further continuity and cohesiveness,' she says. 'The drapery fabric is a soft cream color with accents of blue and brown. All of the colors we used are soft and muted, as opposed to being clear and stark.'

3. Paint the Ceiling Blue

Decorating with blue paint doesn't have to be predictable. Instead of painting all four walls blue, why not bring this fun hue to the ceiling? In this transitional living room, it brings an immediate sense of coziness without overwhelming the room.

The designer Katie Bromley of Spaces by Katie explains that the key to success in this room was repeating the blue from the ceiling throughout the space. 'We incorporated blue at every scale, starting at the top,' she says. 'Benjamin Moore's Templeton Gray on the coffered ceiling, then, as the eye moves around the room, blue repeats in smaller, varied doses: the blue-striped cornice fabric, the sofa fabric, skirt and pillow trim, the plaid side chair, the patterned rug, even the tones in the artwork – so the color feels woven through the room rather than concentrated in one or two spots.'

Smaller details helped the various shades of blue feel warm rather than cold. 'The blues are all set against a warm, neutral backdrop, Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray, and paired with wood and rattan tones in the furniture, and touches of coral in the pillows, rug, and chair fabric to keep the palette from skewing cool,' she explains. 'Texture did a lot of the work, too – nubby linen, plush velvet, woven rattan, coco beaded chandeliers, and a wool rug all add layers and warmth to the space.'

Another clever design choice that brings warmth to this space is the lack of hard surfaces. Katie adds: 'There are very few hard surfaces in this room. Nearly everything is upholstered, which reduces echo and ensures that nearly all touches are soft ones.'

4. Color-Drench With Blue Paint

Don't be afraid to go for the most immersive paint technique: color drenching. In rooms such as bedrooms or snugs, where you want to create a cozy, cocooning feel, color drenching is the way to go.

'I chose to color-drench the bedroom because I wanted the blue to feel like the atmosphere of the room, not simply a color applied to the walls,' explains designer Anu Jain of Atelier Oleana. 'Carrying it throughout creates continuity and allows the architecture to recede, which makes the space feel calmer and more cocooning. Because Lulworth Blue is luminous rather than dark, it envelops the room without making it feel heavy.'

When using paint all-over like this, choosing the right shade is key. 'Lulworth Blue feels warm and welcoming because it has clarity and depth rather than an icy or gray cast,' says Anu. 'In daylight, it feels fresh and uplifting; as the light softens, it becomes gentler and more enveloping. Of course, no color exists in isolation. The smoked-taupe linen, warm wood tones, and velvet in the room temper the coolness of the blue and give it an earthy counterpoint.'

Paint sampling is essential when color drenching, warns Anu. 'I always test the color on both vertical and horizontal surfaces and look at it throughout the day,' she says. 'Blue changes tremendously with the light, and the ceiling may need a different strength than the walls even when the goal is a fully color-drenched room.'

5. Add a Pop of Blue to a Rustic Bathroom

Blue is often used in bathrooms, but to stop it from looking stark alongside all of the white fittings and hard surfaces, rich wood tones can do the trick. 'Blue is my most reached-for color in bathrooms and bedrooms precisely because, when handled right, it reads as deeply cozy rather than cool,' says designer Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley.

'In this project, I used a handmade glazed subway tile in a soft, dusty blue-green throughout the bath,' Cathleen explains. 'The slight variation in the glaze keeps it from feeling flat or harsh, and the natural pine ceiling and exposed beams pull all the warmth up into the room. The goal was for blue to feel like something that had always been there, not a statement. Pairing a muted, slightly gray-toned blue with warm natural materials is the move that makes it feel welcoming rather than cold.'

Decor Buys Cozy Up Your Blue Rooms

Whether you're painting your walls blue or want to warm up a blue sofa, these decor buys will help soften this cool color.

Cool colors like blue don't need to feel cold or unwelcoming; with a thoughtful approach to decor, they can be full of warmth and coziness. Whichever room you're decorating with blue in, warm wood and natural textures create balance, while warmer colors such as pink always work well.

In the grand scheme of fall decor, one element signals the season with more ease than anything else: throw pillows. Swapping standard throw pillows for fall-inspired styles is one of the quickest, simplest, and most affordable ways to make a room – any room – feel fresh, inviting, and endlessly cozy for autumn.

The best fall throw pillows hint at autumn with their cozy textures, seasonally inspired prints, and tonal color schemes. Styled on a couch, a chair, or a bed, they'll evoke the warm, welcoming mood of the season and make every room feel so on-theme for fall.

Fall throw pillows in traditional fall colors will always be a classic choice – that is, the browns, greens, maroons, and amber shades that we most often associate with the season. However, recent fall color trends are diversifying the fall palette to include pinks, mauves, and chic shades of purple – and brands like Anthropologie, GreenRow, and Joon Loloi have just the pillow picks to tap into this trend. Ahead, find our favorite styles to elegantly and effortlessly refresh your home for fall.

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As much as I love summer, I’m not usually one to dwell on the passing of the seasons, and I look forward to fall each year. But at the same time, there are always pieces of the season I miss – and toward the top of the list is all of the greenery and gardens in full bloom. So every August, before I start the fall gardening jobs, like deadheading perennials and thinking about bulbs, I like to preserve some of my favorite flowers, leaves, and herbs from around the gardens.

Preserving Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower to preserve. In my opinion, they look just as beautiful dried in a vase as they do when they’re freshly cut. I dry a few different varieties from my garden every year, and they last well into the following spring. They’d probably last even longer, but by that point, I’m ready for fresh flowers again.

Preserving hydrangeas is straightforward if you cut the right varieties at the right time. I stick with panicle and smooth for two reasons. First, these types bloom on new wood, meaning new growth, so cutting them now won’t put next year’s flowers at risk. You can be generous with the snips. I avoid cutting classic Bigleaf hydrangeas because they bloom on old wood and are much easier to over-prune. And second, I also find that panicle and smooth hydrangeas seem to have hardier petals and keep their shape better than Bigleaf varieties.

In terms of when to cut them, mine are usually ready from mid-August through early September. I cut them when the leaves start to turn papery but aren’t browned or completely dry yet. I use sharp shears and make a diagonal cut.

Once they’re off the bush, I remove all of the leaves and place them in a vase with about two inches of water. (There’s no need to add anything to it or refill the water once it evaporates.) If they’re already pretty dry when I cut them, sometimes I’ll even skip the water. That’s it. They’ll dry the rest of the way on their own.

There are other methods, like hanging them upside down, but I find that letting them sit in a vase works perfectly.

Pressing Flowers in a Book

The other way I preserve the garden is through pressed flowers, leaves, and herbs. This varies a little from year to year depending on what’s growing, but the general rule is to look for things with thin, papery petals and avoid anything fleshy or high in moisture – those don’t press well and tend to turn brown. Ferns are a personal favorite, along with herbs like rosemary and oregano. For flowers, cosmos, individual hydrangea florets, sweet peas, and pansies all press beautifully.

This year, I went with a mix of ferns, herbs, hydrangeas, pansies, and blue lobelia. For the process itself, I keep it simple, no dedicated flower press required. I find that sandwiching flowers between the pages of an old book works just as well. I lay the flowers flat between two sheets of blotting paper to protect the book pages (but you can even skip the blotting paper if you don't mind a few flower stains on your book pages), then close the book and stack a few heavy ones on top. After a week or two, they'reflat, dry and ready to use.

I like to frame my pressed flowers, but you can also turn them into bookmarks, add them to gift wrap or decoupage them onto jars.

Preserving some of the flowers from my garden is a small time investment that pays off for months to come. A vase of dried hydrangeas and a pressed fern in a frame add much-needed life to a room in the middle of a New England winter.

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After a summer full of weekend trips and constant travel, I’m finally back at home for fall – ready to refresh each room for cozy season. After dusting off my fall decor and layering my living space with knit throws and plaid pillows, I'm turning my attention to the bedroom – and IKEA is the first place I look.

The $45 EKTANDVINGE Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set will set the scene with its charming gingham print, grounding my room with a cozy, cabin-core feel – perfect for fall. I'll add softness and texture by layering throw pillow covers on top, like the corduroy ÅSVEIG Cushion Cover and the tufted SVARTPOPPEL Cushion Cover (each costing less than $15). Complementary decor details in fall color schemes like the PÄRLHÄGG Vase will enhance the room's aesthetic appeal, while ambient lighting like the $30 SOLKLINT Table Lamp creates the endlessly cozy mood.

For my fall bedroom refresh, I'm not focused solely on decorative details. In fact, I'm just as concerned about bedroom organization as I am coziness and comfort. Luckily, IKEA has no shortage of affordable and stylish storage ideas, including the versatile PAX BERGSBO Wardrobe, the sleek TONSTAD Cabinet, and the cute HEMMAFIXARE Case for underbed storage.

In just one shopping trip and one weekend of styling and switching, my cozy bedroom will be refreshed and neatly organized for fall – and I didn't have to spend a fortune to do so. You can do the same by shopping for everything you need for a fall bedroom refresh from IKEA below.

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Entryways get slightly neglected in the summer months. With all the time spent outdoors, these spaces don't need to work quite as hard or look quite as good, but come fall, entryways once again become the introduction to your home. As hosting season begins again, your entryway needs to move away from the relaxed summer feel and into the warm welcome of fall.

Your space often doesn't need an entire overhaul, just a switch in mindset, a switch in the feeling it creates when you walk through the door. This can be done oh-so-subtly, through scent, lighting and layering, plus a few fall vignettes that really nod to the change in season.

'Every September the same box marked “Fall” comes up from the basement. Mini pumpkins, a faux eucalyptus garland draped over the mirror, a doormat that announces the season,' says designer Hallie Malitsky, founder of Hallie Rose Design. 'But for my entryway, instead of the very obvious fall statements, I transition the space through mood. Scent, light, and one vessel with something nodding to fall – that’s the perfect formula.'

1. Refresh The Scent

Making your entryway smell like fall is the easiest switch you can make, especially early on in the season. At this time of year, before you go full on with the spicy, baking-inspired scents, choose subtle fragrances that are just a little earthier than your usual summer scents. 'Scent is where most people go wrong, because they reach for a seasonal scent (achem pumpkin spice, I’m looking at you) instead of a feeling,' explains Hallie. 'No pumpkin, no spiced cider, please nothing that smells like the candle aisle. What I do change is the depth of the scent.'

Instead of the obvious fall candles, go for something comforting, but a little less generic, something that bridges the gap between ocean breeze and pumpkin spice. 'Late summer I want something lighter, greener and fresh smelling and as the air shifts to fall I move toward something moodier and woodier,' says Hallie. 'I absolutely love Adlan Fragrances for this reason, and the Crowd Pleaser is the scent I go back to year after year. Sandalwood and cardamom, warm and a little smoky. It doesn’t yell “Fall!” as much as it is an atmosphere.'

2. Soften the Lighting

Swapping out your entryway lighting for something softer and more ambient will create cozy warmth and homeliness that makes darker days feel welcome rather than dreary. 'Add a vintage or antique floor lamp,' advises Hallie. 'An entry is a room that people often forget to light properly beyond just an overhead fixture. A floor lamp or an antique table lamp is unexpected in an entry and can bring in light to soften the whole space.'

For something even simpler, interior designer Jessica Hobson suggests, 'Swap out a white lamp shade for something moodier. Opt for a dark printed pattern; this gives you instant drama and changes the whole vibe of your entry. I love Pooky Lighting for an amazing range of printed stocked shades that are both well-priced and of exceptional quality.'

3. Trade Fresh Flowers For Branches

Remove your summer flower display and replace it with something a little more seasonal, like calming eucalyptus (this Seeded Willow Eucalyptus Stem from Target would be ideal), or richly colored plants like Japanese maple, or a few stems of Chinese lanterns. Just ensure it looks organic, rather than overly curated.

'Trade the flowers for branches,' says Hallie. 'I go out to the yard and cut something architectural, not too leafy. A lot of clients are surprised that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars at the flower market; you can go outside your door to a whole world of stunning branches. I always choose something with movement, so you see the shape as much as the foliage. Put in an antique vessel with some patina, and it’s a perfect welcoming nod to fall.'

'Bring in something from outside,' agrees interior designer Claire Zinnecker. 'I love bringing in seasonal cuttings (think branches, grasses or late summer blooms). An oversized wild arrangement in a beautiful vessel feels seasonal without feeling like your typical fall decor.'

4. Add Vintage Layers

Decorating with vintage isn't a seasonal ritual, but when designing a cozy entryway that comforts and invites, preloved pieces are one of the most impactful decor options you can choose. They bring an instant sense of nostalgia and charm that makes an entryway feel instantly more welcoming and lived-in.

A Persian rug invites warmth and story to a bare floor, as does a collection of vintage artwork hung on a wall. They also act as layers of texture that inject personality and contrast into a space. 'Warm up the palette with texture,' says Claire. 'I love to design with texture; it's an amazing way to create interest without always blowing the budget. Bringing in a vintage runner, a woven basket, or darker pottery can instantly shift the mood of a space.'

You needn't go overboard either; even bringing in a vintage tray to adorn your console table makes an entryway feel more lived-in and welcoming, or a brass catchall (such as this Pocket Change Brass Catchall from 1stDibs) for keys and trinkets.

5. Carry the Feeling Past the Door

Your entryway can set the tone of your home, but creating similar vignettes throughout your space will ensure the mood continues long past the front door.

'Carry the feeling past the door,' advises Hallie. 'Whatever you do in the entry, repeat one element of it again in the adjoining room. The same branches in a different vessel or the same candle lit on the coffee table stacked with your favorite coffee table books. The entry should be the opening line, not the whole story. A home that feels like the warmth of fall the moment you walk in is the one that people want to stay in. That never comes from decorating; it comes from the intentional moments you create with items that look like they’ve always been there.'

Late-Summer Entryway Picks

Your entryway is the natural place to start when switching your home from summer to fall. Start here with just a few simple switches after Labor Day, and gradually go more autumnal as the weeks go on – deepening the scents, adding more layers, and introducing a few fall motifs.

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When Joanna Gaines dropped her new fall collection at Magnolia, we were immediately hooked. Among the soft textiles and rustic touches designed to warm up the kitchen for the cozy season, one motif stood out above the rest: scallops.

Scalloped kitchenware has established itself as one of the most charming kitchen trends for fall. From wavy-rimmed cake stands and serving platters to subtle embroidered napkins, the playful motif brings quiet joy and elegance to everyday table settings. It's a signature detail Joanna has championed for years, and one she's woven heavily across both her latest Magnolia and Target fall drops.

Like all of the best decor, the silhouette has deep historic roots, dating back to medieval decor and taking its name from the French escalope (meaning shell). Mirroring the soft curves of a seashell, the shape strikes a perfect balance between delicate beauty and practical durability for a busy kitchen. By pairing the classic wave with warm, nostalgic autumnal hues and patterns, Joanna has transformed a heritage motif into an essential seasonal upgrade. In other words, it's the perfect fall kitchen decor.

Below, shop our curated edit of Joanna's best scalloped kitchenware to bring a little wave-rimmed charm to your space this season.

Far from a fleeting fad, the scalloped edge is a classic design accent with centuries of history behind it, making it a remarkably smart investment for the home. Bringing instant character to the table, it's the easiest way to give your kitchen a soft, considered update for fall and beyond.

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It might be the end of summer, but that doesn't mean we need to rush inside as soon as September hits. In fact, the gradual shift from late summer to autumn is all the more enjoyable when you watch the seasons change from your porch, balcony, or patio.

While reading nooks are often seen inside our homes, creating a tranquil spot to watch the world go by is one of the best ways to make use of your backyard at this time of year. Outdoor reading nooks are a coveted addition as summer slowly slips into fall, and it couldn't be easier to add one to your space. All that's required is a place to perch; then you can layer in outdoor blankets and throw pillows to make it cozy, a side table for a cup of coffee, and of course, lighting to add ambiance – portable lamps work best.

As summer draws to a close and all that outdoor hosting starts to move inside, redefine how you use your patio, porch, or backyard for the next few weeks by turning it into a cozy reading retreat. Inspired by the late-summer transition, these shopping picks have been curated to help you design a backyard reading nook in just a weekend afternoon.

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Gingham has a lot of connotations with summer decorating. It’s light, playful, and nostalgic – just like the season itself. But this year, we’re seeing brands reimagine gingham for fall, giving this classic summertime print a muted, earthy makeover that's perfect for cozy season.

GreenRow’s autumn drop makes a strong case for gingham as a top fall trend, with picks like the Elliot Hand-Painted Dinnerware Collection and the Maida Duvet Cover and Shams showcasing the pattern’s stylistic versatility. Anthropologie’s fall line is filled with gingham decor too, with pieces like the Brynn Placemats and the Cotton Linen Curtains channeling the cottage-core aesthetic with their symmetrical checks.

Although gingham's cozy nature makes it inherently fitting for fall, it becomes even more seasonally suitable when it appears in traditional fall color schemes like brown, green, dark blue, and maroon. Layered with soft textures, inviting materials, and other heritage-inspired details, gingham might just become your favorite fall pattern. Shop the look for your home below.

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Throw blankets are a staple in my household during the fall and winter months. Once temperatures dip below 70 degrees, my blankets are out – draped across every piece of furniture, stashed in baskets, and spread across the foot of my bed.

With such a large collection that feels like it doubles every year, I've started thinking about the best storage ideas for my throw blankets. Woven baskets are the obvious choice, but they take up so much of the precious floor space in my small living room, and while one is cute, multiples are clutter. And while I could stash extra blankets in a closet, I don't want to hide away all the pattern and texture they can add to a room – the details that made me buy them in the first place.

After tirelessly searching for something to keep blankets out of the way but still easily accessible and on display in my home, I found the winner: ALDI's Sohl Blanket Ladder.

No longer are blankets strewn all over my house, stashed in closets, or shoved into large baskets on the floor. With this handy blanket ladder, my throws finally have a home of their own. This ladder provides vertical storage in a clever, design-driven way – making use of my blank walls and freeing up floor space at the same time. If you layer several blankets on each of its rungs, it can even double as a chic wall decor idea – bringing texture, depth, and color.

My favorite thing about this blanket ladder has to be its price – at just $24.99. I have been eyeing up buys that are double, even triple, so this feels like a steal.

Though I plan on using it in my living room, this blanket ladder can go anywhere you need it to. Use it in a small bedroom as a 'chairdrobe' alternative, in an entryway as a coat rack, or even in a bathroom as a towel holder. However it's used, this ladder will help you make the most of your space – providing clever, space-saving storage without sacrificing style.

How I'd Style ALDI's Blanket Ladder

ALDI's Sohl Blanket Ladder can help you organize your home in more ways than one. Here's how I plan on styling it in my home this fall.

Shop More Blanket Ladders

While there's so much to love about ALDI's Sohl Blanket Ladder – its practicality, its sleek design, and its low price – I've found three more that are well worthy of a spot in your home, too. Shop them below.

ALDI's Sohl Blanket Ladder has made it possible for my many blankets to become decor details in my living room. Hung from the rungs on the ladder's frame, my blankets are kept off my furniture but still in close reach. Their stylistic appeal shines in a way that wasn't possible when I had them stashed in storage baskets, too.

Storage capabilities aside, consider this blanket ladder a clever way to decorate for fall – style it with your favorite fall throws and watch as it brings character, charm, and quiet organization to your home.

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No matter the time of year, the kitchen is always a cozy, inviting room – it is the heart of the home, after all. But during the fall, that feeling is amplified; not only by warm scents of seasonal cooking, but also by the autumn-inspired decor that sets the scene.

This year, swap your standard serveware for autumn-inspired styles like Williams Sonoma’s Essex Oval Platter or Michael’s Wood Pumpkin Tray. Kitchen linens are an easy seasonal switch, too – instead of neutral-toned napkins, tablecloths, and tea towels, opt for alternatives in fall colors like brown, green, and orange. And don’t forget to incorporate little details to make the room feel more like fall. Terrain’s Oak Leaf Serving Utensils and West Elm’s Pinecone Placecard Holders are easy upgrades to elevate your fall tablescapes. Shop our curated collection of fall kitchen decor below.

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Making a kitchen feel stylish and inviting looks different through the seasons. In the summer, it's all about letting natural light take the lead and creating a connection between indoors and out. But for fall, it's all about adding warmth. And one of the most impactful ways to do it is through your kitchen lighting. Blending functional needs with atmospheric design, even the most subtle lighting alterations can take your kitchen from harsh to warm.

With the 'ber months in sight, now is the perfect time to update your kitchen lighting to create a warm and cozy (yet still functional) space for fall. Here's how designers infuse much-needed warmth through small but impactful lighting changes.

Unlike other rooms in the home, your kitchen lighting needs to be functional for food prep, cooking, and cleaning. But it also needs to adapt for other uses, whether it's hosting, socializing, or even relaxing after a long day. With varied needs, your lighting scheme needs to work harder and be more versatile to avoid a cold, sterile atmosphere. And designers say there are a few key culprits causing harsh lighting.

'A kitchen can start to feel harsh when it relies too heavily on one type of lighting, especially bright overhead recessed lights. Cooler bulb temperatures, too many ceiling fixtures, and a lack of dimmers can make a space feel more clinical than inviting. Kitchens also have so many hard, reflective surfaces, so the wrong lighting can easily amplify that,' explains Kailee Blalock, Co-Founder of House of Hive Design Co.

'Most kitchens are lit entirely from the ceiling. Every source is overhead, so you get shadows under the wall cabinets, shadows on people’s faces, and a dark band around the perimeter of the room. The finishes can be beautiful, and the space still reads flat,' agrees Michael Winn, Owner and Principal at WINN Design + Build.

But more often than not, it's the bulbs that cause the most coldness in a kitchen, specifically the temperature. When we think of warm lighting, there's usually more of an orange glow than a white or blue one – a detail that depends on the bulb temperatures you introduce. 'A lot of kitchens get built with recessed lights at 3500K or 4000K, which is closer to office lighting than home lighting. Put that above a polished quartz counter, and all of it bounces straight back at you,' Michael explains.

'Bulbs rated high on the Kelvin scale (4000K to 5000K+) emit a stark, blue-toned light similar to commercial or office lighting. While high Kelvin ratings work well for intense task zones, in a residential kitchen they drain the warmth from cabinetry, wash out natural wood tones, and create unflattering shadows,' adds Shannon Kadwell, Kitchen and Bath Director at Anthony Wilder Design Build.

A lot of these details don't become obvious until you reach the darker, colder months, as you rely less on lighting during the summer when natural daylight does all the heavy lifting. But as soon as those darker evenings draw in, stark or underwhelming lighting will become glaringly obvious. For Pooky's Chief Creative Officer, Jo Plant, a successful kitchen lighting scheme ahead of fall is about a balance of function and ambiance. 'The key is to avoid treating kitchen lighting as purely functional; it should add atmosphere as well as provide practical illumination.'

5 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Lighting Warmer for Fall

The slow shift from summer to fall is one of the most noticeable in our homes, especially as evenings grow darker and light disappears much sooner. And as a functional and social space, your kitchen lighting is one of the first details you need to adapt for the season. 'As we move into fall, kitchen lighting becomes particularly important,' says Jo.

'As the days get shorter and natural light starts to fade earlier, a kitchen that felt bright and welcoming in summer can suddenly feel quite stark.' It's easy to give your kitchen lighting a warmer, cozier update for fall. It doesn't require a full replan, nor does it need to cost a fortune – the subtle changes are the most impactful. These are the 5 worth trying this year.

1. Switch to Warmer Bulb Temperatures

One of the key elements that makes your kitchen lighting feel harsh is using bulbs that are too bright and too cool-toned. As we head towards fall, swapping these harsher bulbs out for softer, warmer alternatives makes a huge difference to the atmosphere of your cooking space.

'To instantly soften the space, shift your bulbs down to a lower color temperature – specifically around 2400K to 2700K. A 2400K bulb delivers a rich, golden warmth that closely mimics the cozy glow of traditional incandescent bulbs,' Shannon explains. 'Swapping overhead recessed cans or under-cabinet task fixtures to this warmer range transforms the kitchen’s ambiance, making island seating and open-plan prep areas feel inviting as the days grow shorter.'

You can find light bulbs in this Kelvin range in most stores, including Amazon, for easy ordering and delivery. These LED Dimmable Edison Light Bulbs made from amber glass offer a warm white glow, while these A19 Vintage LED Edison Light Bulbs offer a more retro look.

2. Look to Lower-Height Lighting

The focus in a kitchen often lands on the ceiling fixtures, but taking the time to edit your lower-level lighting is often more impactful. It's the lights that sit below eye level, like cabinet lighting and lamps, that bring a warmer feel as fall approaches.

'The move most people skip is light below eye level. Undercabinet strips, a pair of sconces, even a small plug-in lamp at the end of a counter. Low light is what makes a kitchen feel like a room instead of a workspace,' says Michael.

If you're looking for easy, affordable changes, a countertop lamp is always a stylish addition. 'A great option is to add a lamp on the countertop that has a fun shade and keep it on through the winter. It feels really lovely to have a lamp lit during those darker afternoons and evenings and invites you into the space,' adds interior designer Jess Cooney.

3. Take Note of Bulb Types and Styles

While the temperature of the light bulbs you choose is an important factor to consider when swapping to warmer lighting for fall, so are the bulb types. It seems like such a minor detail, but one that changes the way light diffuses around the kitchen.

'As we transition into fall, swap out standard glass or exposed-bulb fixtures for LED filament 'Edison' bulbs. Modern LED Edison bulbs combine energy efficiency with classic aesthetic appeal, offering clear or amber-tinted glass and visible glowing filaments,' Shannon explains.

It's one of those details that instantly makes your kitchen lighting feel more considered and design-led. It's a bit like swapping out your outlet and switch plates for something more elevated. 'They emit a deep, cozy amber radiance that pairs beautifully with autumnal textures, rich cabinet finishes, and natural stone countertops,' she adds.

4. Consider Putting Kitchen Lighting on Dimmers

If there's one piece of advice designers always give, it's to put kitchen lighting on dimmers. It's the easiest and most effective way to take your lighting scheme from functional to ambient, bright to softly moody.

'Dimmers are another simple but transformative addition, allowing you to turn the brightness down as the evening progresses and instantly shift the mood from practical to atmospheric,' says Jo. Although this is a step to consider during a larger project, it's one experts say you won't regret. And for maximum impact, avoid putting every light in the kitchen on one switch.

'Our designers separate the ceiling lights from the pendants and the under-cabinet lighting so you can run the room at thirty percent on a Tuesday night without lighting it like you’re prepping Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re replacing fixtures anyway, look at dim-to-warm LEDs. They drop towards 2200K as you dim them, the way an incandescent used to,' Michael advises.

When the overhead lighting is on a dimmer, you can utilize different light sources throughout the day, and let decorative lighting take over. 'As the days get shorter, we naturally start relying less on bright overhead lighting and more on the decorative and ambient layers. We’ll dim the ceiling lights and let pendants, sconces, and other smaller fixtures create pockets of warmth throughout the room,' says Kailee.

'We love when a kitchen feels a little moodier in the fall! You still need functional task lighting when cooking, but the entire room doesn’t need to be illuminated at the same intensity.' If you do add dimmers, make sure to add elevated switch plates, like this Classic Toggle & Dimmer from Rejuvenation, or add autumnal color with Anthropologie's Merritt Enamel Switch Plate.

5. Create a Layered Approach

Fall conjures images of cozy interiors, and nothing brings that feeling to life quite like layered kitchen lighting. Categorize your various fixtures into task, ambient, and accent lighting, often referred to as the kitchen lighting rule of 3, to balance function and atmosphere, and remember to think beyond your typical ceiling lights.

'The easiest way to soften a kitchen is to introduce more layers of light. Rather than relying solely on ceiling spots or a central pendant, combine practical task lighting with softer, ambient sources. Wall lights, under-cabinet lighting and small table lamps can all help to create pockets of warmth and make the room feel more inviting,' says Jo.

'Layering is particularly effective at this time of year. Keep your brighter task lighting available for cooking and food preparation, but switch to softer pools of light when you’re entertaining or settling in for the evening. It’s these smaller, lower-level sources that create that lovely cocooning feeling we all crave as the nights draw in.'

Your kitchen walls are a great way to bring in a new layer of lighting – an area that is often overlooked. 'Any spot you can add a sconce really creates a soft enveloping feel in the evening when you are sitting and having a cup of tea at your breakfast table,' says Jess. But you can also look beyond the obvious kitchen fixtures and introduce softer lighting more typical of a living room or bedroom.

'Incorporating picture lighting above artwork helps to make spaces feel more intimate, warm, and personal,' says Kelly Emerson, Senior Designer at Aidan Design. 'Investing in unique table and floor lamps with warm shades and warm color temperature bulbs will certainly bring a fall refresh you’re looking for! Any chance to layer multiple sources of lighting will bring sophistication and mood.'

Taking a layered approach to kitchen lighting as we head towards fall works because it can be easily edited as seasons change, rather than being suitable for just one quarter of the year. 'One of our favorite things about a layered lighting plan is that you can change the feeling of the kitchen seasonally without actually changing the design. In summer, natural light can take the lead; in fall and winter, the warmer decorative lighting becomes much more noticeable and creates that cozy, intimate feeling,' Kailee notes.

While kitchen lighting is functional, it's also a decorative detail that can make or break the entire mood of the room. As fall approaches, it's all about coziness and warmth – two things the right lighting can create effortlessly.

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If there’s one fall decor detail that marks the start of the season, it's an autumnal wreath. It’s one of the simplest ways to signal the end of summer and the beginning of fall, radiating autumnal elegance with every leaf, berry, and branch that makes up its shape.

The best fall wreaths tastefully reflect the aesthetic of the season. Many are layered with traditional fall colors, like the amber, burgundy, and soft brown of Terrain’s Autumn Harvest Preserved Wreath, and some are adorned with seasonal accoutrements, like the pumpkins, pinecones, and acorns in Raymour & Flanigan’s Harvest Foliage Cornucopia Wreath. These wreaths capture the vibrancy of the season and bring it home – right to your front door.

Speaking of placement, you can style a fall wreath beyond the entryway – in front of a mirror above a mantel, nestled into a window in a kitchen, or even laid flat as a fall table centerpiece. Fall wreaths are an easy way to give a sense of season indoors too. Find the one that suits your style below.

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As we approach the end of summer and the temperature starts to dip and the evenings slowly darken, naturally we take all that outdoor decorating, hosting, and shopping energy and focus it on the indoors. We want our rooms to become cozier, more welcoming, and ready for the change in season ahead.

A good place to start when pivoting our seasonal mindsets is to look at the trends that are creeping in. This year's fall trends combine personality-filled, eclectic interior design trends with all things warm and cocooning, from moody colors to fine materials. Of course, there are a few familiar fall decor ideas in the mix, too, but as we seek more livable and luxurious schemes, this year's autumnal trends focus on a quieter, slower, and more intentional way of living during the colder months.

1. 'Print-maxxing'

Layering for fall doesn't just apply to your wardrobe. Whether it's a striking Ikat or a traditional check, pairing pattern on pattern ensures your schemes never feel flat – and always feel warm and inviting.

'I think pattern is having a real moment, but layered rather than matchy,' explains interior designer Laura Stephens. 'A striped sofa with a checked chair, an ikat curtain against ticking stripes – it feels collected rather than coordinated, like the room has evolved over time rather than been bought in one go. I’m particularly drawn to mixing patterns within the same color family, which keeps the overall scheme feeling connected even when the individual patterns are quite different (see above). You don’t need to completely redecorate to introduce the look. Try combining a striped chair with a checked cushion, or layering two contrasting patterns in the same warm palette.'

The 'printmaxxing' trend might sound loud, but it proves that clashing patterns needn't feel chaotic; it can actually make rooms feel more personality-filled and lived-in, qualities that make our homes feel even more comforting during the colder months.

2. Cinnamon Hues

Designers loved chocolate brown for a vintage, layered look last fall, but orange-infused, mid-tone browns are this year's biggest fall color trend. In fact, spicy 'cinnamon' hues are the perfect middle ground between moody, warm, yet still livable.

'I think we’ll see a real shift towards warmer, spicier tones this autumn, particularly cinnamon, caramel, tobacco and rich ochre,' says interior designer and Studio Raymond founder, Carina Raymond. 'These colors have an inherent warmth to them, which makes them perfect for creating rooms that feel cozy and enveloping without becoming too dark. I particularly love using these shades through color drenching, taking one color across the walls, woodwork and ceiling to create a really immersive effect.'

Carina says shades like Edward Bulmer Cinnamon (which she has used in recent projects) 'give a room a wonderfully cocooning quality. It feels almost like a sunny embrace, rather than simply a ‘painted room’.

She advises, 'To bring this look into your own home, I’d layer these warmer colors with natural, tactile materials – think tan leather, sisal, travertine, warm timber and woven textiles. You don’t need to completely redecorate; introducing a caramel leather chair, a cinnamon-colored lampshade or a warm-toned rug can instantly shift the feeling of a room. I’d also embrace the ceiling as a fifth wall. Carrying the color overhead is one of the easiest ways to make a room feel more intimate and considered.'

3. Decadent Materials and Details

Fine materials bring a cocooning quality that almost always makes a room feel quietly luxurious and layered. 'This fall, I'm seeing a return to rich, luxurious fabrics like moiré, silk, mohair, and silk velvet,' says interior designer Ellie Christopher.

Incorporating materials designers swear by for fall will make your spaces feel more luxurious without having to make huge changes. 'If you’re hesitant to commit, start small with a moiré fabric on a bench or pillow. If you’re feeling bold, use it as wallpaper in a bedroom or hallway. It adds a beautiful textural layer and a sense of warmth and luxury. Tassels and beaded trims are another easy way to elevate pillows or lampshades and make them feel more custom. I recently saw a French dealer turn antique embroidered napkins with oversized monograms into lampshades. It was incredibly chic and felt modern and historical at the same time.'

'I also see artisanal details like embroidery and beading becoming more prominent in high-end residential work. With the rise of AI in the interiors world, I think we’ll see a strong push toward craftsmanship and handmade pieces, with people placing even more value on the human touch and details that feel truly one of a kind.'

4. Game Tables

'Game tables are finally out of hiding for fall 2026,' says John Maloney McNamara of Coosa. 'For decades, this furniture was banished – the pool table to the garage, the ping pong table collapsed against a wall in the basement. This fall, I think it moves into the living room, and it's dressed for the occasion: handcrafted shuffleboards, sculptural poker tables, ping pong tables that read as dining tables first.'

The board games trend emphasizes a slower, more analog way of living this fall. 'The larger shift is that we're furnishing our homes for participation again. People want rooms that give them a reason to stay, linger and play together. A beautiful table that gets used is ultimately more interesting than a formal one nobody touches,' adds John.

'Buy it as furniture first, game second. If it only looks good mid-game, it's equipment, not decor. The strongest pieces earn their room even when nobody is playing: a handsome shuffleboard can function almost like a console, and with a well-designed ping pong table, the moment the net comes off, it's dinner for six. Look for rich materials, architectural silhouettes and finishes you'd be happy to live with every day.'

5. Vintage Layers

'We’re seeing a real shift away from mass-produced, poorly made products available at the click of a button and toward a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, natural materials, and objects with a story,' Christine Babini and Amy Pariser, Co-Founders of PARINI say. 'This doesn’t necessarily mean spending more. Clients are increasingly open to shopping vintage, sourcing from local makers and artists, and embracing pieces that aren’t pristine or instantly available. These choices bring soul and individuality to a space at almost any budget.'

'While it’s completely natural to be influenced by current seasonal design trends, focus on investing in pieces you genuinely love. Building a collection slowly allows a home to tell the story of your life. Pieces with an emotional connection tend to withstand the test of time, and any passing trend, because they remind you of a place, a person, a trip, or simply a moment in time.'

'At this time of year, I love using textiles as art,' says Laura. 'An antique fabric fragment or an old rug framed on the wall brings so much warmth and history into a space, and there’s something wonderfully autumnal about surrounding yourself with pieces that feel worn-in and storied as the nights draw in. If you have an antique textile tucked away – a shawl, a scarf, or even a beautiful rug that is past its best on the floor – have it framed. It’s such an easy and affordable way to add real character and make a room feel more personal.'

6. Purple Accents

'Purple was a hard pass in our studio for years: a color that's supposed to signal royalty and luxury but spends most of its time cosplaying as... not that,' begins John. 'Too loud, too unpredictable, very Barney-meets-Grimace. But purple is showing up for fall, and we're seeing it everywhere – in textile collections, in upholstery introductions, in showrooms that were wall-to-wall neutrals a year ago.'

While decorating with purple was once reserved for girls' bedrooms and 2000s interiors, in 2026, it's one of the most luxurious fall color ideas out there. 'The tell is which purple: not frosty lavender or electric magenta, but the grown-up end of the family – aubergine, nightshade, mulberry – deep enough to sit comfortably next to the tobaccos and oxbloods everyone's already living with and loving. This version of purple behaves more like a grounded color than a costume. Is this a full-blown grape crush? Let's not spiral. But the evidence keeps arriving, and purple is looking less like a wildcard and more like the next color to watch.'

'Purple is high-maintenance – sure – so the entire game is who you pair it with. Give it calm, grounded company: a warm creamy white, walnut, camel, olive, unlacquered brass. Purple with quiet partners looks fresh, unexpected, elevated; purple with loud ones starts to feel a little Mardi Gras. I'd rather see it used with conviction than sprinkled around the room – and the strongest version this fall is lacquered: an aubergine like Farrow & Ball's Brinjal in full gloss on a library, a powder room, or the interior of a bookcase, where the shine gives the color its depth back. In furniture, one serious piece in mulberry mohair or a heavy wool – a chair, an ottoman, or even a modern low-slung sofa – can carry an entire room.'

7. The Formal Sitting Room

While relaxed living rooms aren't going anywhere this season, designers are seeing a little more appreciation for purposeful, traditional sitting rooms. 'For fall, I'm feeling a return to formality – but not in the stuffy, Aunt Gertrude won’t let you sit on her sofa sense. But rather in a “I am grounded and established. A little layered and nostalgic. But still fresh and full of life” kind of way,' says Ashley Macuga of Studio Collected.

When creating a traditional living room, Ashley says, 'Invest in specialty woods. I mean burl, but in new richer hues. After years of rift white oak (which I still love!), richly grained woods are back – and I am obsessed with burl. Its swirling, marbled grain gives an immediate sense of storied history. I love the deep contrast of the darker burl hues, especially when paired with unlacquered brass hardware. I recommend starting with one statement piece – a dresser, sideboard, or nightstand to anchor a space.'

'Where we once reached for a tray of objects, I'm feeling the urge to replace it with one or two substantial sculptural forms. Abstract figures, vases treated as art rather than function, textured bowls that can sit in isolation. To bring it home, resist the urge to fill a surface. One well-scaled stone or ceramic form, curated and edited, will always feel richer and more luxe than a large group of objects.'

Fall Shopping Picks

This year's fall trends focus on quietly luxurious, artisanal pieces that bring personality and comfort into the home. Deeply saturated purples and warm cinnamons will set the tone of schemes this year, and quality materials, print-on-print, and antique accents will be the thoughtful layers of every room.

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For months, I've been seeking out ways to add character to my new-build rental apartment. The glaringly white walls really dominate the space, and despite my best efforts to incorporate heritage-coded decor details and other charming touches, my apartment still resembles a white box.

Wallpaper seemed like the obvious solution to help enhance my space, but considering the apartment's status as a rental, I had to steer clear of the paste-applied styles I really wanted – like Lulu and Georgia's Brubeck Wallpaper or Anthropologie's Sweet Clover Wallpaper. However, I have found the perfect alternatives to nail the look renter-friendly (and with much more ease) at Target.

Hidden within the pages of Threshold's new arrivals for fall are several peel-and-stick wallpaper styles that are perfect for renters like me who want to easily and effectively bring character into their homes. With everything from ditsy florals and sleek stripes to time-worn toiles, these patterns tap into classic design trends, transforming those boring blank walls in an instant. The best part? Each roll starts at just $35.

I have my eyes on the Floral Column Textured Russet Brown Peel and Stick Wallpaper – an enduring print that I think will look perfect in my small entryway – there are so many more styles to love from this collection. Find the one that speaks to you below.

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