Amber Interiors
Last week marked the change in season and it is officially fall. Yesterday, on instagram, I was discussing fall decorating. Sure, some people want plastic pumpkins, scarecrows, and all the “obvious” things. But what if you sat with that idea and elevated it? Today, I’m giving you 12 understated fall decor ideas (and none of them include a cornucopia).
Of course, nothing is wrong if you want the plastic pumpkins, and all that stuff. In fact, if you have children, they might enjoy that kind of decor. But, think about that for a second. Is there a reason that decor style appeals to children? Could we get a fall feel with more mature decor?
When you go shopping, I challenge you to sit with your first ideas and let them pass. See what comes next. The first ideas will be the obvious plastic stuff, but what is right behind those ideas? Better ideas! This is the role of a designer, by the way; we keep pushing and seeing what’s behind that next idea.
Let’s get curious. Let’s see if we can replicate the feeling of fall within our homes without our usual go-to’s. Skipping the plastic is better for the environment, and the addition of real natural elements will add a whole other level of cozy and seasonal warmth.
12 Understated Fall Decor Ideas
1. Branches
Amber Interiors
All Sorts Of
Lately, I’ve been suuuuuper loving branches–the taller the better! I posted in my stories last week that I was going to try to figure out if taking branches from the ground in Central Park would be illegal (it is: wood theft).
But, lucky for you, you probably have a tree in your yard that you can snag some branches from and make an awesome statement for your dining table, mantle, fireplace, side table, kitchen counter corner, island, literally anywhere.
2. Rustic vessels
Amber Interiors
Amber Interiors
Understated fall decor ideas are all about bringing in as much texture and earth elements as you can get away with. Adding a giant rustic vessel is absolutely glorious. A vessel, by the way, is just a large vase. I learned that and now I feel cool calling things vessels.
Place those branches from #1 in your vessel and you’ve got a harvest inspired focal point!
Pro tip: Go to the thrift store to buy your vessels. Vessels in a retail store can be like $80 and nobody has time for that. A thrift store can give you a huge vessel for under $20…maybe even under $10. Secondhand, weathered, and aged texture is what we’re going for here, so thrift thrift thrift!
3. Terracotta
Jenny Komenda
All Sorts Of
Ahhh, terracotta. All of my indoor plant pots (except 1) are terracotta. I LOVE it’s rustic element and how it looks as it ages. It’s absolute perfection. You’re also not limited to using super affordable terracotta pieces from the hardware store only for plants. Get creative and create some special vignettes around your home!
Pro tip: Grab a terracotta pot to use for your kitchen cooking utensils, use a terracotta pot plate for a trinkets dish, crystals dish, place for pine cones, etc. Just pepper terracotta tones throughout the home.
4. Earth tone textiles
Emily Henderson
Amber Interiors
Look outside. What colors do you see? Now bring those colors indoors in the form of plushy textiles. We’re talking terracotta colors I mentioned above, shades of green, oranges, reds, yellows, creams, stone, etc. Use anything that would hint at something outside that you like, and bring that feeling inside.
I love switching out my throws and pillow covers seasonally. And if I have a new treasure and I’m feeling crafty, I’ll reupholster!
5. Wood accents
Amber Interiors
Amber Interiors
Consider how wood looks out in nature. In winter, trees look sad, in spring we notice the blooms sprouting, summer we only pay attention to the colorful flowers and green foliage. So, fall is really the only season where the leaves change and fall to the ground and we really focus on the wood. Bring that idea indoors and let wood stand on its own.
6. Top notch pumpkins
Chris Loves Julia
Brian Patrick Flynn
We aren’t talking plastic, here. We are wanting some unique pumpkins. If you typically get an perfectly plump and smooth orange pumpkin, that’s cool, but what about other shades and textures? Try the shades of green and white, don’t stray away from bumpy pumpkins. Texture is your friend in understated fall decor ideas.
Pro tip: make little groupings of 3 pumpkins/squashes/gourds of different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Pair large pumpkins with itty bitty ones.
7. Harvest seating (like a bench)
Studio McGee
Studio McGee
Fall is all about hard work paying off and celebrating with loved ones. It’s all about the harvest. Adding casual seating moments will amp up the feeling of warmth and togetherness, which is how fall feels.
Add a bench to the foot of the bed, create an entry bench area, switch out chairs for benches at the dining table. Do anything that will give a sense of abundance, sharing, thankfulness, and comfort!
8. Cozy nook
Eyeswoon
Jenny Komenda
Fall is a time to slow it wayyyyy down. You’ve been running around all summer, possibly over indulging, and fall is nature’s way of telling you to release and relax. Look around your home; do you have a neglected corner that could benefit from a chair, side table, small lamp, cozy throw, and candle?
We are trying to create coziness wherever we can; understated fall decor ideas are all about stealthily creating moments that feel like the season, not scream at the season. A nook also doesn’t just have to be for sitting! Create special nooks using console tables on lonely walls and style away!
9. Perfectly imperfect DIYs (yes, way!)
Eyeswoon
Emily Henderson
Not every decor item needs to be purchased. What better way to represent the harvest than making something with your own hands? Leaves are changing, temps are cooling, and inspiration is everywhere. So, get your hands on some air dry clay and get making something special! Here are a few ideas to get your started:
- jewelry dish
- coaster
- string of large beads
- beaded wall hanging
- tiny planter
10. Stocked nightstand
Brady Tolbert
Brady Tolbert
Cozy night in, anyone? I’m a firm believer that your bedroom should be your oasis, so now is the time to create some blissful moments of rest for yourself. Some understated fall decor ideas for your nightstand include: a candle, a stack of books, a plant (bonus points if it’s a fragrant one!), a small lamp with soft diffused light (2700k bulb), a coaster for your tea, a journal and fun pen.
11. Warm beverage corner
Brian Patrick Flynn
Brady Tolbert
I currently have $45 worth of loose leaf teas in my online cart . Don’t worry, I won’t actually be buying that much, but I do like adding what I want and then editing that selection. You know that feeling of warmth and coziness I keep talking about? Give it its own space!
Six years ago in my last apartment, I was bored one day and created a warm beverage counter. It contained coffee varieties, assorted teas, cider, and hot chocolate. I have had a warm beverage spot ever since. You’ll notice I also recommended a beverage cart in my dorm must haves post. It’s essential for a homey space for happiness (in my opinion).
12. Scent
Eleven Houses
Eyeswoon
Yes, way. I’ve mentioned how important I believe scent to be in creating a warm home. You want the home to be a literal oasis for the senses, including something for your nose. Consider an essential oil diffuser, no toxic candles, scented pinecones (you can DIY this), dried lavender, eucalyptus branches, incense, etc.
At this point, you might be like…umm how is this fall decor? Remember, the goal here isn’t to have leaves strewn about, a cornucopia on the table, plastic pumpkins everywhere. Understated fall decor ideas embrace the season…but sneakily and invisibly. You are creating a fall feeling of warmth, comfort, and softness. You’re not creating a cold craft store pumpkin display under fluorescent lights.
Using understated fall decor ideas, you are touching every inch of your home because the fall feeling extends everywhere. If you don’t have a pumpkin in a corner, it still feels like fall because you strategically curated the feeling of fall everywhere else. Make sense?
No time to shop? That’s totally okay! I wrote about updating your home without buying anything. Give that a read and snag some ideas to help you switch stuff up for the new season. Don’t forget you can use your outdoor furniture indoors. Happy styling!
-Kristen
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