Easy design tips to freshen up your home this cozy season. Blending Aesthetics and Practicality in Homes with Young Children"
Cozy Elegance Fall Inspired
As the crisp air of fall rolls in and we prepare our homes for the coziest time of the year, this season is a wonderful opportunity to refresh your space. Whether you’re hosting gatherings or simply looking to create a warm, family-friendly environment, here are my top 5 design tips for making your home feel ready for fall and winter, with insights that have guided me through over a decade of designing for young families.
1. Start with the Foundation: Your Base Color Scheme
One of the first things I always recommend when transitioning your home for fall is to evaluate your base color palette. Neutral tones like grays, browns, whites, and muted greens provide an ideal backdrop that complements nearly any fall accent you choose. These shades are timeless and versatile, creating a harmonious balance between existing decor and seasonal additions.
Fall Timeless Schemes
If you're looking to breathe life into a room, consider adding earthy fall hues—burnt oranges, mustard yellows, or deep reds. These pops of color can be incorporated through accessories like throw pillows, blankets, or rugs, making it easy to refresh your space without major renovations.
Cambria Whitendale
2. Extend the Life of Your Outdoor Space
As the temperatures drop, it's easy to forget about your outdoor spaces, but with a few thoughtful updates, your patio or backyard can remain a gathering spot for family and friends. Start by ensuring that outdoor heaters or fire pits are in working order.
For families with young children, I always recommend ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted heaters, which offer a safer alternative to freestanding models. Also, don’t forget to add a fence or barrier around your fireplace to keep little ones safe while still enjoying those cozy fall evenings.
Adding comfortable, weather-resistant cushions in fall tones can also make outdoor spaces feel more welcoming, even when the days grow shorter.
Custom Fireplace and Fence, AM Interior Design
Toocapro Fireplace Fence
3. Engage All the Senses
One of the most exciting things about fall is the way it engages all our senses. Even though I tend to be more of a summer person, there’s something magical about the scent of fall—whether it’s the crisp air, the smell of wood burning, or the aroma of freshly baked pies. Incorporating these sensory experiences into your home can transform the atmosphere.
Candles are a simple and stylish way to bring in fall scents, but for families with small children, I prefer safer alternatives like oil diffusers, plug-ins, or even dried cinnamon sticks in a decorative bowl. Natural scents, paired with cozy textures like wool or cashmere, help create an inviting, warm environment that appeals to both adults and kids.
4. Seasonal Wardrobe and Home Inspiration
As the seasons change, updating your wardrobe can serve as inspiration for your home decor. And by this, I don’t mean going on a shopping spree—I actually advocate for a minimalist approach. Fall is the perfect time to put away your summer clothes and bring out those warmer items like flannel shirts, sweaters, and coats. The textures, patterns, and colors you love to wear during this season can also guide your home updates.
For example, those soft flannel shirts you enjoy wearing can inspire you to add cozy, plaid throws or pillow covers in similar fabrics to your living spaces. The goal is to extend the comfort and coziness you feel from your wardrobe into your home.
5. Have Fun and Embrace the Joy of the Season
Lastly, fall is about embracing joy, warmth, and connection. As a designer who has spent years creating nurturing environments for families, I find fall to be a perfect time to slow down and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Whether it’s apple picking, painting pumpkins, or sipping hot chocolate with your loved ones, fall traditions bring a sense of togetherness.
For me, it’s not just about making a space look good—it’s about creating environments that enhance your family’s well-being and happiness. Use your home to build deeper connections, whether that means cozying up around the fireplace or enjoying a peaceful moment with your favorite fall candle lit.
The change of seasons is a wonderful reminder of the power of design. A few thoughtful updates, sensory touches, and safety considerations can make your home feel fresh and ready for fall while ensuring it remains a place of joy and warmth for your family. Fall offers an opportunity to embrace transformation, both in your environment and in the connections you nurture within it.
Cozy Elegance, Fall Inspired
Written by Andrea Meats
