10 Tips for Transitioning to Fall

Looking through blogland this last week, it's been filled with posts about transitioning our decor from Late Summer into Early Fall. Our individual methods may be similar, but each person has their own unique style and ideas to make this a fun and easy change-over. The fact that bringing out the Autumn decor is one of my favorite things to look forward to, makes this a special time to savor and enjoy for me.

Here are some of the ways I start the change up to Fall.

1. My first consideration is whatever you are using for this time of year, bring out the "Warmer Colors" of  Late Summer. This means going to the Harvest-y colors of golds, deep greens, browns, a little orange, deep reds and purples. I let nature dictate the colors I use for each season. Think about golden maize colors, garden produce at the local farm stand, Maple leaves starting to change, Prairie Grasses, and Hydrangea Blooms taking on their last metamorphosis of color. Even if you prefer whites and neutrals, it's good to have a little seasonal color to add to the backdrop.

2. Fragrances and Aromas of the Season. Apple Pie, Blackberry Cobbler, Pumpkin Bread, Caramel and Cinnamon... those are some of my favorite smells of the Late Summer into Autumn Season; not a coincidence that those are all flavorful and nostalgic aromas that come from the kitchen. I like to bring in Harvest aromas during the Fall; baked goods and earthy smells with candles, room diffusers, potpourri, and if you can enjoy these home baked goodies for real, then all the better!

3. Texture and Warmth in Textiles. Time for the cozy throws on the sofas and chairs, more comfy pillows, fabrics with a warm cozy feel, and an extra quilt on the bottom of the bed. Take the opportunity to bring in those seasonal colors in your layered fabrics. You can use warmer and more coarse textures and fabrics as you head into Fall like Grain sacks, Burlap, cotton/wool blends and heavy Linens.  

4.  Florals, Plants and Arrangements that reflect the seasons. I like to see Seasonal and natural looking florals whether they are real or faux. Keep flowers, fruits and naturals elements seasonally current. Hydrangeas are my favorite decorative flower, since they can be used for each season. Adding Sunflowers and leaves to a bunch of dried Summer Hydrangeas can easily take you into Fall.

5. Seasonal Prints and Wall Decor. New and vintage prints and wall decor can do a lot to change the "feel and vibe" of a seasonal home. I've always loved vintage prints so I tend to lean in that direction. I keep this in mind when strolling the aisles of an antique shop or vintage market. Favorite Fall pieces for me would be fruit prints, still life prints and paintings with a garden theme, and landscapes that are done in Fall colors.

6. Decorative Pillows and Quilts.Using Seasonal colors and themes with Decorative Pillows is a real favorite of mine. It's easiest if you have actual pillow covers you can change out while using the same pillow form. I've been guilty of just stuffing the actual sewn pillow with quilt stuffing and then sewing them shut. I've gotten a little better at using changeable covers as I now have to use the under the stairs storage for quilts and pillows. (ugh) I love decorating with new and vintage quilts for the seasons. Having my little sitting area with a wicker settee has been fun through the years in having a place to display quilts and pillows. Using a quilt on the back of a sofa or love seat or even a chair, can bring in color, pattern and texture that's fun for Fall. 

Don't forget the little touches, like a plaid ribbon to add to the mix.

7. Tablescapes, Table Runners and Table Linens. I like to keep my Dining Room tabletop Seasonal by using a tablerunner that's in Autumnal colors. At Christmas I love to use Tartan Plaids, in the Spring I've used greens, pastels, and neutrals, Summer goes to Ticking and Red Country French Florals, and in the Fall I gravitate to darker neutrals and heavier textures. I've mentioned before that I'm lazy when it comes to tablerunners in the Dining Room, so I just buy a length of fabric and fold and press it to the right width. Super easy and if I ever prefer to use the fabric for something else like curtains or pillows it's at the ready. These first two are from the kitchen, so it's easy to make a shorter version the old way... actually sewing it!

I was using this length of grain sack fabric with the old window box full of Hydrangeas in Fall colors. When September came around I just added in the white pumpkins to the florals... instant Fall Centerpiece.

8. China, Pottery, and Ironstone. Going along with colors and table linens using table settings that reflect the Season is another way to bring in the feel of Fall. I don't have a lot of dishes, but I really love Transferware and have several pieces of Brown and Red. During Late Summer and Fall, the Brown transferware pieces get top billing, whether I'm displaying them in the China Cupboard or using them for a Tablescape. Take advantage of Harvest Gatherings and Thanksgiving by bringing out the seasonal china and pottery pieces.

9. Don't forget the Porch. Fall is such a fun time to decorate the front porch and deck. Clean out all the dead summer pots and grab those Mums as soon as you can. I know they start showing up here in late August. I try to buy mums in their various stages of bloom. I find the ones that have just a hint of bloom are just as pretty as those in full flower. Keep your ferns alongside for greenery, and when the pumpkins and gourds hit the market stand, I say "more the merrier". Enjoy the cooler evenings on the porch with decorative pillows and quilts too.

just add Pumpkins...

Adding some preserved Fall leaves and a ribbon 

can take your late Summer door basket into Fall.

10. Create Seasonal Vignettes and Displays. Whether it's a simple bowl of seasonal fruit like apples, pears, pumpkins, or hedge apples, or a grouping of cloches, be sure they reflect the Season. Using dried leaves and Bittersweet can go a long way to add some "Fall" to your everyday transitional elements. 

All of these photos are from August or early September past posts. I'm usually in a hurry for September to get here, but I love the Autumn season so much it's worth it to get ahead of things just a little. I'm inspired and already thinking about the arrival of Fall. Keep these little tips in mind when you feel the urge to embrace the idea of Fall. And no matter what the Season, these same little tips can take you into the next season, just use the colors and flavors of the Season you're heading into. Have fun this month making the transition from Summer to a little hint of Fall!

joining in here:

Sundays at Home at Little Farmstead

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

The Scoop At Worthing Court

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Inspire Me at A Stroll Thru Life
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Share Your Style at The Essence of Home
Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage