Ready or not, autumn is underway. Saying goodbye to summer is never easy, but the crisp weather and early darkness are a bit easier to bear if you have a warm and wonderful space to return to at the end of each day.
Adding a few soft touches that can be easily removed when the season ends is one way to usher in fall in style. Let’s look at some decorative pieces that create an atmosphere so relaxing you may wish it were autumn all year long.
Ground the room
It’s hard to knock the inherent beauty of hardwood floors. But come winter, those surfaces are often chilly underfoot. Adding a soft-to-the-touch sheepskin area rug to a room not only creates a visually-appealing focal point but also brings a gentle rustic charm to the space. When spring and summer arrive, simply roll up your rug and store it for next year.
Cozy up to luxurious bedding
For many, the bedroom is a sanctuary where they can enjoy a restorative respite from the pressures of everyday life. Making a few small changes to your bedding can make a big difference in increasing the comfort factor as temperatures drop. From fleece and flannel sheets to down comforters and velvet duvet covers, layer your bed with the timeless materials synonymous with luxurious living. Adding a throw blanket is an ideal way to incorporate a decorative flourish that includes a practical side.
Warm up your walls
Art work, mirrors, and family photos bring life to the walls of your home. But there are plenty of other options that add interest as well as texture. Consider hanging a handwoven tapestry that complements your decor. Or, create an accent wall with removable, textured wallpaper, which offers the best of all worlds: decorative appeal, do-it-yourself ease, and very low commitment.
Let there be light
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to understand the value of good lighting. As the days grow darker earlier, adding ambient light to your home is a must. From floor and table lamps to chandeliers pendant lights, the options are limitless. When possible, install a dimmer which allows you to determine the right amount of light for your space and taste. If you’re looking to establish a warm vibe, scented candles infuse the air with your favorite fragrance while entrancing you with their hypnotic flickering. If you have children or pets in the home, flameless, battery-operated candles are a safe alternative that provide light at the same time they offer peace of mind. Bring them outdoors to illuminate your porch or patio when spring returns.
Add the element of fire
Enjoying company and conversation around a roaring fire lets you savor your outdoor space a little bit longer. Fire pits, available in an array of shapes, sizes, and shades, evoke an old fashioned feeling of camaraderie and offer a chance to step away from the modern world’s high-tech trappings. If you’re not inclined to stoke the flames, consider purchasing a propane fire pit that allows you to sit back and relax.
Embracing the change of season is easier once you’ve created a cozy and comfortable home that offers warmth as the days turn colder. Consider incorporating these amenities that will help you make the most of autumn.