As the weather turns cooler in the autumn months and the leaves start to change, it's time to cozy up our homes and embrace the beauty of fall. We have compiled a list of some helpful tips from our interior designer to create a warm cozy fall aesthetic in your home.

Switch out your pillows and throws. Here you may have had lighter and brighter colors on your accent pillows, swap them out for warmer, deeper colors. Burnt orange looks stunning with navy blue, which has been making a comeback this year. Dark olives look beautiful with neutral creams and tans. Velvets are all the rage, and you can find them in stores like Home Goods and Target in hues of rust or deep oranges, burgundies, and olives.



For texture, add chunky knit throws, as this not only looks cozy but also adds a wonderful texture to a sofa or chair. I also have them draping out of a large basket next to a fireplace or chair for a spot of added color where needed. Warm plaids can also add pattern, and can tie together 2 or 3 colors in a room.

Don't forget your bedrooms! Rich velvet comforters and pillows add a warm, cozy feel. I found quite a few beautiful comforter sets at Target this past month to use in our new model homes.

Add basket trays for texture and fall color. These can be placed on your bed, a coffee table, or on an ottoman. I often will add a candle and a few faux pumpkins in varied sizes and colors. Hobby Lobby, At Home, and Home Goods are my go-to places for all things fall! Again, velvet pumpkins and pumpkins made of wood or wicker can be mixed for added interest. Add a sprig of bittersweet or fall leaves in amongst the pumpkins.

Add scents throughout your home! Plug-ins are terrific for adding the warm apple pie, cinnamon, pumpkin and other wonderful smells of the season!

Decorating your mantel for the season is not just for the holidays! Take out your green sprigs in a jug or vase and substitute them for tall fall leaf sprigs. Pottery Barn has some beautifully realistic ones, as does Hobby Lobby. Use a fall leaf garland and add some teeny brown wire light strings throughout and turn your lights down low for that perfect autumn ambiance!

Add candles throughout your home. I love the battery operated candles you can now get almost anywhere! Especially the ones with a built-in timer. Set the time for around 6 p.m. or whenever it starts getting dark out and suddenly you will have a home filled with flickering light that is so welcoming! These can also be put in lanterns next to your fireplace, or use outdoor candles in lanterns at your front door, on your patio or deck, next to a chair or bench.

For your exterior decorating, add pumpkins and mums along with lanterns on either side of your front door, on a bench, along your front beds or at your lamp post. These touches will add beautiful fall color to compliment the changing leaves in your trees and surrounding landscape.

So, as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, cozy up with a cup of hot apple cider, a throw over your lap and a crackling fire in the fireplace. Your home should be a place you can come in from a long day to relax and unwind.

Get more design inspiration for your home with our galleries!

Fall in love with your new home and decorate it for autumn!