14 Easy Ways to Transition Summer Décor to Fall, According to Interior Designers

Replace Bright Accent Colors

Trading bright citrus tones and cool beachy blues for warm earth tones is one of the easiest ways to give otherwise neutral rooms an autumn feel, says Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co. This can be achieved by swapping accessories in summer hues for iterations in burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep red. "These colors not only reflect the season but also add a cozy, inviting feel to any room," says Chiprut.

Choose Cozy Textures

As brisk air slowly takes over for hot and humid weather, up your home's comfort factor with plush fabrics. "Throws and pillows in warm tones and heavy textures in your bedrooms and on sofas and accent chairs are not only beautiful, they are perfect for keeping warm on a crisp fall day," says Stephanie Wiott of Stephanie Wiott Designs. "As the temperatures start to become cooler, add warmth to any space by incorporating layers of warm, soft texture."

Swap Out Warm-Weather Bedding

Replace the light, cool sheets, and thin blankets that kept you comfortable during summer with winter-ready satin, flannel, or fleece, says Aimee Meisgeier of AM Interior Design.

Then, add blankets, duvets, and pillows to create the ultimate cold-weather nest. "Layer with the perfect duvet, bringing in the fall shades, and add the right pillows and throw for the finishing touch," says Alexis Vitale of Vitale Design Group. "Mix in textures that are cozy like chunky throws, velvet pillows, wool, and boucle. Layering all these textures with the right mix of color will instantly bring you comfort."

Set a Seasonal Table

As you make over your menu, switching grill-friendly entrees and light salads for cool-weather comfort food, add a few key tableware pieces that fit the season. "Fall is the season for hearty soups, stews, hot tea, and robust wines," says Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors. "Swap out your dining dishes and glassware for handmade bowls and mugs that elevate your mealtime experience. Don’t forget to upgrade your wine glasses and add cloth napkins in rich, seasonal colors to complete the cozy, fall-inspired table setting."

Incorporate Cozy Throws

Throw blankets are a foolproof way to add a seasonal vibe to your space, according to interior designers. Choose rich hues—cocoa, eggplant, hunter, navy, brick—or versatile neutrals in chunky, comfortable weaves and textures. Make the throws easy to access by placing them everywhere—from your favorite reading nook to your front porch bench—for a charming (and practical) accent.

Transition Outdoor Spaces

Don't rush to put away patio cushions and al fresco dining sets; instead, extend your outdoor season with cozy blankets, extra lighting, and a fire pit. "While summer may be winding down, early fall nights are perfect for outdoor entertaining," says Hillary Cohen of HCO Interiors. "It is a chance to transform your backyard with a charming fire pit area to fully enjoy the crisp evening air."

Swap Out Pillow Covers

Recovering your throw pillows is another low-effort, big-result technique. "Buy new pillow covers in earthy tones," says Meisgeier. "To save money, buy covers the same sizes as your current inserts and swap just the pillow covers, reusing the inserts."

Create a Cozy Glow

Earlier sunsets call for more indoor lighting—preferably the warm and inviting kind. "Introduce soft lighting with candles or lanterns to create a cozy atmosphere that feels appropriate for the season," say Heather Lucas and Katie Browning of Lucas Browning Design.

Smart home technology can also automatically adjust your lighting for seasonal changes, giving you a space that's just as welcoming without adding another task to your to-do list. "Use smart plugs to set your lamps and wall sconces to turn on earlier in the morning and evening," says Roe. "Ensure your fixtures are on dimmers or are using bulbs no brighter than 3000K to maintain a comfortable glow."

Rehang Autumn Artwork

Complement your fall color palette and rich textures with artwork that embodies fall. "We love switching out some of the home art with pieces that encompass the warm tones of fall," says Wiott. "Art with rolling landscapes using moody browns, deep reds, and lush greens is always a great way to layer warmth, creating those cozy fall vibes. Color-blocked art is always a win as well. Burgundies, deep reds, and oranges add a modern fall look to any home."

Work in Wood Tones and Woven Materials

Create a subtle, but warm look by incorporating wood tones and woven materials in nuanced ways. "Using storage baskets, decorative wood accessory pieces, or even adding small brass accents are all great ways to get that layered, warm, cozied up fall look," says Wiott.

Add Non-Traditional Accent Colors

Fall color palettes don't have to stick to traditional jewel and earth tones. Unanticipated takes on cooler shades can also add depth to your design. "Instead of traditional fall colors, consider coastal-inspired hues like deep greens, soft grays, and sandy beiges—tones that blend seamlessly with your year-round décor while still offering a nod to autumn," say Lucas and Browning.

Trade Summer Scents for Fall Aromas

Fill diffusers and light candles with seasonal scents. "Scents like cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, or wood smoke can transform the atmosphere of a space, making it feel warm and welcoming as the weather cools," says Chiprut. "Place these around living areas and entryways to greet residents and guests with the essence of autumn."

Bring the Outside In

Look to the great outdoors to inspire arrangements of fall foliage. "This can be as simple as replacing summer florals with vases of dried grasses or adding decorative bowls filled with seasonal produce like gourds and apples," says Chiprut. "It’s an easy way to reflect the season’s palette and textures."

Complete the look with the right vessel for your foraged arrangement. "I love using an organic vase with a lot of warm textures and then making a bold, dramatic statement with fall branches," says Vitale.