4 Home Decor Items You Don’t Need for the Fall, According to Designers
In the interior design world, fall is quite literally a homecoming. After spending the past few months outside, standing around the grill or hanging out on patio furniture, you’re probably ready to start focusing on your indoor spaces. But even though it’s tempting to fill your space (and cart) with a bunch of new seasonal decor, your home doesn’t need all the seasonal bells and whistles to feel special.
If you want to bring a pared-back approach to your autumn accessories, a few designers are sharing the fall decor they’d skip this season.
So Long, Seasonal Cookware
Before you pick up special pumpkin-shaped bowls for soup season, designer Noelle Harvey of Sunday House says this is one category you can skip. “[I’m] all for filling your home with things you love, but don’t feel pressure to buy tableware that’s fall-inspired,” she says. “Dinnerware and serveware take up a lot of space and can be expensive, so it doesn’t make sense to bring out a different set every season.”
Instead, Harvey recommends buying investment-worthy dinnerware you can use year-round. From there, you can sprinkle in some stylish, autumnal linens for a seasonal touch. “I don’t advise clients to buy spooky or pumpkin-themed linens, which limit themselves to use once a year,” designer Callie Windle says.
Of course, if you have the space for them and they bring you joy, go for it! Otherwise, “Use linens that coordinate with your existing home decor, or pretty solids or patterns that work throughout the year, like gingham, stripes, or small prints,” Windle adds. “These timeless pieces will provide you a foundation for decorating for all seasons!”
Part Ways with Plastic
Fall foliage can be a classic way to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside, but designer Christopher Riggleman is wary about choosing store-bought supplies. “Stop buying seasonal plastic decor for the sake of having them forever,” he says. “Decorate with natural gourds and pumpkins that can be turned into food for yourself or returned to nature when you’re finished with them.”
For an easy alternative, try fresh flowers. “Varieties like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and marigolds are perfect for fall,” says designer Stephanie Mahaney. “They bring in natural beauty and warmth with their autumnal hues.” Not only can fresh be swapped out regularly to reflect the changing season, but it’ll also look more polished (and be more sustainable!) than plastic.
Say Goodbye to (Some) Seasonal Candles
Whiffs of pumpkin and cinnamon are great, but for designer Azali Kassum, there’s a limit. “I draw the line at pumpkin- or apple cinnamon-scented anything that isn’t coming directly out of the oven,” she shares. If pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon scents are your favorites, don’t restrict yourself — but if you’re looking for other options, read on.
The secret is to select “small touches that hint at the season without being too on-the-nose,” Kassum explains. “There are so many incredible scents on the market these days that you can find something that feels like fall — with notes of jasmine, amber, and musk or woodsy undertones — but isn’t overpowering,” she adds. For inspiration, check out these fall-focused candles.
Toodles, Throw Pillows
Can a person ever have too many throw pillows? If you ask designer Kristina Phillips, the answer is yes — if your seasonal cushions read more kitschy than cute.
“Skip putting themed pillows on your sectional, and instead focus on quality fabrics and materials that layer in luxury,” she says. “Placing velvet pillows in plums and ochre, along with creamy cashmere throws, will elevate your space and create timeless style.” If you’re looking to cut down on your cushion budget, one AT writer found the perfect solution to save big: DIYing your own throw pillows.
Further Reading
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
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