It’s officially time for pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin picking and, most importantly, fall decorating. While it’s always a thrill to transform your home for the crisp autumn weather, it can be difficult to find decor that doesn’t focus on a certain holiday or theme but instead matches your existing design style.
“There’s a way to be design-conscious that incorporates cohesive color and patterns to create an inviting fall vibe,” says Katie Schroder of Atelier Interior Design.
Whether it’s embracing a fall color scheme, setting out decorative gourds to spruce up your porch or arranging a holiday table that will impress guests, interior designers have tips and tricks to capture the essence of the season. Just keep in mind that when it comes to fall decorating, what’s actually more important is what not to do. But don’t worry — design pros are here to share the most common fall decorating mistakes you may be making when that chill hits the air.
The Most Common Fall Decorating Mistakes
🛑 Taking the theme too far
While there are tons of decorative signs and welcome mats out there with sayings like ‘Sweater Weather’ and ‘Oh my Gourd,’ there are more subtle ways to showcase the beauty of fall.
“One of the biggest mistakes we see with fall decorating is the urge to spell out that the season has arrived! Instead of displaying signs that read ‘Harvest’ or ‘Fall Is Here,’ consider making your home warmer by adding simple touches, including layered blankets and throws,” says Diane Rath of The Rath Project.
🛑 Focusing only on holiday-themed pieces
Instead of going literal with fall decor and incorporating pieces that are specific to certain holidays, try weaving in designs that show off colors and patterns that feel right for the season.
“Rather than sourcing Halloween or Thanksgiving-specific decor, I prefer to find fall-inspired pieces that feel relevant and festive for the entirety of the season. Our family loves going apple picking, so I always have a large bowl of apples (in various hues) on our kitchen island. It’s such a simple thing and yet it feels so cozy and festive,” says Meghan Jay of Meghan Jay Designs.
🛑 Abandoning the little things
While it may seem like there’s a lot of fall decorating tasks to handle, designers suggest keeping it simple by highlighting the small things.
“A signature holiday scent, candle light, fall-colored throws and a beautiful frame holding that ‘hand turkey’ your kid painted when they were five can go a very long way,” says Shroder.
You can even use comfy seating and interactive board games to create a warm autumn mood. “Putting out a few poufs by the fireplace and adding books and games to your coffee table for the fall is a way to decorate by bringing people together,” says Rath.
🛑 Being afraid to go moody
“Color is so important to seasonal storytelling: Summer is often filled with shades of light blues, sunny yellows and playful corals. Fall is a bit moodier; one of the best ways to make sure your fall home transitions with impact is to incorporate that richer palette,” says Jessie Sierra Ross, author of Seasons Around The Table.
Ross suggests looking to fall foliage for inspiration, incorporating “golden yellows, fiery oranges and deep reds.” But if these colors are too much for you, try offsetting them with lighter tones.
🛑 Forgetting about texture
Decorating for fall is more than what we see around the house. It’s also about what we feel. “Fall is about warmth, so incorporating different textures (like soft throws, wicker and natural elements) can enhance the cozy vibe,” says Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories.
Ross suggests going for one of her favorites — velvet decorative pumpkins. You can also try piling up some cozy throw blankets and pillows on the couch for a warmer, more inviting environment.
🛑 Overlooking your existing home decor
While decorating for any season is a chance to add new life to your home, don’t overlook the design decisions you’ve already made. Try matching fall decor with your home’s personality for a more cohesive look.
“It’s always important to stay true to your personal design aesthetic, no matter how maximalist or minimalist you are,” says Samantha Stathis, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx Home Style Expert.
That means not being afraid to embrace your style, regardless of whether you’re into sleek, modern design or bold, patterned eclectic decor. Have fun choosing fall-related pieces that complement your interior design preferences, and enjoy the season!
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.
