How I Decorate for Fall

Decorating for the season doesn’t mean that you have to change or re-style all of your décor. It doesn’t even mean you have to use pumpkins! It can be as easy as switching out a few things or adding a few extra elements to your existing set up. But the best way to really create a fall vibe is to add multiple layers of things so that you’re activating all of the senses while being in a space.

While I’m still collecting my décor for the holiday season (here is a post with all of my fall faves so far), here are a few things that I’ll be doing at home to prep for fall…

Adding Fall Decorative Accents

This is when adding a few sprinklings of non-Halloween related pumpkins in August/September is totally acceptable. I usually try to buy some in fabric, faux ones in neutral colors or warmer tones so that I can use them for Fall and Halloween. And if I’m buying any real pumpkins, I usually preserve them using this method, and then paint them a color that goes well with my décor. When buying pumpkins, just remember to get them in various sizes so that they’re interesting to look at when grouped together.

I got most of these pumpkins from @harakatsah and the fabric ones were made by a local vendor

Adding Some Cozy Vibes

I love adding some fluffy and soft cushions and blankets to my seating to step up the coziness at home. Think chunky knits, faux fur, bouclé (my fave!) and anything that’s heavier in texture. Even if it’s not cold outside, it’ll totally give you the feel of fall!

While I use the beautiful blanket that my mom made for me all year long, it’s just perfect for fall and winter vibes

My chunky knit blanket (linked something similar here) and teddy faux fur cushions are from Pottery Barn.

Changing It Up with Warmer Tones

Now with my decorative accents and cozy textures, I always try to make sure that they’re in neutral colors or in warmer and earthy tones, such as rust, burnt orange, deep greens, shades of brown… These days, I’m loving yellow, rust and brown tones, but I suggest you choose colors that you gravitate towards so that it’s more fun to decorate. I also like to add baskets with blankets, some warm wooden decorative accents and a bit of antique brass

For top photo: Faux Magnolia Stems (linked similar item here), Ceramic Bowl, Large Planter & Wooden Decorative Links are from West Elm, and antique brass candlesticks are from Pottery Barn. The basket is from Home Centre.

Stepping Up the Mood Lighting

This is when lamps and candles can really help create that warm glow for a cozy atmosphere. These days, I usually don’t turn on as many lamps in the evening, and then also set these battery operated flameless candles from Pottery Barn on timers all fall and winter long. They’re pricey, but worth every single halala!

For top photo: Battery operated candle, Sconce & large plant pot are from Pottery Barn. Real fiddle leaf fig is from Sultan Gardens.

Adding Some Scented Candles

Along with mood lighting, I also make sure to scatter some real candles around the house that have a fall scent. My favorite fall scent for the past couple of years has been Pumpkin Clove by Bath & Bodyworks, but I also like to mix it up with Leaves and White Pumpkin. If not a candle, then this Williams Sonoma Potpourri stove-top recipe is my go-to. Just try to keep your scent consistent and not change it up too much from room-to-room. It gets a bit distracting when you get a different scent in every room!

Fall scented candles – Pumpkin Clove, Leaves & White Pumpkin – are from Bath & Bodyworks

Adding some Dried Flowers or Greenery

And lastly, I love adding some seasonal dried stems, faux stems or real greenery to the mix. Since Saudi doesn’t really have any seasonal greens, I take my cue from North America and get plants like dried eucalyptus stems, faux magnolia branches, real chrysanthemums (in fall colors), dried pampas grass, dried bunny tail grass, faux berry branches, faux maple leaf stems… Some of these will also transition well into winter. And if I see any greenery in fall colors, I usually pick those up as well!

The best part is, is that a lot of this translates really well into the winter season! I just take out some of the warmer tones, replace some of the greenery (my faux magnolia will transition straight into winter), and add some more decorative accents for a more winter feel.

Enjoy your fall decorating!