When I say I can’t wait for fall, I’m not exaggerating. Despite being a summer birthday girl, fall truly feels like my season (and I know I’m not alone in that!). There’s something magical about strolling through the city with leaves crunching underfoot, curling up with a Meg Ryan movie and a mug of hot cider, and hunting for vintage-style chunky knit sweaters at thrift shops. Okay, maybe I’m getting a bit ahead of myself—it’s only August! But honestly, fall will be here before we know it (yay!), so it’s the perfect time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the season.

If you’re not quite ready to dive into full-blown fall decor, there are some subtler ways to cozy up your space without going all-in on pumpkin spice. Here are seven simple tips to transition your decor from summer to fall (and yes, one of them definitely involves stocking up on fall candles). Happy nesting!

Add Natural & Landscape Prints

Add Natural & Landscape Prints

Landscape prints are timeless, capturing the beauty and essence of nature in a way that perfectly complements fall home decor. The rich, moody hues found in these prints evoke the warmth and cosiness that define the season. I have a particular fondness for searching local flea markets and vintage stores, always on the lookout for those perfect, atmospheric landscape paintings that bring a touch of history and charm to a space.

However, you don’t have to limit yourself to these sources—many retailers offer affordable landscape prints that can seamlessly fit into your decor. Additionally, with the growing availability of downloadable art, you can find stunning options online that you can print yourself, making it easier than ever to curate a collection that reflects your style.

Once you’ve gathered your landscape prints, consider placing them in ornate gold frames to enhance their classic appeal. These frames add a touch of elegance and sophistication, making the artwork stand out. You can then lean these framed pieces atop your mantel, bookshelf, or nightstand, creating a focal point that draws the eye and adds a warm, inviting atmosphere to your home. The combination of rich autumnal colours and the timeless beauty of landscape art will undoubtedly elevate your fall decor, making your space feel cosy and thoughtfully curated.

Switch Out Your Summer Blooms

Switch Out Your Summer Blooms

If you’re anything like me, your home has likely been overflowing with vibrant blooms from Trader Joe’s and delightful bouquets from farmer’s markets all summer long. Those fresh flowers have undoubtedly brought a cheerful touch to your space, but as the weather begins to cool, it’s time to transition your floral decor to something more fitting for the autumn season.

Instead of the bright, summery blooms, consider incorporating elements like branches, dried flowers, or pampas grass. These alternatives capture the essence of fall with their earthy tones and natural textures, bringing a sense of warmth and cosiness into your home. Branches can add an architectural element to your decor, while dried flowers offer a rustic, timeless appeal. Pampas grass, with its soft, feathery plumes, brings both height and texture to any arrangement.

What’s even better is that these autumnal options are incredibly budget-friendly. Unlike fresh flowers, which need to be replaced regularly, branches, dried flowers, and pampas grass can last for months, making them a long-lasting and cost-effective choice. Plus, their longevity means you can enjoy the beauty of fall in your home all season long, without the need for constant upkeep. Embracing these natural, autumn-inspired elements will not only refresh your space but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere that perfectly aligns with the changing seasons.

Throw some Throw & Throw Pillows

Throw some Throw & Throw Pillows

If you’re someone who’s always feeling the chill, you might have throw blankets within reach all year round. But if it’s been a while since you’ve thought about snuggling up on the sofa with a cosy, fuzzy blanket, consider this your gentle nudge to treat yourself to a new knit throw that will keep you warm and snug throughout the season.

When selecting the perfect throw, take the time to choose one that not only offers warmth but also complements your living room decor. Opt for a colour or pattern that harmonizes with your existing furniture and accents, ensuring it seamlessly integrates into your space. That way, when it’s not in use, you can casually drape it over the back of your sofa, adding a touch of texture and comfort to your room’s aesthetic. A well-chosen throw blanket is not just a practical accessory for cooler weather—it’s also an effortless way to enhance the cosy ambience of your home all season long.

Introduce fall scents

Introduce fall scents

Pumpkin-scented candles are undeniably one of the quintessential pleasures of fall, evoking the warm, cosy ambience that we all look forward to as the leaves begin to change. Now is the perfect time to start stocking up on these seasonal delights—after all, they’ve been gracing the shelves at HomeGoods and TJ Maxx since mid-July, not that I’m complaining!

To fully embrace the season, take the opportunity to select a variety of scents that will bring you comfort and joy throughout the cooler months. Whether you prefer the rich aroma of spiced pumpkin, the soothing notes of vanilla, or a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, these candles will infuse your home with the essence of autumn. Once you’ve gathered your favourite fall fragrances, strategically place them throughout your apartment, creating little pockets of cosiness in every room.

As you welcome these new scents, it’s also a great time to bid farewell to the fresh, fruity aromas of summer. Carefully store away your peach, lemon, and other summery candles in a storage bin, ready to be brought out again when the warm weather returns. Until then, it’s all about embracing the comforting warmth of vanilla, pumpkin spice, and other fall favourites. By making this simple switch, you’ll effortlessly transform your space into a haven of autumnal bliss, ready to enjoy as the days grow shorter and the air grows crisper.

Change up your throw pillow covers

Affordable pillow covers are a game-changer when it comes to refreshing my living room decor whenever the mood strikes. They offer an effortless way to transform the look and feel of a space without the need for a major overhaul. As early fall approaches, I find myself gravitating towards neutral hues, which create a soft, welcoming ambience that perfectly bridges the gap between the vibrant tones of summer and the deeper, richer colours of late autumn. Velvets, moody greens, and rust shades will make their appearance later in the season, but for now, the subtle elegance of neutrals sets the stage beautifully.

One of the best things about pillow covers is their practicality. I never hesitate to collect a variety of them because they’re so easy to store. When I’m ready to switch things up, I can simply fold them neatly and tuck them into an under-bed bin, keeping them out of sight until they’re needed again. This allows me to maintain a versatile collection that can be rotated throughout the year, ensuring my living room always feels fresh and seasonally appropriate. With pillow covers, I can indulge in my love for decor without breaking the bank or cluttering my home—it’s the perfect balance of style and convenience.

Snuggle Up Your Bedding

Snuggle Up Your Bedding

Farewell to lightweight cooling sheets—cosy bedding season is officially here. While it might not be quite time to break out the flannel sheets just yet, it’s wise to start preparing for the chillier nights that lie ahead. Transitioning to a warmer bedding setup is a great way to ensure you stay comfortable as the temperatures drop.

Personally, I’m a fan of soft cotton sheets for their breathability and comfort, but there are other easy ways to introduce warmth into your bedroom. Consider layering a quilt or blanket over your existing bedding for an instant boost of cosiness. This simple addition can transform your bed into a snug retreat, making it easy to embrace the autumnal shift and enjoy those crisp, cool nights. Whether you opt for plush cotton or a comforting quilt, preparing your bedding for the season will help you stay warm and cosy as the weather turns.