Decorating & Design
September 21, 2018
15 Of Our Favorite Decorating Moves For Fall
These classic design elements are right in sync with fall’s cozy, comfortable vibe. Here’s what we’re excited to bring into our homes this autumn.
The smell of wood smoke, the crackle of the flames: a roaring fire enhances the atmosphere on chilly fall nights like nothing else. In designer James Davie’s library, a dramatic mantel topped by a gilded Federal mirror makes it even more of a draw.
On the fence about the fuzzy stools that pop up in designer homes with regularity? Picture propping your slipper-clad feet on one, or use it for extra seating and everyone will be clamoring for a fireside perch. Sold yet? Find out how to make your own here.
If you’re done with cotton but not quite ready for flannel, slip between linen sheets. The material is lightweight, but has a substantial body, and doesn’t require pressing to look its best.
Take a page from fashion designers (and tastemakers) Hubert de Givenchy and Tori Burch, who both have green velvet sofas in their living rooms, and pick up some plush throw pillows to cozy up your sofa for the season.
Warm metallics have been nudging silver out of the limelight in recent years in just about every facet of home decor, including tabletop. The burnished lustre of gold-toned and brass flatware reflects the candlelight and brings a luscious warmth to a place setting.
It’s the time of year to get more enlightened. These graphic tapers add a pop of color but don’t scream “holiday.” You can make your own DIY versions here and coordinate them to your decor, or try stripes in traditional fall colors like persimmon and forest green.
Nothing could be easier than gathering a few branches to make a sculptural, large-scale arrangement like this one, since fall branches can be found around almost every corner this time of year. Look for branches with berries, seed pods, or as seen here, rose hips, to provide pretty fall color and interest.
A densely patterned, bold rug is so inviting it practically begs you to kick off your shoes. The heirloom Persian rug that anchors the den in columnist Amoryn Engel’s home is striking enough to balance the blue lacquered walls.
Stoneware has a heft that just lends itself to hearty fall fare like soups, mashed potatoes and casseroles. The glaze gives these pieces a handmade, artisanal look, and stoneware makes rustic comfort food seem even more appetizing.
The timeworn patina of pewter — think chargers and pitchers — is a natural for fall tables. Its hefty good looks make pewter a perfect partner for linen tablecloths and enamelware (we’ll take a cup of that apple cider too, thanks).
Fall is the perfect time to experiment with a dramatic, moody shade. Try navy, emerald green or a graphite in a principal bedroom for a cocooning effect. Here, Benjamin Moore’s Hunter Green makes this room feel particularly luxurious.
Maybe it’s the scenic images or the autumnal color palette of these plates, but transferware looks so pretty on a fall table. Whether transferware is plated underneath some turkey or displayed en masse in a hutch, it always captures a nostalgic touch of vintage charm.
Think of it as putting a sweater on bare painted walls: wallpaper adds dimension, texture and color. This stunning block-print paper chosen by designer Gil Schafer has a lively autumnal palette and traditional motif to set off this azure mantel to perfection.
The leaves may be turning outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t make summer linger inside. The twin trees in food stylist’s Sasha Seymour’s kitchen thrive in plenty of light, and add an essential touch of greenery all year long.
Swapping up breezy sheers for more substantial drapery panels not only has a visually warming effect on windows, drawing them closed creates a bit of insulation to help block drafts.
Virginia Macdonald
House & Home February 2018
J Gibson