Nights are starting to come earlier, the weather is getting chillier, and Halloween is just around the corner. With the autumn season entering full swing, now is the perfect time to consider some fun interior design change-ups to suit the changing of the seasons.

As the weather continues to get colder, the atmosphere of the home zone becomes an even more aspect of our everyday lives. So with an eye towards the coziness of sweater weather, fall holidays, and the season of pumpkin spice lattes (and pumpkin spice everything, let’s be honest), let’s take a look at the top four interior design trends for fall 2021.

1. Earthy, Natural Color Accents

The trees outside are just starting to transform from their summer greens into that ephemeral and resplendent autumn display. Fiery reds, bright yellows, and warm oranges make the landscape outside come alive with color, and it just so happens that those are also the warm side of the color spectrum. So you may want to introduce some bright pops of the color palette of autumn in your home.

On-trend for autumn this year, designers and home decorators are increasingly embracing a natural, earthy color palette with autumnal hue highlights. Forest green and earthy colors like burnt sienna and yellow ochre create a modern yet classic nature look. Think 1970’s colors and a living room bursting with plants.

Try changing out simple elements, like introducing some new pillow covers for the sofa, tossing an earthy-hued blanket over the bed, or switching up your placemats and dishware to welcome in the harvest season. Repainting a cabinet or bookshelf is always an option if you are looking for a fun DIY project for the season. And hanging plants like ferns can help create that earthy atmosphere in any room.

2. Layer Up Textures

Fall means the approach of hibernation season, so now is the perfect time to layer up spaces with a variety of cozy and interesting textures. Velvet sofa cushions layered with thick chunky knit blankets create a super cozy atmosphere, inviting you to curl up with a good book and a hot cup of coffee as the autumn breezes blow outside.

Try mixing and matching different colors and fabrics to create a more dynamic atmosphere: silky cashmere, soft faux fur, wooly bouclé, and thick hand-embroidered pillowcases can all lend themselves to a gorgeous living room or bedroom display- and one that you will want to sink right into.

To fully embrace that classic-contemporary, Mid-century modern style, mix up the coziness of your fabrics and textiles with hints of industrial materials, like stainless steel, copper, or bronze. Small accent pieces can lend a shiny metallic sheen to an otherwise soft and cozy atmosphere in any room. That contrast helps to keep your space both trendy and comfortable at the same time.

3. Delight All The Senses

This year many of us are cautiously returning to the idea that the fall season is the time to host people in person. After over a year of interacting with loved ones both near and far primarily over the internet (hello Zoom holidays!), our design trends for this season are definitely influenced by the cautiously optimistic desire to reunite in person. With that in mind, kitchens and living rooms are some of the main areas of focus for designers this season.

Creating space for entertaining visitors means not only refreshing the colors, lighting, and materials in each space but also considering each of the five senses. Soft fabrics to touch and lighting that feels good on the eyes can pair up with soothing music floating from your smart speakers. A bouquet of flowers can provide a bright eye-catching burst of color, as well as filling the room with the aroma of freshly cut flowers.

Lighting candles throughout your home creates a warm seasonal glow, and perfumes every room, or opt for a flame-free essential oil diffuser if you are worried about fire hazards. Scent is an easy way to totally refurbish a room without even changing the décor, and you can easily change up the types of scents you want to infuse your home with for each changing season.

4. Cozy Nooks and Crannies

Fall is a time for cozy reading sessions, movie watching, or just curling up with a blanket and journaling. So creating a sweet and cozy reading nook is a great way to embrace the season, while utilizing small spaces in the home. Take advantage of a particular windowsill and fill the corner with a bookshelf, sweet tray tables for hot drinks and cookies, and plenty of blankets and pillows in the earthy colors of the season.

Or use a room divider to separate out a smaller area within a larger space. Place your favorite armchair and a good reading lamp in that divvied-up room and you will feel like you are in your own private library, the ideal place to get lost in your favorite book.

If you have a free corner, you can even make use of the floor to completely transform that small space. Pull up some faux-fur rugs or chunky floor cushions and fill the area with oversized pillows- simple additions can make your small space feel luxurious and warm. Your home should be your sanctuary, a place you can feel safe, cozy, warm, and relaxed. Creating your own little reading nook to settle into can help support that feeling.

Final Thoughts

This season, interior design trends are all about creating a stylish, warm, and cozy environment. So to embrace the trends of the season, follow these basic rules: Mix and match materials to create an interesting and modern visual texture. Incorporate more natural and earthy colors and elements by including accent furniture pieces, cushions, plants, and more. Spruce up the small spaces in your home to make cozy areas where you can curl up all throughout the winter. And get your home ready for entertaining: tis the season of warmth and togetherness, feasts and frights. The top design trends for fall 2021 will definitely make your home a sweet cozy refuge, perfect for making warm memories with family and friends.