As the sizzling summer temperatures start to cool and crisper, cozier weather sets in, you may want to embody the feeling of warmth and coziness in your home by adding a few fall decor updates to reflect the current season. TABLE Magazine spoke with Laura Bonucchi, principal designer and owner of Pittsburgh’s DTSH Interiors, for a few tips and tricks on bringing that fall feeling indoors in 2023.
When creating a vignette of seasonal decor, I always opt for items that have impact and will make a statement. For me, this means fewer larger-scale items placed in a prominent location. I.e., less is more. I prefer this approach to many small decorative knick-knacks.
Here are some key areas of the home I like to focus on, sure to have the most impact:
Entryway
Roxanne’s Dried Flowers in the Strip District creates gorgeous, high-quality wreaths and florals.
Your foyer sets the tone for the rest of the home, and so does your front door!
Add a large seasonal decorative wreath to your front door featuring the colors of fall: burnt oranges, yellows, browns, and reds. Accent the surrounding area with larger-scale lanterns. I like to opt for LED candles to create ambiance in the evening.
Go one step further by adding a seasonal doormat, and possibly some natural items from the local market: pumpkins or gourds.
Living Room
Hot Haute Hot in the Strip District showcases some moody and exotic homewares.
The easiest way to make your living room feel cozier and more autumnal is to switch out the pillows on the sofa.
One space-saving trick I employ year-round: having one set of the same size pillow forms/inserts. My decor/storage hack: having multiple pillow covers in these exact sizes, to fit the same set of pillow forms. Instead of storing multiple pillows, I have one compact box of seasonal pillow covers. They fold and tuck away nicely. It’s easy to switch things up!
Other areas to focus on here are the coffee table and fireplace mantel. I love to use items of varied heights and shapes, such as sculptural vases and candle holders, like the above made by local artist Hanna Dausch.
Dining Room
Gather, Sewickley has an incredible selection of tableware and vases.
In the dining room, I love to have a seasonal centerpiece on the table. Use large textured vases with natural branches and seasonal faux florals.
Bedrooms
For bedrooms, you can use a similar approach to that of the living room.
Make sure to add extra blankets that are thick and warm, accent pillows, and even seasonal artwork, to tie everything together.
Seasonal Scents
PGH Candle in the North Shore presents a delicious assortment of fall-themed, hand-poured, soy wax-scented candles.
Throughout the house, I love to include some seasonal scents. This helps to reinforce all the physical decorations used, and to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Try to incorporate diffusers and scented candles featuring cinnamon, apple cider, or pumpkin spice.
Colors, Fabrics, and Natural Elements
Richly colored velvet pillows, perfect for fall, at Pittsburgh Custom Furniture in The Strip District.
When it comes to seasonal decor, it’s important to keep things simple.
Focus on using earthy tones, burnt orange, and ochre yellow to infuse fall into your home’s decor. Rich textures like velvet, corduroy, and fur can further help to inject texture and warmth into the home. These materials are great for decorative pillows and blankets.
Pumpkin spice-scented Potpourri at Roxanne’s Dried Flowers.
With this vibrant palette of richly colored changing leaves and scents, all while adding natural elements from the farmers’ market, you are sure to create a true representation of the season’s harvest.
Additionally, appealing to the sense of smell creates a delicious anticipation of the best of the fall season; steaming warm soups, football Sundays, and holiday gatherings with loved ones… all soon to come.
By using these seasonal decor tips, you are sure to set a cozy vibe for the season!
Story by Laura Bonucchi
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