I’m an interior design expert – five tips to cozy up your home for fall on a budget
SEPTEMBER has officially arrived, which means most of us are now looking for cozy autumn decorations.
As the nights get darker and temperatures drop, we’re all looking forward to being nice and warm at home.
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According to experts, giving your home an autumnal glow doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Interior designers have revealed their top five tips for getting your home ready for the season ahead without spending a fortune.
Johanna Constantinou, trend expert at Tapi Carpets and Floors, shares her inspiration for how to get through the dark evenings.
From adding mood lighting to displaying favorite items and pumpkin-scented candles, there are some quick ways to create a cozy feeling without breaking the bank.
With these simple tips you can create a homely and cozy atmosphere, ready for the colder days.
Johanna says: “With the autumn months upon us, many of us are spending more time at home and are craving the need to get cosy room with the changing of the seasons.
Replace your cushion covers with autumnal fabrics or place a pumpkin candle in your hallway for a real seasonal scent.
“There are countless ways to update your home this season on a budget.”
Place candles in your home
An easy way to make your home cozy is to place candles in the room.
Johanna explains: “Placing candles in your home creates a warm light, perfect for rainy autumn days.
“There is an abundance of cheap candles in all scents and colors.
“By choosing neutral tones, you create extra coziness in your home.
“Candles with earthy scents, such as sandalwood or lavender, can add a calming and luxurious atmosphere to your home on chilly evenings.”
Add mood lighting with fairy lights
Got a box of fairy lights lying around? Well, now you can pull them out and use them to get your home ready for fall.
According to experts: “Opt for string lights in warmer tones to add a warm ambiance to any room.
“If they are solar powered, they can be charged during the day in the light by a window.
“An inexpensive addition to your home!”
Mixing textiles
By stocking your home with plenty of blankets and soft pillows, you can transform your home into a paradise this time of year.
Johanna advises: “Having enough blankets at home is a must!
“Adding pillows with a warm, neutral texture creates an even more welcoming feel.
“If you’re on a budget, you can often buy second-hand pillows and blankets at thrift stores. You can often find unique pieces that fit your style.
“Also keep an eye on the offers and see if there are items that you like and that fit in with your current interior.”
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Add lots of plants
A surprising way to get your home ready for fall is to put lots of plants in empty spaces.
The experts explain: “If you stick to natural decorations, plants are a must-have.
“Not only do they improve the air quality in your home, they also add a pop of green and a homely atmosphere in every room.
Before purchasing, check specific care instructions, as some plants prefer a shady spot, while others need full sun.
“Texture is the finishing touch when you want to bring the outdoors in. It connects the rough with the smooth, adds contrast to colors and builds visually appealing layers.
“Use a variety of fabrics, work with wood, metal and tiles and create accents with mood lighting and mirrors to complete the look.
“Layer your approach by hanging macramé pendants from the ceiling with pots of ferns, arching stems, and then use any shelves to showcase a selection of pots and textures.
“This allows you to use all available space to fully immerse each room in the trend.”
Paint Colors to Avoid This Fall
NOW that fall has officially begun, homeowners may want to embrace the change of season with a fresh coat of paint.
But while some popular shades have stood the test of time, others have quickly fallen out of fashion.
Interior design expert Anne Haimes, design director and founder of Anne Haimes Interiors, shares which colors have lost their magic and what you can replace them with.
- Navy Blue – Navy is one of those classic shades that will never go away completely, but while it exudes sophistication, it can lack warmth and homeliness. Try dark olive green instead.
- Soft grey – While colors were once praised for their timeless and versatile appearance, trends have now evolved towards more complex and intriguing colors and warmer tones are more popular.
- Screaming red – The bold primary red may be too harsh for interiors and a softer shade can look very modern. Instead, try brownish reds like rust.
- Barbie pink – This is perfect for adding a feminine punch to interiors, but it can be tricky to live with. If you want to keep the bright, electrifying tones, try an electric coral instead.
- Typical blue-green – While teal tones were all the rage, especially when paired with blues and greens, they’ve become a bit overused and predictable. Instead, try earthy tones like terracotta and olive green, or muted hues like sage and muted lavender.
Decorate your walls with photos
If you find yourself staring at a bare wall from the comfort of your couch, it’s time for a change, says Johanna.
She suggests: “Add your own photos and paintings to your gallery. If you want to add picture frames, look for inexpensive wooden options.
“Or you can combine your finds from a thrift store.
Another option is to teach yourself how to make macrame into a boho style wall hanging to add a dynamic decoration to your wall.
“You can find dozens of instructional videos online and you can work on your new wall decoration on rainy days.”
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