First Fall in Our New Home: Simple Autumn Touches

Simple fall decorating touches make this classic home feel cozy for the upcoming autumn season.

I’m excited to share some of the first seasonal touches in our new home. This will be our first fall here, and it’s been a joy to see how my existing decor fits into a different layout. Figuring out how to style a new space using many of the pieces I already own has been surprisingly fun.

First, let’s look at the living room. This is the only room on the makeover list that I’ve completed so far. There are a few things I’d like to change down the road—like the ceiling fan and the fireplace tile—but overall it feels settled and comfortable. It’s one of our favorite spots to relax.

We have a family movie night here every Friday, and I’m thrilled that football season is back. Even when the television is off, the wall of windows that looks out into our wooded backyard provides a beautiful view that will only get more stunning as the leaves change color. (I’ll admit I’m dreading the yard cleanup that comes with all those leaves.)

This year I kept the fall decor simple—no major overhaul—just new pillows and a few seasonal accents. I swapped the dogwood stems on the buffet for muted orange leaf stems that pop against the Hale Navy walls.

My current pillow strategy for the sectional has been a success. Here’s the combination I use:

Two solid pillow covers: placed one in the center and one on the right side—these act as neutrals that tie everything together.
Two pillows with a smaller print: balanced across the sofa to add subtle pattern without overwhelming the space.
Two slightly smaller pillows with a larger print: these add scale and seasonal interest and work well for autumn.
One smaller feature pillow in the middle: a seasonal motif, like a navy-and-white pumpkin design, makes a playful focal point and is easy to swap each year.

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I’ve used a pumpkin topiary for several years; the pumpkins often sell out, but the idea is simple—stack faux pumpkins of three different sizes and secure the stems so they sit neatly on top of each other. It’s an easy, budget-friendly accent that reads festive without being fussy.

The built-in shelves next to the fireplace mantel are a favorite place to decorate. I placed a dough bowl centerpiece filled with small pumpkins and seasonal accents there; it adds texture and warmth and helps create a cohesive vignette without overcrowding the shelves.

Our TV is a Frame TV, and one benefit is that I can swap the artwork it displays to suit the season. Since the mantel can’t be styled the same way it was in our last house, the changing artwork gives the room a refreshed look. A couple of faux olive topiaries finish the space and keep the overall palette soft and natural.

Moving into the kitchen, I’ve begun the makeover I’ve planned for that space, though I’m still waiting for a few key pieces to arrive. Shipping times seem much longer these days, so if you’re planning to refresh a room, order well in advance.

One quick change that made a big difference was swapping out the old light over the kitchen table for an inexpensive brass chandelier. It elevated the look of the breakfast nook without a full renovation.

Kitchen Breakfast Table Decorated for Fall

New bamboo shades on the French doors brought both function and a warm, natural texture to the room. I love the added warmth they give the space, and they pair nicely with the autumn accents on the table.

This season I brought in muted faux leaves for the kitchen. They’re soft and modern, and I enjoy how they look against the soft blue-green door color I’ll reveal soon. A round wooden tray on the table helps keep the vignette contained and makes it simple to move decor out of the way when it’s time to cook.

Another practical update: a washable rug that fits the breakfast area. I chose a pattern with colors that coordinate with the rest of the kitchen, and being able to wash it is a huge convenience for a busy household.

I hope you enjoyed this fall home tour. Taking the renovation and decorating process one small step at a time has been both satisfying and manageable. I’m excited to keep layering in pieces and share more updates as the house comes together.