By Susan Finch
Interior design trends for 2016 include consigning your way to style, says House Beautiful. This is good news for anyone looking to give their home an end-of-summer makeover. Get rid of your old wares for something new, or pick up fall decor in all your favorite colors. Start the transition with a good cleaning and end with a backyard bash. Here’s a look at how to get started to get your home ready for a new season.
Freshen up your home
Spring isn’t the only time for a thorough seasonal cleaning. Flip your bedroom mattresses, wash down the hardwood floors, and touch-up the paint around entryways and rooms showing wear and tear. Don’t forget to pull your summer wear out of the closets and replace with your fall favorites. Real Simple provides a great fall cleaning checklist. Now that your home is fresh and clean, make it smell the part. Stock up on your favorite essential oils and start burning peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary for an aroma that reminds you of a hike on an autumn day.
Add fall decor
Nothing spruces up your home for fall like warming up the decor from the kitchen to your bedroom. Bring in nature with twig- and wildflower-inspired bud vases. If you don’t have an eye for flowers, order the latest arrangements from FTD like succulent stems, colorful sunflowers and fuchsia dianthus to play up the season. Dress up your mantle and stock up on wood for your fireplace. Add a few brown-toned books and brass candlesticks to tie together your look.
Revamp your color palette
It’s time to stash away the vibrant blues and grassy greens of summer. Stick with an inspired, colorful theme, but think fall. Add pumpkin orange throw pillows and deep velvety ties for your drapes. Next, create a warm and inviting gathering space by placing a chocolate-colored throw rug down and get out the brown wicker baskets to pile your fall blankets.
Sticking to a budget, but want to add a new signature furniture piece to your home? Pick up a shabby chic end table at a garage sale and sand down to distress. Finish off with a warm varnish, or leave distressed for an antiqued look that brings warmth to your living room.
Reinvent your bedroom
Swap out your summery white duvet for a rich and heavy comforter to keep you warm through the fall and into the winter months. Add brown or off-white pillar candles to your bedside area for a romantic touch that softens your bedroom. Bonus: If you have a bedroom fireplace, add candles to draw in the warmth. Change out your drapes for a cozy chenille or washed velvet to create a cozy cocoon.
Head outdoors
Don’t neglect your patio area and backyard at the end of summer. Better Homes and Gardens recommends planting perennials like peonies and hostas. Next, replace old patio cushions with neutral or brown cushions to extend entertaining into the fall months. Use your fresh new look as an excuse to entertain with a backyard barbecue. Fire up the grill for all your favorites with a fall twist like chicken, winter squash and sweet potatoes served with amber beers and tart pear sours.
Susan Finch is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience contributing to guidebooks, magazines, iPhone apps, online publications and more. She can be found at BySusanFinch.com.
