As summer begins to fade, the leaves hint at their autumn transformation, and the cool breeze whispers the arrival of a much-anticipated season. Autumn is a joy to decorate for, not just for the array of upcoming holidays but also for those who have been eagerly eyeing the Halloween section at the store since July 5th. It’s finally time to unleash your creativity now that the kids are back in school. Here are four tips to help you infuse your home with the cozy charm of Autumn this season.
Does it spark ‘coziness’?
You may have heard Marie Kondo ask if items spark joy as she purged clients’ closets, but ask yourself, “Does it feel cozy?” instead, and explore what Autumn feels like for you. Pumpkins, flannel, fur, deep reds, and oranges can be inspirations to create a soft space with blankets and smooth velvet-esque pillows. You can spark joy and cozy vibes and be happier than a bear about to hibernate.
Trust your 6th sense.
There comes a moment when decorating when something feels off, but you can’t put your finger on what it is. Not being able to solve the unease doesn’t mean you aren’t good at arranging the room; sometimes, space to think is helpful without being in close proximity to the problem. A staring contest with the chair you got from the thrift store two duty stations ago will not solve anything. Go outside to get fresh air, explore Pinterest, call a friend, or look up interior decorators you admire to find inspiration. Getting a new perspective can help you go from “Oh no” to “Oh, woah.”
Get a bright idea!
Lighting can alter the feeling of a whole room. If you build a hygge-approved cozy space, fluorescent bulbs may be the last thing you want in your living room. Change out a bright white for a warm white or an off-white bulb. LED bulbs can cost a bit more but come in many colors and last longer than your average bulb, and you can find them in amber and burnt orange for the firelight atmosphere.
Is one light not cutting it? You can light up the space in many ways, with lamps, string or rope lights, projectors, and even candles to illuminate your room as you curl up and read your favorite novel. Get creative with your lighting needs; you can always turn on different lights throughout the day!
Use common ‘scents’ when adding the final touches!
Scents are an often forgotten decorating tool, but they evoke an ambiance even if nothing else changes. You can add scents with candles, incense, wax warmers, or even room sprays. If you can’t wait for October to pull out the cauldrons of candy, you can plug in the modern-day cauldron of your slow cooker and create a simmer pot by adding water and any other citrus fruits or spices you want to add! As it wafts through the house, you might forget it’s still warm outside, but even if it is, your home can always be your autumnal dream house on the inside.
Spring may be for cleaning, but Fall can be for adorning. Enjoy decorating this season, and tag #milhousingnetwork in your seasonal photos to share what inspires you this cozy season!
This article was written by Aj Smit.
Aj Smit is the author of the book Red Thread: Weaving an Embodied Life of Joy, speaker, glitter enthusiast, and professional weaver of Joy. She is a military spouse in S. Korea with a pup and houseplants galore. Aj has led various Red Tents, retreats, and workshops internationally over the last ten years to help others discover how to weave creativity and curiosity into their lives. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram at @TheJoyWeaver and TheJoyWeaver.com