Monday, October 3, 2016 / by Nicole Solari
Fall decor: Build on those favorite summer pieces
Well, it finally happened — fall weather has arrived. It was a bit touch and go there for a while, as the heat index continued to be well over 90 degrees in mid-September. I think we all, including myself, began convincing ourselves that we live in a year-around summer locale and that tropical living was completely normal for autumn. But alas, cooler temps have officially settled in and the transition into a new season is upon us.
With new seasons comes new designs, colors and styles for the home. For autumn 2016, home décor is all about creating sophisticated and cozy modern spaces with a dash of bohemia and vintage glamour. Instead of switching to an entirely new design palette for autumn, like in years past, the home décor industry has taken popular trends from spring/summer collections and created a fall version. Yes, you heard that right — the flamingo and pineapples can stay, the cactus collection can remain, the floral patterns can continue to flow in all their glory and there is no need to peel the palm leaf wallpaper from the walls. This season is all about blending your favorite décor and seasons into one fantastic style.
Here’s how to get the look:
Color: The key to transitioning summer styles to fall is taking all those vibrant colors and taking them down a notch. Instead of hot pinks and neon oranges, bring in soft dusty shades of pink, peach and paprika. Take your bold blues and greens and pair them with earthy hues of olive and slate blue. And finally, bring in the warm neutral tones of nature: Think shades of taupe, mushroom and camel brown.
Texture: Next, add luxurious texture to your space. Bring in cozy wool patterned throws, cable-knit poufs, Mongolian lamb stools in bold colors and high-pile Moroccan rugs. These elements will bring a warmth to the space, as well as complement the existing summer décor.
Pattern: Whether you don a minimalist or maximalist aesthetic, add a touch of pattern play to your décor. The new trends vary from neutral colors in geometric shapes to vibrant nomadic designs to traditional multi-colored plaids. Whatever your style, there is a pattern for you.
Finish: Metallic finishes continue to be strong in home décor, but placement has changed. Brass and gold tones have become more of an accent than the main show. Matte, dark metallic finishes are now at the forefront in designs. And copper and bright silver are likely to be seen paired with darker finishes.
Nature: Forgo the bright orange pumpkins, fake gourds and dead leaves — it’s been done a thousand times. Instead, add a touch of nature with a beautiful autumn floral arrangement, a sculptural house plant, a stack of birch wood logs by the fireplace or a table garland of eucalyptus and other seasonal goodies.
Entertaining: That retro Palm Springs aesthetic we all love will carry well into fall and winter, especially in tabletop and barware. Swanky cocktails in retro glassware, vintage-style bar-carts and cabinets, modern slate and marble cheese boards, mid-century style wood candle holders, metallic beaded coasters and geometric brass serving trays — entertaining in the home just got a whole lot cooler.
