Fall is heading in here in my city, and I’m gearing up with some fall apartment decor ideas. I’m going for comfy textiles and layered lighting since these simple changes have big impact. I’m also bringing in subtle seasonal scents and natural touches to create the perfect autumn vibe. Here’s how I’m getting my space ready for the cooler months ahead.
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With autumn approaching, bringing in those chill moments I look forward to every year, it’s time for a proper seasonal refresh of my apartment. I’m not quite ready for a full-on AI-enhanced Modern Harvest interior design edit. It feels too early to be thinking about the holidays, but I’m down for some smart pre-fall tweaks that keep my space feeling right for the season. So, let’s get into what I’m feeling.
Front Door Fall Decor
I’m all about making my entrance feel like fall the moment you step up to my door. The first thing I want everyone to recognize when pulling up to my place is, yeah…he nailed it for sure. Anything less and I will have absolutely missed that all important first impression. Setting the stage right from the start, even before that front door swings opens to reveal my interior design style inside, is where I want to be.
So, with that in mind, I’m thinking that this year’s front door fall decor is calling for a modern version of one of those chunky coco coir doormats that I loved to scoot my feet on when I was coming up in the suburbs. Know the ones? The thick mats that looked like they were made of a bunch of wheat or hay but you found out years later that it’s actually a bunch of bundled up coconut fibers. Yeah, that’s what I’m looking for in a fall door mat this year.
And that might be all I need to get started, especially since I call an apartment in the city home. But if you have some porch space, congrats! Because, first off, you have porch space. And second, you ‘ve got a canvas to work with.
If this is you, flank that chunky welcome mat with a couple of distressed terracotta planter pots on both sides. Then drop a couple bundles of dried birch twigs into each pot and you’re good. We’ll bring this look indoors later. For now—you’ve made an entrance.
Memorable Fall Scents
If you’re excited about making some seasonal updates of your own, this is the one you really want to make happen in your space.
Even beyond what we see, our sense of smell evokes deep sensory experiences that we remember long after the moment passes. And if you’re at all like me, you want those memorable scents to be as amazing as the moments that made them.
One of the best things about my autumn olfactory edits (nice, right?!) is that this season is when I get creative with the scents that make my space truly my own. I prefer earthy, warm, and spicy notes. Just thinking about this one puts me in straight-up holiday season mode.
When I find a good fall scent for my apartment, I usually stick with it for a few seasons, but I’m feeling a bit different this year. I’m thinking my preseason scent transition should kick off with a moody memory maker from one of my favorite brands, Aesop. Their Olous Aromatique Room Spray has some citrus notes balanced out by hits of cedar and cardamom. It’s the perfect transition scent to move from the bright summer months into the moody, cooler fall season.
Once fall is in full swing, I’ll absolutely have Aesop’s Kagerou Aromatique Incense stashed up. A few sticks placed in strategic spots around my apartment will keep my place on the minds of many for years to come. The nice thing is I won’t need to light up the incense unless the moment calls for it. Even without a spark, the incense sticks will bring just the right subtle touch of sophisticated warmth to my fall retreat. And that’s just how I like it.
Chill Layered Lighting
As the pre-fall days get shorter, my inner photographer reminds me that lighting is everything, and when my creative lighting obsession hits, it hits.
Last fall, I went for stylish floor lamps and dimmable Edison bulbs, and my place looked sharp with modern lighting throughout. I’m still into that vibe, especially for lighting tricky corners with thoughtful precision. This year, though, I want to change things up a bit with some tech-enhanced upgrades.
Philips Hue is the first LED lighting line that comes to mind—of course, right? But there are so many more options out there that provide flexibility for tricky spots like cozy alcoves. Don’t get me wrong; Philips Hue does great with the curves and corners too, but with all the options, it makes sense to check out the alternatives.
On the other hand, if you already have the Hue system, it’s probably best to stick with it. Extending your Hue setup means no new apps or network connections to deal with. Plus, Philips Hue has a ton of LED lights, switches, and related gadgets to choose from, so you can easily find the right fit for any spot in your home.
Whichever way you might go, my tip is to light some well-planned spots around your home with 2 or maybe even 3 bulbs from your lighting kit. Since these systems let you control the color, brightness, and other properties independently, you can sculpt environments that match the mood. Think lighting from the floor up, overhead, and inward from the side. It all depends on your layout, but the layered lighting effect is a winner.
Textiles for the Cozies
Do not sleep on the textiles. Well, actually, I guess you can sleep on the textiles if they’re the soft, comfy cozy kind, but you get what I’m saying.
I’ve passed on adding some nice fiber pieces to my space in previous autumn seasons, but I’ve learned my lesson. Textiles are one of the easiest and most versatile ways to bring inviting warmth to a space that makes you want to drop everything and cozy up during chilly times.
What I’ve learned is that mixing vintage and contemporary pieces brings a proper seasonal intent to my fall decor style. There’s something about the bookend historical contexts that adds a lot to my space. I go for natural fibers, like the incredible looks from the Lostine crew. I love their home decor items, but they can be a stretch and a bit exclusive. So at the very least, Lostine should be on your list of go-to look-books for incredible home decor inspiration.
Mashing up textile vintages means my space has timeless conversation pieces that appeal to all my guests’ tastes. This is exactly what I look for when designing my space for any season, but especially for the cooler months when everyone’s searching for those grounding indoor cozy feels.
Bringing Nature Indoors
Speaking of grounding—my next consideration is always about bringing the outdoors in. I love this move, especially for the fall season because with summer behind me, I want to stay tapped into that outdoor energy I enjoyed during the bright sunny months.
Bringing in a few outdoor elements is a quick and easy way to stay connected with nature, even when I want to chill inside with my comfy textile drops!
And here’s the thing: Depending on where you get out to, you might be able to score some these natural elements as gifts from the great outdoors. Go for a hike or a weekend bike ride in the right spots, and you’re sure to find some natural treasures that’ll slide into your fall decor just right. But remember to be mindful of where nature’s gifts are coming from. Respect is key, and you want to know a thing or two about what you’re bringing into your home.
You know… on second thought, some river rocks and a bundle of natural dried birch branches delivered straight to my door from Amazon might be a better choice!
I know I’m excited to get going on my seasonal updates. Are you? Just remember, it’s preseason right now. So, go easy with it. Full-on holiday vibes will be rolling in soon enough, and that’s when you’ll want to go all out on your seasonal switch-up. And you know I’ll be back here for you then too!
