7 Ways To Refresh Your Home This Fall Without a Full-Blown Remodel
As summer winds down and fall approaches, you may be wondering how to give your home a little refresh.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars or live through months of construction dust to do so.
“There are so many creative ways to breathe new life into a space that don’t cost a ton or cause the disruption of a renovation,” says Amy Konarzycki, principal designer at Studio AK in Toronto.
With a bit of creativity and time, you can give your home that cozy, inviting feel you’re longing for.
How to give your home a fall glow-up
These expert tips can help you update your home for fall without breaking out the sledgehammer or spending a fortune.
1. Swap out your artwork
Artwork can completely change the feeling of a room, and it’s usually easy to switch on a seasonal basis.
Instead of florals or bright green landscapes, try bringing in artwork with deeper colors, fall landscapes, moody portraits, or more dramatic imagery.
“This strategy subtly changes the mood of a space without requiring any major commitment. I love it because it allows your home to evolve without feeling overly decorated for fall,” says Shandon Barrett, interior designer at Love vs. Design in Washington, UT.
2. Rearrange furniture
Try repositioning the sofa, changing the orientation of your chairs, or even moving a piece of furniture from one room to another.
A new furniture arrangement can completely transform how your space functions and give your home a fresh look without spending a dime.
“When I work with clients, I always try to select versatile furniture that can easily be moved and rearranged because it gives you so much more flexibility over time,” explains Barrett.
3. Invite more texture in
“Add a comfortable, heavy throw or a tweed pillow to your couch. Place linen napkins on your home bar, and cloth on your dinner table,” says Jeannine Rose, founder of Sweet Humble Home in Tampa, FL.
The goal is to make every room feel a little softer and a little warmer this fall.
4. Add wallpaper
Wallpaper is such a great way to bring in the fall season and add personality to a space without having to completely redo it.
“Even wallpapering one accent wall, a powder room, an entryway, or a small nook can make a huge difference,” adds Barrett.
5. Tackle a few ‘little things’ on your to-do list
Fix the leaky sink, change the lightbulb that has been out for three months, and/or hide the cord that makes you crazy every time you look at it.
“When the little things are done, your mind can relax,” Rose explains.
6. Upgrade your lighting
As the days get shorter, lighting becomes even more important. Instead of relying solely on overhead illumination, add smaller sources of light throughout the room at different heights.
“Table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and subtle string lighting can make the exact same space feel dramatically warmer and more inviting,” says Julian Thomas, Command brand partner and DIY/home lifestyle expert in Brooklyn, NY.
Lighting is also a great way to introduce subtle color into a room.
“Light washing is an interior design technique where you use a light source to cast color or a soft glow across a wall, and doing this can completely change the mood of a space without changing the wall itself,” adds Thomas.
7. Host a party
Konarzycki says throwing a fall party is a great way to get your house looking its best. It motivates you to walk through your home and picture how a guest would see it for the first time.
“Take care of that little scuff in the corner and sweep up those dust bunnies. Don’t forget to light some candles and get some fresh flowers to ensure your house looks its very best,” Konarzycki adds.
