Don’t just buy new – 7 things to do before decorating for fall this year.
The seasonal decor in stores and online comes out earlier and earlier every year. I’m still over here trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer, but it’s hard not to get pulled into it and want to buy pretty new things for the fall season.
I’m not saying I won’t add anything new, but if you take the time to do these things before you buy, you are more likely to purchase something that really works with what you already have and feels more intentional. Here are a few steps, 7 to be exact, that I do before I buy anything.
1. I Remove Before I Add
This step is important because it sets the foundation. Remove any summer decor, clear the surface and clean. I also take this opportunity to touch up paint on the piece or around the area if I need to.
This helps remove the visual clutter and literally start with a clean slate. *Remember to put everything away together with a label so you can find it easily next year.
2. I Shop the Forgotten Spaces
The best decor is often tucked away where you may have forgotten about it. Look for things with warmer tones that may not be fall decor specifically but have the hues (rich brown, burgundy, dark orange, muted yellow) and warmth you are looking for.
Check the linen closet. Do you have linens that have fall colors in them that you may have overlooked. What about pillow covers that could mix in seasonally for fall?
Do you have something that could use a coat of paint?
I had these vases painted in a light cream almost white and they felt too bright for the space so I used a combination of craft paint and spray paint to give them a warmer feel.
I used a napkin to apply some simple craft paint in a dark brown.
When it was dry I added a coat of spray paint in the color “Nutmeg”.
Much warmer for fall…
I also painted this one.
I’ve been wanting to do this project for awhile and this seemed like the perfect time. I had this scrap piece of wood that I used to make a riser for the kitchen.
I used a hammer to bang it up a little bit and add a bit of character.
And then gave it a coat of stain.
I love the warmth it adds. It’s so cute on the counter and I can use it for any season, really.
I also found this brown scarf in our winter box and used it as a table runner.
It’s like a treasure hunt but it also helps create your own unique look.
3. I Gather My Favorite Baskets
If you’ve been following me for some time, you know this is my most favorite tip. They instantly add warmth and texture to any space.
Use them for
Blankets
As Centerpieces
On Shelves
On tables
Under tables
On top of Armoires and everywhere in between
4. I Pull Books for Their Beautiful Fall Colors
Books are right up there with baskets for my go to’s for decorating. They are great for adding color. They don’t have to be vintage or old.
Look for:
Deep browns (my favorite)
Mustard tones
Olive greens
Burgundy
Aged pages
Books add warmth and history to a space the way store-bought decor never can.
5. I Walk Around the Yard Before Going to the Store
Nature provides some of the best seasonal decor.
Look for:
Hydrangeas – my neighbor lets me cut from her yard – thank you, Linda!
Seed heads, sunflowers
Branches
Leaves
Grasses
Weeds – Queen Anne’s Lace grows in our yard and is perfect for this.
Some of my favorite arrangements begin with a simple walk around the garden. If you don’t have these available in your own yard, visit a local park or ask a neighbor.
6. I Move Things to Unexpected Rooms
Sometimes decor just needs a new location to make it shine for the season.
Kitchen crock to the dining room
Bedroom basket to the living room
Artwork or mirror gets moved to a different wall
Pitchers used as vases
Plates in the living room – this one I resisted for the longest time.
We had this old washstand in our basement so I switched it out with this white table that felt a little too shabby chic. It adds a nice warm feel to this corner. A change of scenery sometimes can give an old piece a brand new look and feel.
I also switched out this wooden ladder that we had in our bedroom for the black one that was down to our family room.
7. I Leave Some Spaces Empty
Not every corner needs seasonal decor. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that empty space allows things I truly love to stand out.
It emphasizes intentional decorating and creates calm instead of clutter.
Bonus – I Thrift Before I Buy New!
Now that you have gone through your stash, found some treasures in your home and know what you’re working with, add a few new unexpected pieces with thrift store finds.
I thrifted a bit on vacation, hit a few of my favorite spots one morning as well as my favorite antique store and found some great pieces that will add some personality to our spaces.
Before you spend money on brand new fall decor this year, take an afternoon to look around your home. Pull out those old baskets, stack a few old books, clip some flowers from the garden and move a few pieces around and, while you may want to update with a couple of new pieces, you might discover that almost everything you need for a beautiful autumn home is something you can thrift or already in your home.
If you do decide to buy something new, you’ll be able choose the right pieces to go with what you already have to make your space your own. It will feel more intention, more curated, more you.
