Need some simple ways to ease into fall without saying goodbye to summer quite yet? Here are a few early fall decorating ideas to get you started. 

I love summertime! It’s a relief from the hectic routine of the school year and a chance to kick back a bit and relax while enjoying the warm weather. Although fall is my favorite season, I honestly get a little sad when the end of August rolls around because I’m usually not ready to give it up yet. 

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But, when high school football starts for us, you know it’s coming soon and eventually, the idea of getting back into that routine feels refreshing. The problem is, it’s hard to go full fall mode when it’s still 80 degrees outside even when the big box stores and other influencers are telling you it’s time.

If you are beyond ready, and find yourself asking “Is August too early to decorate for fall?”, you do you! Go with your heart and get your pumpkin on! For a bit of inspiration, you can check out some of my previous fall decorating posts here. 

If you’re not quite ready to go all in, there’s no need to kick it into high gear just yet. Let’s take a pause and do some things now that will ease you into it and get you ready for the full onset of pumpkin spice season so when the time comes, you’re already half way there.

Late summer, early fall decorating ideas:

1. Introduce Fall scents

Fall is in the air, quite literally. Start by burning a mild fall scented candle to get the creative juices flowing while you get started. My favorite is Crisp Campfire Apple from Yankee Candle. It’s not full on pumpkin but has the lightest smell of apples and cinnamon. It’s lovely.

 

 

 

 

2. Swap Summer Decor for Everyday Items

What seems like an obvious step will actually be a big one in terms of mindset. If you have anything out that screams summer, like sea shells or beach stuff, put it away. Be sure to label everything and put it away neatly so you can find it easily next year. 🙂

 

 

Don’t replace it with fall items, though. Keep things clean and simple for now. There will be plenty of time for pumpkins and gourds soon enough. Instead, use items in warm wood tones, baskets or other everyday items. This will also give you a clean slate when you go full on Fall.

Change it to…

 

 

With this vignette in these warm fall colors, it will be easy to add in new art and a few pumpkins for a new fall look. 

3. Bring in the End of Summer Blooms

Summer flowers are in full bloom now. Introduce dried hydrangeas, sunflowers or zinnias into pretty bouquets. They are all beautiful this time of year and will help bring in an “end of summer feeling” so you can flow right into fall.

 

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4. Enjoy the Summer Harvest

Use in season fruit like peaches (in New York), pears and apples to decorate your kitchen.  You can add these to so many different vessels like a simple wooden or white bowl on the counter in the kitchen or dough bowl, basket or crock in the dining room.  

 

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Or on your mantel…

 

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You can also add in seasonal art work like this pear print I found on Etsy. 

 

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You can find my favorite fall decor items on AMAZON here. 

 

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This would be so pretty on a shelf in the kitchen.

 

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5. Surround Yourself with Warm Neutrals

Start introducing more warm neutrals. Creams, browns, burnt orange, faded greens and even blues. You can do this by changing out some of the throw pillows and blankets, candles or books.

 

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6. Opt for more opaque vessels

I like to add more clear glass pieces for summer as it makes things feel more light and airy. Now is the time to add in warmth with darker glass like amber bottles or crocks.

This was my summer coffee table. 

 

I removed the glass and lighter colors and replaced it with the crock and warmer colors. 

 

 

 

I also changed out two of the pillow covers in the same warm color story. You can find those here. 

 

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I have found amber bottles at antique and thrift stores but you can also find them on Etsy here.

 

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7. Add warm texture

You can add a bit more texture in so many ways. Baskets are one of my favorite things to decorate with and adding in a few more this time of year is perfect for adding texture. You can also add in dried florals and pottery. 

 

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I love these layers! 

 

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I love how they brought in a touch of fall colors here with the warmth of the wood in the baskets and rolling pins. 

 

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You can find my favorite dried florals on Amazon.

 

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You can also bring in texture with pottery.  You can see how I created my DIY textured pottery here. 

 

 

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You can also add texture by using pieces in layers…

 

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Add books in warm fall colors…

 

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I hope you enjoyed these late summer, early fall decorating ideas. Now that you’ve started to introduce those warm colors and textures, it will be that much easier when you are ready to break out all those pumpkins!

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Here’s to a smooth and simple seasonal transition. 

Happy decorating! 

Col

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