We’ve officially swapped our linen dresses and tank tops for plush sweaters and leather jackets, and our homes are equally primed for a seasonal refresh.

While we’re not quite ready to haul out the Halloween or Thanksgiving decor just yet, we are embracing a few low-lift, cozy updates as we enter October. From dried florals, pumpkin-scented candles, and earth toned-accents to cozy textures like leather, faux fur, and shearling, there are many subtle ways to usher in the new season with decor.

Ahead, Havenly lead designer Kasee Smith shares a few of her favorite cozy spaces that are brimming with fall decor inspo. Keep scrolling for chic, designer-loved seasonal updates, from autumnal florals to pops of velvet.

1. Embrace Firelight

From the mantel garland and roaring fire to candle-lit wall sconces and cozy checkered throw, this modern-classic living room feels prepped for fall in the best possible way. Take notes from this space and weave in earth tones, wood accents, cozy textures, and multiple candles to your home this fall (bonus points if you have a fireplace, whether real or a stunning DIY faux).

2. Swap Your Textiles

Sometimes, a seasonal refresh is as simple as swapping in new throw blankets and pillows. Add rusty earth tones and pops of warm sienna to nod to fall, and keep them in rotation through the holidays, or even until next spring.

3. Go All-In on Ochre

Adding warm, golden hues to your existing color palette is a low-lift way to add seasonal flair to your space. Plus, when paired with clean white, ivory, black, and brown, ochre hues won’t overwhelm the overarching aesthetic. It has the same warming affect as brass hardware or lighting. 

4. Bring In Autumnal Florals

As hydrangeas, daisies, and other warm-weather perennials fade out of season, embrace autumn florals in your space for a festive touch. Even a sculptural branch with colorful leaves, dried grass bouquets, or mums on the front porch will make your home feel October-ready.

5. Add Rich Animal Print

For a warm pop of color and personality, embrace rich animal prints like saturated leopard and cheetah, particularly via throw pillows. When paired with other seasonal solids like mustard yellow and emerald green, these transitional prints feel cozy, inviting, and unexpected in the best way possible.

6. Embrace Velvet

Luxe velvet will always feel winter weather-ready in our book. From rich velvet throw pillows to drapery and bedding, adding velvet accents to your space will amp up the coziness factor tenfold. Pair the look with other plush fabrics like faux fur and shearling for even more texture.

7. Bring In Chunky Throws

‘Tis the season to swap out lightweight bedding and throw blankets for chunky, texture-rich knits. Like your go-to fall sweater, these hand-knit throws ooze coziness and add warmth to your space in spades. We recommend adding one to each bedroom, your living room, the basement, the TV room — we could go on.

8. Swap Greenery for Pampas Grass

Take notes from the changing leaves by swapping verdant greenery and fresh bouquets with dried florals like pampas grass, thistle, coxcomb, bunny tail, and beyond. These neutral arrangements will pair beautifully with any design style and double as sophisticated Halloween or Thanksgiving decor.

9. Layer Throw Pillows

Now’s the time to go all-out on cozy throw pillows for layers upon layers of coziness. This approach works particularly well on a deep TV room sectional or large basement sofa. Just be sure to stick to a specific color palette to tie the look together, and add variety with shape, size, material, and pattern!

10. Say Yes to Leather

It’s that time of year to add a leather jacket to your wardrobe, and leather accents to your home. Consider a large piece, like a cognac ottoman or brown accent chair, or embrace a pop of leather via budget-friendly throw pillows. Finish the look with a faux fur throw for even more sumptuous, seasonal texture.

Shop the Story:

Gwyneth Boucle Chair // Leopard Velvet Pillow // Raven Side Tables // Velvet Quilt // Pampas Grass // Wooden Bead Garland // Faux Cedar Garland // Round Leather Pouf // Sheepskin Pillow // Chunky Knit Throw // Rust Leaf Branch // Joshua Vase

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