4 Backyard Ideas With All the Decor Essentials for Cozy Fall Feels

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY Sara Watson

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Published on August 31, 2021

While Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, it’s far from the last time to enjoy your backyard this year. Call us crazy, but we’d take a crisp, fall evening cuddled up outside under blankets over a hot summer hang any day — and Havenly designers Heather Goerzen, Melissa Wagner, Brady Burke and Vivian Torres are here to show you why. They’ve created some gorgeous, autumn-inspired moodboards for your backyard, no matter your style. Whether you’re totally boho or into luxe fall vibes, these outdoor fall decor ideas are the design equivalent of a PSL: cozy, instant classics you’ll find yourself craving all year long.

Falling for Boho

bohemian fall outdoor decor

1. White Lantern  //  2. Gold Lantern  //  3. Pink Lantern  //  4. Floral Pot  //  5. Sofa  //  6.  Printed Pillow  //  7. Side Table  //  8. Pouf  //  9. Fire Pit  // 10. Woven Throw  //  11. Gold Pillow  //  12. Lumbar  //  13. Textured Pot  //  14. Planter  //  15. Wreath  //  16. Wine Bottle Holder  //  17. Cheese Board  //  18. Copper Mugs

Something about the fall season just suits an eclectic, free-spirited bohemian vibe. For a boho-inspired twist on the traditional autumn color scheme, embrace rusts, blushes and plenty of golden tones, says designer Heather Goerzen. Mums might be in season, but pampas grass in those same muted tones will underscore the boho aesthetic. “Layer in all the pillows and an oversized woven throw for that extra coziness,” Heather says. And don’t forget to light it all up with functional accents like global-inspired lanterns and a modern fire pit that provides warmth, both literally and figuratively. “It will take lingering fall happy hours into after hours,” Heather says. As for the drinks? Think spiked hot chocolate in copper mugs, or a glass of cabernet.

Crisp and Cali Cool

cali cool outdoor fall decor

1. Twinkle Lights // 2. Blue Stripe Pillow // 3. Stone Pillow // 4. Navy Tassle Pillow // 5. Pinstripe Lumbar // 6. Black Stripe Pillow // 7. Rattan Tray // 8. Fluted Acrylic Glassware // 9. Accent Chair // 10. Plaid Sherpa Throw // 11. Teak Wood Lantern – Small // 12. Teak Wood Lantern – Large // 13. Fire Pit // 14. Rug // 15. Planter // 16. Teak Stool

Fall’s cooler temperatures are a perfect fit for Cali Cool. This style’s emphasis on organic textures and a classically minded palette work well in any season, but for fall, it’s all about adding those little touches that make it extra comfortable, says designer Melissa Wagner. “I brought in a plaid sherpa throw, a sleek and simple fire pit, and a footstool that can easily double as a drink landing point,” she says. Low-profile lanterns and tiny white twinkle lights are sure to make the scene shine while adding enchanting ambience. “They’re the perfect transitional accent light between party globe lights in summer and string lights for winter.” Blue may not immediately come to mind when you think of autumn, but note Melissa’s keen choice of a complimentary color: shades of mushroom and putty bring in warmer tones that accentuate the fall feels with a fresh and on-trend twist.

Autumnal Hygge

modern outdoor fall decor

1. Black Pendant // 2. Black Pillow // 3. Terracotta striped Pillow // 4. Modern Pillow // 5. Throw Blanket // 6. Black Planter // 7. Terracotta Planter // 8. Sofa // 9. Side Table // 10. Coffee Table // 11. Rug // 12. Dining Chair // 13. Pedestal Bowl // 14. Lounge Chair // 15. Dining Table // 16. Ottoman

Warm wood tones are an ideal place to start when creating a Scandi Mid-Mod-inspired space for fall, says designer Brady Burke. Add in natural textures and a touch of contrasting tones, and you’ve got a tranquil (yet eye-catching) place to unwind outside. As for the rest of this outdoor fall decor, Brady brought in minimal, low-profile lounge furniture and hints of a fall color palette through earthy terracotta and beige. “Organic textures like woven upholstery create a lived-in, approachable feel,” Brady says. “Lastly, I always work in dark contrast to add depth and interest throughout the design.” Of course, a bottle of your favorite red is a necessity for an inviting outdoor space like this (a recurring theme, apparently).

Laid-Back Luxe Harvest

luxe outdoor fall decor

1. White Chair //  2. String Light   //  3. Metal Accent Table  //  4. Plum Wool Throw Blanket  //  5. Linen Rose Pillow Set  //  6. Imprint Pillow  //  7.  Black Knitted Pillow Cover   //  8. White & Black Woven Pillow  //  9. Outdoor Sconce  //  10. Tray Set  //  11. Tan and Black 9’6″ x 7’6″ Rug  //  12. Patio Sofa  // 13. Large Brass Planter  //  14.  Small Brass Planter  //  15. Dot Hide Pouf // 16. Firepit

When it comes to outdoor fall decor ideas, designer Vivian Torres knows that even the most luxe style can still benefit from natural textures that add balance and create a cohesive look. “If you fancy a laid-back luxe aesthetic, try decorating with a palette I call night harvest, ” she says: “Rich burgundy tones, dusty rose hues and pops of black will bring an air of sophistication to the space while making it feel warm and comfortable.” Vivian’s moodboard also includes practical ideas for outdoor living: the textiles (even those glam, animal-print motifs) are made from outdoor-friendly materials to stand both the test of time and the elements. Lighting, from a cozy fire pit to hanging lights, wall lamps, and candles, creates a welcoming ambience for guests so they can linger well after dark — a must once daylight saving time ends and we “fall back.”

Cozy fall feels aren’t just for the outdoors. Embrace the changing season with a fresh new look inside. Get started with an interior designer today.

Words by Sara Watson