Designers' Tips for Creating a Cozy Home This Season

Fall Entryways

Whether you have a front porch or a simple doorway, fall is a great time to decorate your entryway. Pumpkins are always a classic and bring a welcoming and cozy autumn vibe to your home or apartment. They can be strategically placed along the stairs leading up to your porch or can frame a doorway nicely without taking up too much space. “Mixing in some rusty oranges is a warm way to update your place for fall,” explains interior designer Nate Berkus. 

Chrysanthemums are also a colorful fall tradition with their bold purples, majestic maroons, and bright yellows. Use a few of these plants to dress up your doorway or porch. The colors will contrast beautifully with pumpkin decor. 

And last but not least, every door needs a fall wreath! There are so many wreath options to choose from. You can pick one that matches your fall decor or use the wreath as a starting point and build out from there. Either way, a fall wreath is a must-have centerpiece for every entryway. For anyone wanting to take porch decor to the next level, Better Homes and Gardens has compiled several festive examples to explore.

Comfy Living Rooms

The living room is typically the gathering place in a home for both guests and family. Regardless of the size space you have, there are many great ways to make your living room feel snug and comfortable. And, as designer Mark Hampton says, “Real comfort, visual and physical, is vital to every room.” So, add a touch of cozy with luxurious faux throws or plush velvet pillows. The look, feel, and texture of these additions will create instant cuddle opportunities. And remember, don’t be shy: add as many pillows as you want! 

Another option to create more cozy is adding and layering rugs. If your living room has hardwood floors, adding a rug will definitely increase the cozy factor. If you already have a rug, layering rugs is a fun way to add another level of comfort. Rug layering is an art in itself, and if it’s done right, it adds more texture, design, and warmth to your gathering space. In particular, sheepskin rugs can make a lush layer, and smaller sizes work well draped over chairs and couches too.

Cozy Nooks or Conversation Circles

Fall is a great time to snuggle up with a book or enjoy a cup of tea with friends. Both of these activities are more cozy with a nook or space designed for a chat. If you prefer a more intimate setting, create a nook within a bigger room. Identify a corner in a large room or transform a smaller area by adding two comfy chairs and a little table.

Alternatively, you can rearrange your furniture into a circle to create a more conversational space. First, identify the room’s centerpiece such as a lovely coffee table. Then arrange the furniture around the table in a circle for a conversation area. This can be temporary for fall and holiday gatherings or permanent if you want to carry on the conversations all year!

Autumn Accents

It’s easy to make every room in your house feel cozy with fun autumn accents. There are so many great options to choose from that are also budget friendly. A few of our favorites include plush pumpkin pillows, plaid dish towels, striped table runners, pumpkin and berry garland, and a faux aspen tree branch. 

Since the Pacific Northwest is famous for being gray and rainy this time of year, bright cozy spaces can also feel more comforting. Add a touch of autumn atmosphere and cheer with spice-scented candles and seasonal lighting. 

Holiday Decor

If you’re hosting guests for the holidays, it’s never too early to start planning. For Thanksgiving, interior designer Joanna Gaines suggests blending old and new styles to create a bold table setting. By combining rustic chargers with modern plates and vintage glassware, it’s easy to create a table with character and flair. Even better, her suggestions can be used throughout the fall season since these elements have a timeless feel. Also, many local shops in Kitsap County have plenty of fun holiday decorations to choose from, so be sure to stop in and take a look. We love visiting unique stores like better-2-gether in Poulsbo, Furnish Bainbridge on Bainbridge Island, and Eclectic Home Furnishings in Silverdale.

We hope you’re feeling inspired to start decorating and creating a cozy home this season!