I've never been one to advocate for a complete home renovation just because the season has changed. The idea of packing and storing decor every few months feels stressful, expensive, and, to be honest, a little wasteful. But I believe in subtle changes.
Small, thoughtful layers that give your home a fresh and autumnal feel. And this year I wanted to know how the professionals handle it. So I asked interior designers what one They always start with this when decorating any room for fall, and three answers came up again and again: art, rugs, and lighting.
These three elements are the designer-approved formula I'm going to use to get my home cozy for fall—without a single major renovation project in sight. Here's how to do it like a designer.
The 3 Things Interior Designers Add to Any Room in Fall
(Image credit: Joon Loloi)
Ali Henrie of Ali Henrie Design explains, “We start by adding layers.” Fall and winter decorating is about adding warmth and depth to what you already have rather than shrinking a space. The goal is improvement, not overhaul. Think about textures, lighting and textiles that add body without appearing heavy.”
It turns out that these three simple layers have the most visual weight – they set the tone, add depth, comfort and atmosphere, and change the mood of a room in an instant.
Here's how interior designers decorate with art, lighting ideas and rug trends to create a home for the new season.
1. Start with Art
(Image credit: Oho Interiors / Photography Judith Marilyn)
When I started asking designers where they start with fall layering, I was surprised at how many of them cited art as a starting point. I always thought about trading in some fall pillows and some candles, but art?
“Our favorite fall layering trick always starts with artwork,” says Kailee Blalock of House of Hive Design Co. “Art sets the emotional tone of a room, defining color, mood, and even texture before a single pillow or rug comes into play.” When we start making art, everything else becomes a conversation about it. “We adopt tones from a painting for upholstered furniture, repeat a motif from a textile print or reflect the warmth of a wood-look frame.”
“It's also one of the easiest ways to create a cozy, collected fall feel by stacking smaller pieces salon-style, mixing vintage frames, or layering art on open shelves, which instantly adds depth and personality.” Once the art is defined, the rest of the space follows naturally,” she adds.
It makes perfect sense when you think about it. “One of my favorite layers lately is simple art,” adds Heather Peterson of Heather Peterson Design. “Frames leaning against the edge of a bathtub, small brass animals sitting on paneling – there is something cozy about transience.” It’s also delightfully unexpected and evokes a sense of discovery.”
Vertical Autumn Tree Framed Wall Art
This picturesque forest scene from Joanna Gaines' line at Target captures the quiet drama of fall in full color. Lean it casually on a console or layer it into a gallery wall for additional warming tones.
What follows in a flow poem
This framed poem is a gentle reminder to slow down and adds a thoughtful fall accent. The rich red background provides an on-trend color, while the quote itself conveys a strong connection to the season. Place it on a mantel or bookshelf next to collected items.
This botanical study has a nostalgic and contemporary charm that works beautifully with the season's color palette. The green and gold striped mats are reminiscent of vintage wallpaper, while the delicate watercolor ensures freshness and timelessness.
2. Add more light
(Image credit: Heather Peterson Design)
If there's one element that can completely transform a room without requiring a complete redesign, it's lighting. I used to think lamps were purely practical, but when it comes to seasonal change, designers say lighting is the best mood setter.
“I always start with lighting,” says Franky Rousell, CEO and founder of Jolie. “Before I choose fabrics or finishes, I think about how the light moves through the room, how soft it is, and where the shadows fall.” Especially in autumn, light becomes an anchor that holds everything together. Layered lighting can instantly change the mood.”
It's not about adding more light – it's about adding more light better Light. Heather Peterson suggests ditching the harsh large light and trying a sconce instead. “In the fall, when the days are getting shorter and you're craving more light but don't want to give in to the ceilings, why not install a pinned sconce in a cozy spot?”
“Get a quirky plug-in wall light,” she suggests. I'm particularly impressed with Pooky's Twinky Cordless Wall Sconce: “And hang it off to the side a little, make or buy a cord cover, et voilà,” she continues. “You will feel happy every time you turn it on.”
Flores plug-in wall light with pleated shade
Gently diffused light and plug-in character make this wall light a favorite piece for the cozy season. The pleated shade, slim brass arm and round bracket are clearly mid-century reminiscent and perfect for adding light to a reading nook or bedside.
Maroon monochrome touch table lamp
With its deep red finish and rounded shape, this compact lamp is an easy way to change the fall mood in a room. Touch controls and three brightness levels make it as practical as it is stylish, while built-in USB charging lets you place it wherever a little sparkle is needed.
Helmi floor lamp by Sarah Sherman Samuel
3. Roll out a carpet
(Image credit: Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi)
If lighting creates atmosphere and art adds personality, carpets add warmth and feel. It makes perfect sense to zone your cozy places like the bed, couch or a reading chair with a layer of extra comfort and color.
“A rug defines the emotional space: it softens the acoustics, grounds the eye and sets the tone for the textures above,” says Franky. “From there, everything else naturally falls into place.” Whether you start with the lighting or the floor, the key is to think sensory: How will this layer make someone feel like they are in the space?
For designer Bradley Odom of Bradley Odom Interiors, fall is the perfect time to rethink those basics. “Every fall I start rethinking the rugs – they are the foundation for everything else.” Swapping out a lighter fabric for a more textured or tonally deeper fabric can instantly transform a room. “A great rug sets the mood for the season,” he adds. “You can layer lighting, throws and heavier fabrics on top, but the rug always sets the warmth and soul of the room.”
Whether you prefer a vintage-style runner in your kitchen—try the Sinclair machine washable Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi runner—or a natural jute under your coffee table, check out our guide to the best places to buy rugs.
And you don't have to stop at just one. “During the coolest seasons, layering rugs makes a big difference,” says designer Kathy Kuo. “When I layer rugs, I almost always start with a timeless natural fiber rug like jute, sisal, or seagrass. From there, I add a rug with a thicker pile to amp up the cozy factor. “This could be a hand-knotted wool rug, a luxe Moroccan rug, or a super-soft faux fur rug,” she suggests.
My Texas House Elmhurst Beige Checkered Rug
This classic and cozy checkered rug adds a touch of prairie style to modern homes. The beige-on-cream palette makes it endlessly versatile, adding a grounding effect to a room without overpowering it. Durable yet soft, it's the perfect pad to bring your home into fall.
Hand-tufted wool rug Lilette Sage/Rouge
Designed by popular designer Heidi Caillier, this hand-tufted wool rug overlays a soft sage background with romantic floral motifs. The tactile 100% wool pile adds comfort and craftsmanship to any space, while the palette beautifully blends both vintage and modern elements.
Karima reversible Persian rug made of copper
For an authentic heritage look, this reversible rug is a good choice. Its rich copper tones add a feeling of warmth and patina to your floor and add a grounding effect to lighter furniture and seasonal textiles. Plus, you get two patterns in one.
To give your home a final finishing touch for fall, we're shopping these fall scents at Net-A-Porter this month to get you in the mood for holiday hosting.