With every new season comes the opportunity to remake your space, but there’s a fine line between being inspired by the season at hand, and limiting your decor to that season.Plastering burnt orange on your kitchen walls may seem like a good idea mid-October, but come spring, you may find you crave something a little lighter and more refreshing. Any major redecorating choices you make that will be around for a while should be adaptable to the other seasons — even if you make the original decision based on certain seasonal trends. You have flexibility when it comes to less permanent decor choices though, and that’s where you can get more creative with each season. As summer nights begin to cool, and we swap out bathing suits for sweaters, you can leverage many of the home design trends for 2018 combined with classic autumn inspiration to carry you into the season. Here are 5 design trends to incorporate for fall 2018, and continue to enjoy year-round.
1. Modern, Autumnal Colors
It’s worth repeating: a burnt orange kitchen might not be a designer’s ideal choice for a long-term interior design element. However, there are certain colors that are so flexible they’ll suit any season. A warm, mustard yellow evokes leaves in the fall, but it can also complement the cheerful sunshine of spring and summer, or add much needed brightness during the dark winter months. Soft, sage greens are very in right now, and super adaptable to all four of the seasons.If you really can’t resist the burnt orange though — and why should you? It’s a strikingly rich option — try incorporating it in small bursts throughout your space: in dishware, flowers, or as pillow covers for the season. Other robust options for a fall-inspired color palette include wine-red, deep blues, or coniferous forest greens.
2. A Cozy Fireplace
If you don’t have a fireplace in your home yet, now is the time to consider getting one. As the days shorten and the weather cools, you’ll be glad of an investment in your coziness, especially as the crisp fall air turns to winter chill. There are a range of fireplace styles on the market — from rustic wood-burning to modern gas units — so you’re sure to find one to suit your needs and personal style.If you already have a fireplace, try rearranging your furniture each season to refresh the space around it. In the summer, place larger pieces of furniture in front of the fireplace and open up space around windows to make natural light the focal point. In the fall and winter, angle your furniture and decor to face the fireplace, making the most of the light and warmth it gives off.If a fireplace isn’t an option for you, adding soft lighting pieces can lend a generous amount of cozy atmosphere to a space. Consider an intriguing arched table lamp to bring comfort to a seating area, or a subtle wall sconce to gently light your space. Add in the warm, flickering glow of some candles and you’re sure to set an autumnal mood — even more so if you get seasonally scented ones.
3. Wabi-Sabi Decor
Minimalist design trends are on the way out, and more rustic styles are coming back in fashion. Take wabi-sabi: this Japanese-inspired approach to interior design embraces imperfection and hidden beauty. There’s nothing more autumnal than the handmade dishware and warm-but-simple approach to interior spaces this philosophy encourages. While wabi-sabi is all about embracing imperfection, that doesn’t mean it’s about mess or clutter; it just means accepting the little differences in things, and making a space truly your own. This is an ideal that truly suits any season.
4. New-Neutral Furniture
The trendiest neutrals these days are often close cousins of black and white. If you have a black sofa in your living room, aim for metallic greys to complement it during the cooler autumn months. If your living room features a white sofa, accenting with warm off-white pieces and shades of brown can add character and charm for the long term. Deep, wood-hued browns or sandy beiges are other popular choices for neutral palettes, especially when it comes to accents like tables or shelving. It’s critical to keep new neutrals in mind for big investments like sofas, where you’ll want a color that stands the test of time. You can always change up your decor around the sofa to bend to new seasons and design trends, but changing the sofa itself is not likely a seasonal event.
5. Comforting Textiles
The capabilities of interior design aren’t limited to sight. Try engaging one of your other senses — touch — by introducing warm, comforting textiles this fall.From a small shag rug to tweed pillow-covers and plaid wool blankets, there are countless ways to incorporate cozy fabrics into your home. Add soft or chunky accents to pieces of mid-century modern design furniture, such as a rounded armchair that begs you to sit down for a cup of tea, or an intimate writing desk nestled in a snug space. Channel the wabi-sabi philosophy mentioned above, and toss a throw blanket over the back of your chair or add a few extra pillows strewn across your sofa. When your space feels warm and lived-in, it beckons you to sit down and stay awhile. Whatever trends you incorporate this season, the most timeless thing about fall is comfort — so make that a priority from your furniture choices to your fabrics. From your living room layout and fall-inspired decor, to whatever you stew up for dinner, you can fully embrace the coziness the season offers. If you’re looking for a luxuriously comfortable seat you can cuddle up in this season, browse The Back Store’s selection of luxury ergonomic furniture.