Accessories in warm, rich shades can help transition a home’s interior from summer to autumn. Photo courtesy of The Nest Egg
As the time of year where more time is spent indoors slowly approaches, sprucing up an interior space can help ease the transition. From pillows and candles to wreaths and area rugs, local designers show how small touches can make a big impact as seasons change.
A new rug can set the tone for an entire room. “I just finished a living room where we added a luxurious leather sofa that’s both elegant and timeless,” said designer Sally Kane of Chantilly. “There is a loveseat in a chintz fabric and circular rug with warm shades of brown beige and turquoise. It’s almost too pretty to walk on and can be changed out as the seasons change. It shows how adding the right rug can elevate a room.”
Throw pillows in bold hues can add a burst of autumn color into a space, easing it from summer to fall. “I’m currently working on a family room where a deep, hunter green is the base color,” said Todd Granger, interior designer and design graduate students at Marymount University. “I’m adding throw pillows with a yellow palette, including mustard, citrus and chartreuse.”
“The Pantone color of the year for 2018 was Ultra Violet and I’m definitely seeing bold, deep purples being used this fall in interior design,” continued Granger. “I’m incorporating them in spaces for my clients who appreciate bold colors. Buying throw pillows is an easy and inexpensive way to make your space match the season.”
Table linens and serveware are a simple way to transition to fall when entertaining, advises Alexandria-based interior designer Beth Mahoney. “For my own home I purchased some dark blue, monogrammed linen napkins that pick up a shade of blue in my china pattern,” she said. “Placemats, tablecloths and candles are all inexpensive things that can make an big impact when it comes to changing seasons.”
A wreath in the rich autumnal colors hanging on the front door is a definite harbinger of fall, adds Mahoney. “Wreaths made with pretty combinations of fall foliage like pine cones, berries and even pumpkins can be hung in a foyer or the front door,” she said. “Gooseberry, lavender and herbs like sage and bay also make great additions to a wreath.”