An expensive fall look can be more of an aesthetic than a result of purchasing power, which is a principle that applies in general, as well as with fall decor ideas.
Beautifully curated interiors that reflect the colors and bounty of nature to make a home warm and inviting can seem achieved as if expense were not made without this actually being the case.
How to create elevated fall decor on a budget? This is what interior designers advise.
Fall decor that looks expensive
Making a home look expensive depends on understanding how to decorate it and what materials, textures, and objects to choose. Anything that makes your home look cheap is of course out of the question.
Whether we’re talking about living room decor, fall color schemes, fall table decor, fall mantel ideas, or any other part of the home, the same principles apply when introducing seasonal style. Get inspired by interior designers’ suggestions for a sophisticated fall look.
1. Atmospheric lighting
The right lighting ideas are crucial to making a home look expensive—and key to creating the right fall mood. “Autumn signifies a special comfort, and lighting is an easy way to achieve that,” says Dan Mazzarini, Principal and Creative Director of BHDM Design and ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini.
“It’s all about finding the sweet spot where functionality meets aesthetics — dimmers work wonders,” he advises. ‘With a simple adjustment, you can create a warm atmosphere or set the stage for a relaxing movie night.’ Our suggestions: extra dimmable Lutron Credenza bulbs and dimmable soft white bulbs.’
Search for Lutron Credenza dimmer on Amazon.
2. Rich color schemes
Rich color schemes and muted hues create a sophisticated look that’s perfect for the season, says interior designer Artem Krobovinsky, and you can look to the color wheel to pull it all together. For the living room, a dark green color complemented by taupe is suggested, and for the bedroom: an intense wine red contrasting with a soft beige.
“Shades like forest green and wine red add a feeling of richness and richness,” he explains. Mixing it with simple colors enhances its depth without overpowering the ambiance. These colors reflect the spirit of fall – the changing leaves of trees and the warm essence of time. The result? A combination of warmth, class and inviting atmosphere.
3. Velvet and silk
Look for rich fabrics for a look that spares no expense. “The secret of fall’s joyful atmosphere lies in the harmonious interplay of velvet textures and layers of silk, which envelop spaces with irresistible warmth and opulence,” says Madison Popper, founder of global interior design firm Chill Casa.
Elevate the allure of your table settings by delicately concealing glass vases with gilded branches and dried flowers, craft a luxurious focal point, or add heritage charm by including sparkling gilt mirrors and carefully curated antiques, which capture the essence of timelessness and extravagance.
4. Accent wall color
Consider creating an accent wall to elevate a room and transform it for a new season. “I love a good wall paint color,” says interior designer Chantelle Hartmann-Malarkey.
The right color in a room can bring it to life. I love one of the painted walls which can be a darker, richer color and looks really nice during the fall season.”
5. Color injection
For a chic fall decor, consider using splashes of color. “Instead of bright reds and oranges, choose a neutral palette with small, eclectic touches of subtle color and textures – this allows your fall decor to blend seamlessly with your existing pieces, making your space feel more cohesive and thoughtfully organized,” he says. Jennifer Ferruto, Founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors.
For example, ditch a bright orange vase and replace it with a simple gold vase. Something neutral, yet festive like gold, can easily transition into next season’s decor. In fall, toss in some gorgeous dried flowers and then replace them with something more winter like foliage. When the time is right, this will make your decor look more sophisticated.
6. Distinctive seating decor
Decorate the benches around your home for an upscale look. “Adequate seating decorations can be likened to fine jewelry for interiors,” says Artem Krobovinsky. “Just as the perfect necklace can magnify an outfit, the perfect blanket or pillow can present furniture with a more uplifting light.”
For the living room, he suggests “silk pillows in colors that match the room, maybe taupe or wine red.” For the bedroom, “faux-fur throws lay casually on a single chair or on the edge of a bed.”
“Materials such as silk and faux fur embody luxury. They are not only visually stunning, but also pleasant to the touch, enriching the sensory experience,” he says.
common questions
How do you decorate for the fall season elegantly?
For fall decorating in style, use luxurious materials like silk and velvet, elegant color combinations, and subtle highlights. “Glossy details in gold, copper, and bronze instantly elevate the room’s sophistication,” says interior designer Artem Krobovinsky. ‘They refract light, add luminosity, and add a sophisticated touch to an environment. These subtle elements can have a pronounced impact. They transform an ordinary area into one that looks impeccably designed.’
Fall decor can look upscale without the accompanying expense of subtle coordination, and the effect can be replicated with outdoor fall decor. Sophisticated fall weather and stylish front door décor can add a touch of personality and enhance your car’s appeal. And for both indoors and outdoors, fall craft ideas can create decor that looks expensive but in which you’ve only invested enough in materials plus your own time.