Decorating Diva: Create a cozy home for fall

Warm up your colors

The easiest way to add a cozy element to your home is to incorporate warmer hues, Soto explains. “I like soothing colors like plum, charcoal and cream to make the home warm and inviting,” she says. Browns and soft, light grays can also add a touch of warmth to your space and instantly create an authentically vintage look. Feature some fall-inspired shades by displaying accessories in warm tones placed around your home. Try a grouping of several cream-colored candles on the mantel, a series of plum-colored pillows piled on the couch or a charcoal area rug in the living room for a simple touch of seasonal warmth throughout.

Add inviting accessories

Not only a great way to add warmer colors thorough your home, accessories are also an inexpensive way to create a more inviting space for fall. “I love layering in chunky cable knits and chenille to create a cozy, vintage-inspired look,” Soto says. You can drape a chenille knit throw across a chair or toss a few velvet pillows on your couch. She also suggests adding wooden décor items like vintage wooden bottles or vases to give any room some warmth. We love these traditional wooden vessels from West Elm ($59 – $69) as an eye-catching living room accent.

Transition your space

Just like your wardrobe, your home can — and should — change with the seasons. In the summer you want your décor to have a cool, crisp, clean look, while fall and winter call for something a little more snug. Comfortable cable-knit throws and heavier window treatments can give a room a cozier look, and adding soft, interesting textures are easy ways to warm up any space, explains Soto. In addition to knits and chenille, she adds that woven décor pieces are perfect for fall. We love this stylish grey woven felt basket from the Felt Store ($215), a versatile, decorative way to keep your home from looking cluttered. Scented candles in autumnal scents are another great, simple way to make a home smell and feel cozy.

Create a reading nook

You can also add warmth to your home for fall is by creating a reading nook, Soto tells us. “If you love to read but don’t want to snuggle up in bed, a cozy reading nook is the perfect place to read the Sunday paper or a good paperback book,” she says. Designing a dedicated area for leisure time also adds another point of interest to a room while creating a mini-escape. Soto shares her tips for creating one in your home.

1. If you don’t have a window seat, place a comfortable, upholstered chair in the corner of the room to anchor the space, which lends a sophisticated touch to the nook.
2. To further designate the space, add a small side table next to the window seat or chair. The table is key for a sleek adjustable reading lamp, a cup of coffee or fresh blooms.
3. Create an extra-cozy feel by layering mix-and-match pillows and throws in luxurious textures like velvet. We love this striped velvet pillow from Target in rich, fall-inspired hues ($30).
4. Stash books, newspapers and magazines in smart-looking storage baskets to keep clutter at bay.

The summer months just make you want to get up in the morning and go outside, but when fall rolls around – and the layering of décor, the cozy fabrics, velvet curtains and richer foods come into play – you’ll want to change a few indoor accents to really make the space conducive to cuddling up and feeling comfortable. Says Soto: “Don’t get me wrong; I love summer, but I equally enjoy the transition of seasons.”