Minimalism is an interior design style known for its use of neutral colors, use of natural light, and decidedly sparing decoration. But at this time of year, it's important to give your home an autumn feel through your decor to increase the coziness as the evenings draw in.
For lovers of this particular interior design style, fall decorating can be quite a challenge (plastic and overly colorful Halloween decorations are a big no-no). But there are ways to hint at the season in a classy, pared-down way that brings coziness to your home.
“Autumn is a season that calls for harmony between nature and design,” says interior designer Tommy Dung. “We believe we should celebrate the beauty of simplicity at this time of year.” The perfect balance of festive yet simple decor with these minimalist ways to decorate your home for fall Please find.
1. Bring warmth to your scheme with earth tones
(Image provided by: YAM Interiors)
A typical minimalist home avoids bright colors in favor of neutral color schemes. But with fall upon us, minimalists should look to incorporate a little more color and warmth. Sticking to a white and neutral color palette can make a room look cold and bleak, so try layering the colors.
This doesn't mean going for bright pops of color. Instead, look to nature and mimic the spectrum of colors found in your backyard. “For the fall season, we delight in incorporating warm tones that evoke coziness and comfort,” says Kasi Sykunova, director and founder of minimalist design firm YAM Interiors . This doesn't mean painting the walls either. Think subtly and incorporate these hues through soft textures, plush throws and blankets, and decorative details. “I especially like incorporating soft-shaped vases in earthy, earthy tones,” says Kasi.
2. Bring in nature with dried flowers
(Image credit: Lisa Cohen, design: Kim Kneipp)
Dried flowers are a must-have for fall, perfect for minimalists looking to add a little décor to their homes. Spring and summer are the months when fresh bouquets of flowers with bright pops of color look great, but as the colder months approach, dried flowers are a great option.
While you can buy bouquets to proudly display, dried flowers are relatively easy to make at home. Just take a fresh bouquet and separate the flowers into small bundles. Tie a string around the stem and hang it upside down in a dark place for about a week, or until the flowers run out of moisture.
If you don't want to go for a floral look, “choose textured, dry leaves like pampas grass or red eucalyptus,” Kasi recommends. Dried wheat also has a wonderful flavor reminiscent of harvest time. Dried your favorite leaves and display them in a vase to create a real fall atmosphere with muted colors reminiscent of nature. Best of all, it looks great forever, can be used in any room from the living room to a dining table centerpiece, and requires little maintenance.
3. Add a subtle touch to Halloween with white pumpkins
(Image credit: Crate & Barrel)
When decorating for fall, you can't ignore Halloween. Minimalism and Halloween aren't particularly closely related, but there are ways to do it in a stylish, sophisticated and subtle way. Think natural materials rather than plastics, and avoid bright colors and anything particularly brutal or childish.
“A white fall pumpkin decoration is all a minimalist home needs,” says designer Ambrit Newey of ABN Design. 'that's it! It's classic and modern without being overdone. ”
White pumpkins are a simple nod to seasons and holidays, natural and easy to DIY, and look sophisticated when grouped together on a kitchen island or dining room table.
4. Strengthen textiles
(Image provided by Hyejoo)
For minimalists, it's all about subtly incorporating the season, rather than overtly flashy decor. Added texture can be the secret ingredient to making your home feel so cozy when the cold weather is indoors. “For fall, we use muted earth tones and rich textures to create a cozy and warm space,” says Pierre Josselin, design lead at Jeffrey Beers International.
Add texture to your sofa with a mohair throw, add softness underfoot with a high-pile rug, and add a touch of luxury to your cozy living room by adding lots of cushions and bean bags to your living room. Be sure to leave these extra blankets and pillows in storage when not in use. Otherwise, your minimalist space can end up feeling cluttered.
“We recommend updating your bedroom bedding with rich colors and luxurious materials,” adds Carola Pimentel, founder designer of Miami-based Assure Interiors. “Our go-to sources include Peter Reid, who offers beautiful bespoke Egyptian cotton and luxurious silks with simple embroidery.”
5. Mix different materials
(Image credit: Nicole Franzen, design: Emerson)
Minimalism relies heavily on mixed hard materials to incorporate layers into a usually colorless scheme. Natural materials like stone and marble are perfect for minimalist spaces, but they can feel cold and hard as the seasons change. Combine it with other materials such as wood for its natural warmth. Brass works perfectly because of its shimmering golden sheen that adds warmth and its ability to reflect light throughout the room.
“Leather is a material that gives instant warmth and tactility. In the colder months, introduce a leather stool for extra seating (Poltrona Frau has a huge selection) or place your favorite magazine on the coffee table. Try installing hunting season leather trays (made in Colombia) to hold them,” says Carola.
“Also consider bringing fall warmth indoors by selecting minimalist decorative elements like organic ceramics,” adds Tommy Dung.
6. Display bowls filled with the bounty of the harvest.
(Image provided by: YAM Interiors)
Autumn is strongly associated with the end of summer and the end of the harvest season. Celebrate fall fruit by using this fresh produce as a centerpiece on your dining table. “A bowl of pomegranates and vegetables is also a great addition, adding a fun fall vibe to your kitchen,” says Kasi.
Pumpkins, pumpkins, cranberries, apples, and figs are just some of the fruits and vegetables that ripen in September, October, and November, making them the centerpiece of a gorgeously simple table in a minimalist dining room.
7. Rethink your lighting plan
(Image provided by FermLIVING)
In autumn it is very important to light your home in the right way. With critical daylight hours lost, we rely heavily on our home lighting schemes to provide warmth. The light fixtures you choose not only provide light, but also act as decorations, blending form and function. To add some light to a dark corner, you should add a mini table lamp. Candlelight is one of the key elements that minimalists love to incorporate into their plans.
“Lighting systems need to take full advantage of changing light levels,” says Carola. “We often buy brass candlesticks and votive candle holders that create a warm glow, and quirky vintage accessories from the '60s and '70s at Flea Market.”
3 minimalist items to decorate your home for fall
strawberry sunset dry bouquet
Flowers include pampas grass, strawflower, poppy, arsiglas, and nigella pods.
Price: $38
Material: ceramic stone
Price: $12.99
hand forged iron tapered holder
Material: antique brass, antique copper
Price: $41