Sensing Autumn Vibes
It's time to get cozy.
The sunsets are more vibrant and the leaves have started to shift from green to red. Nobody can argue with the fact that Mother Nature really does a wonderful job decorating for Autumn. But how can we shift our interiors in the same subtle, yet impactful ways, without losing the beautiful sophistication we've worked so hard to achieve? Sure, we could stick some pumpkins in the centerpiece, or add some "Fall Y'all" throw pillows to the sofa, but does seasonal decor really need to be so literal?
I don't think so. I believe decorating for the seasons is best done by changing the vibe of a space. This sounds more complicated than it is. Changing the vibe just means changing the experience you give each of your five senses. For example, in the summer, I keep my fridge full of watermelon, my tables covered in linen, topical candles burning, and a Bob Marley playlist on repeat. But once that first leaf hits the ground, there's some changes that I like to make to help the vibe on the inside, match the one out my front door.
What you see is what you get.
If you want to set the vibes from the moment someone sees your home, a wreath bursting with Autumn foliage is the answer. You want to look for something with deep burgundy, tan, or sage green. Avoid any colors that are too bold or bright. Those will often remind visitors of summer, or clash with the elevated look found inside your home.
I've got a feeling.
Swapping lightweight throws for heavy, knitted pieces is not only an easy way to switch up your home for a new season, but also a practical one. As the nights get cooler, nothing will set the Autumn vibe better than snuggling up under a cozy blanket.
Do you smell that?
We've all heard it before, but it's true! Scent really does tie itself so strongly to our memories. This is because the olfactory system (the part of our brain that helps us recognize smells) is right next door to the limbic system (the part of our brain that processes memories and emotions). This means, swapping the scent that's filling your home will cause your brain to reminisce on different memories... like the ones from last fall, or even from decades ago.
Delicious!
Lucky for us, food plays a pretty crucial part in being a living, breathing human. In fact, most of us are chowing down three to five times a day. So while you might think what you eat doesn't have anything to do with aesthetic of your home, remember that the vibe of your space is completely reliant on how you experience it. Don't believe me? When's the last time you had a pina colada and weren't immediately transported to a beach somewhere? (Mentally, anyway)
When trying to add more seasonal meals to your weekly menu, just think about (or Google) what fruits and vegetables are in season. Things like squash, apple, and yes, of course pumpkin, are all Fall favorites.
Sounds like Fall
This one is going to vary a lot on the in individual, but changing up your go-to playlist each season will really help set the vibe in your home. An easy solution is to search something like "fall vibes" on Spotify. But if you want a little more control over your tunes, I recommend artists like Noah Kahan or Bon Iver. Whatever you choose, your Autumn playlist, just like the rest of your home during the 'ber' months, should help you feel cozy and warm.