I know for most people, September 1st marks the beginning of all things fall, from the cozy jumpers and spiced drinks to the colors and decor we fill our homes with. But each year, I'm always the last person clinging to the dregs of summer decorating.
This year has been no different – well, until designer Shea McGee shared her tips on how to elevate your fall decor, and the trends she mentioned have made me so excited to put away the summer pieces and refresh my spaces with moody fall designs.
And the best part? She hasn't recommended any of those seasonal cliches we are so used to seeing (and that can often bore me), instead showcasing classic patterns in rich colors, and subtle ways to elevate more functional rooms. My interest: piqued!
4 ways to elevate your home for fall, according to Shea McGee
New seasons are always an exciting time, with different materials, colors, and designs at the forefront of our home decor. But there's something about fall trends that has everyone more excited than any other time of the year (excluding Christmas, of course).
'Transitioning from summer to fall always inspires a fresh perspective at home. This season, we’re embracing some of our favorite designs with a refined, traditional approach,' Shea notes in her post.
From classic patterns to tactile materials you can bring into every room, these are the 4 approaches Shea recommends if you want to create an on-trend and elevated look with your fall decor this year.
1. Introduce seasonal patterns to cozy spaces
Classic, traditional prints and patterns are big news for fall 2025, and they are a chic way to elevate your rooms for the coming months. In particular, Shea is announcing plaids and stripes as the patterns of the season.
'By layering plaids and stripes in new ways, you can infuse your own personality into spaces in a playful mix or incorporation of pattern. After all, it's not just in the details – it's what we do with them,' writes Shea.
Think throw pillows, blankets, bedding, and even lighting in these timeless patterns. This particular trend focuses on soft furnishings, but you can also bring it into other areas of decor, such as a vase filled with foliage or towels hanging in more functional rooms.
A striped pillow can instantly elevate a sofa, bed, or even a cozy window seat. This charming design comes in brown, taupe, and mint green – the brown is my favorite for fall decorating this year.
There's something about plaid decor that feels utterly cozy and endlessly synonymous with fall. And it's a print Shea loves for an elevated look – this tasselled throw is perfect for draping over a bed or armchair.
For a more unique way to bring pattern into your home, why not introduce this plaid switch plate? It's fun and unexpected, but it's a simple way to make your power outlets and switches look nicer.
2. Elevate your kitchen with glass details
Decorating for fall doesn't need to be big on pattern, color, or obvious decor. Sometimes, the most subtle details can make a big difference, especially when it comes to decorating your kitchen.
'We love the simplicity that glass adds to vignettes,' she notes. 'It's a charming blend of both closed and open storage, giving an extra layer to styling while keeping things contained and organized.'
There are a few ways to bring glass accents into your space. In a kitchen, pretty drinking glasses displayed on a shelf, a glass vase at the center of a kitchen island, or even a glass countertop lamp for added ambiance can be more impactful than you might think.
In cozier rooms, a glass side table, candlesticks, or even a light fixture in this delicate material can add a new look to your space without spending a fortune. It's about tweaking those details that really elevate the finish of your design.
All of the chicest people I know own coupe glasses – and this set of 4 subtly ribbed ones is the perfect addition to your fall kitchen. Not only will they elevate shelving, but they are sophisticated for hosting, too.
As the evenings get darker earlier, there's something so cozy about lighting a few candles, whether they're on a mantel or a table centerpiece. These glass holders are a beautifully timeless design, perfect for fall.
Glass decor can sometimes feel a little boring, but this stunning ruffle glass bowl is far from it. The elegant form is so striking, and this type of bowl is really fun for stylish, whether it's on a coffee table or an entryway console.
3. Bring in tactile materials
We often talk about texture in interior design. Particularly those that bring a more tactile element to a space and prevent it from feeling flat and uninspiring. For Shea, this fall is all about embracing travertine decor.
'The natural texture and imperfections of travertine are part of what draws us to this beautiful stone. It feels almost vintage, and if you know us at all, you know we love an old-meets-new look,' Shea explains.
Now, this doesn't mean ripping out your kitchen countertops and fitting in new travertine ones. It's more about small decor items, like a bowl on your coffee table, pendant lights above an island, or statement bookends on your open shelving.
Whenever fall arrives, I always feel the need to add cozier lighting to my home. This small table lamp is a fun choice, made from natural travertine for a more textural yet still very neutral style.
Don't forget about your shelves – pretty bookends are a chic way to give your space a more styled and elevated look. These travertine designs tick every box for fall, from the natural texture to the more sculptural form.
There's something so elegant about pairing the rough texture of stone with the softness of linen, which is why this travertine napkin ring is so appealing. It's perfect for fall tablescapes with a subtle nod to the season.
4. Embrace the moodier hues of the season
Perhaps my favorite thing about the fall season, moody colors truly come into their own. They are rich and all-encompassing, instantly giving your home a cozy feel, yet feeling ever so elegant and elevated.
And Shea agrees: 'One of the best ways to infuse warmth into your spaces is through palette. In many ways, it establishes the tone of the room and is the base for layers and details that give depth to your space.'
I love rich burgundy and deep shades of brown in my home, but any dark hue, such as blue, greens, and even accents of black, signals a much cozier atmosphere. I'm tempted to do a full repaint of my small bathroom, but smaller swaps like rugs, upholstery, artwork on the walls, and even table displays can be just as impactful.
A side table is a great way to introduce moody colors in an unexpected way. This dark green design is the perfect fall shade, while the wavy form adds interest. Use in a living room, bedroom, or even in an office.
Your bathroom is just as deserving of a fall makeover as the rest of your spaces. This white and burgundy striped bath towel is the perfect way to bring moodier colors into your bathroom without creating clutter.
There's something about rich brown upholstery that instantly feels really expensive. This cushion cover it the perfect example – complete with a fringed edge, it adds that luxurious, cozy vibe we all crave in fall.
From rich fall color schemes to introducing new materials, there are so many ways to elevate your home for fall that don't feel like total clichés. These simple decor switches instantly make a home more cozy for fall, and offer a more timeless look than some past years.
