How to Transition Your Late Summer Decor with Subtle Hints of Autumn

Aug 9th 2023

woven basket of sunflowers

There comes a time in late summer when cooler evenings tease us with a taste of autumn. That’s the time for transitional decor that’s a visual counterpart to still-warm days and refreshingly cooler nights – decorations that do for your home what an apple does to your taste buds!

Rather than full-out fall, late summer decor is a softer mix of the two seasons. Late summer decorating ideas add muted and neutral colors, more texture, and botanicals with an end-of-summer feel.

We’ve chosen five of our favorite early autumn decorations to represent how you can tweak your summer decor to change with the seasons.

Gardens are moving past their prime, but florals remain integral to fall decor. Exchanging your verdant summer wreath for something fall-forward is an easy switch. Replace blowsy blooms with wreaths and bouquets that offer the look of dried botanicals. For instance, the earthier colors of this hydrangea harvest wreath are perfect for late summer. The blend of florals, berries and leaves hints at a season on the cusp of fall.

Textures shift to the forefront as vibrant summer colors fade. These pear and apple wicker tabletop decorations mingle well with early fall decorations, with a neutral color and robust texture that subtly hints at autumn. Display them on a neutral toned wooden tray or basket for additional appeal.

Orange pumpkins scream fall; white pumpkins whisper. Neutral colored pumpkins in wood, weaves, resin or fabrics are subtle elements that mix well with other reminders of summer’s bounty. Anchor our soft white distressed wood pumpkin for tabletop or mantel with muted green or neutral garlands. Later in the season, add some bright orange pumpkins to the arrangement and switch out a floral garland with garlands featuring autumn leaves, berries and grasses.

Complement your updated mantel decor with garland that straddles the seasons. Choose a fall garland featuring white pumpkins, berries and a mix of green and fall-hued leaves, for a lightly transitional look. Touches of orange and brown later in the season will further nudge your decorating a notch closer to fall.

Cozy knits and fleecy fabrics are an autumn decorating staple. When cooling late summer nights have you trading T-shirts for sweatshirts, toss a plush knit throw blanket on the patio couch for extra comfort. Our light purple cable knit throw blanket has all the warmth you need, in a subtly transitional lavender shade. Plus, it plays well with solid and plaid throw pillows in shades of ivory and gray. While you’re refreshing your porch for fall, be sure to add a welcoming glow during early dusk with attractive lanterns and candles.

Transitioning your seasonal decor from summer to fall doesn’t have to be drastic or obvious. Give your decor a nudge with objects, colors and textures that subtly hint at the best of the coming autumn.

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