Transitioning Your Home From Late Summer To Early Fall

Learn how to transition your home from late summer to early fall with simple, cozy ideas that don’t rush the season.

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I love this time of year! It’s that short but sweet season between the end of summer and the beginning of full-on fall. The light softens, the evenings feel a just a bit cooler, and I naturally start craving a cozier home.

It’s not too early to begin this gentle transition. We can still enjoy hot days by the pool and spend just 15 or 20 minutes later in the day gathering up and putting away summer decor. Or maybe swapping out light, summery pillows for ones with more texture and rich, neutral colors. Starting the summer to fall transition now makes it so much easier to bring in iconic fall touches, like pumpkins and mums, when the season is in full swing.

If you’re like me and want your home to reflect the slow shift in seasons, I’ve gathered simple and doable ideas to help you transition beautifully from late summer to early fall. No pumpkins needed—yet!

Here’s how to gently begin shifting your home with hints of fall now…

Put Away Obvious Summer Decor And Textiles

One of the first things I like to do as we move into this in-between season is to quietly put away the obvious signs of summer. Decor like lemons, seashells, summery floral stems, or anything that has a seaside look. As much as I’ve loved having them out these last few months, they start to feel a little out of place now that the light is changing and the mornings are cooler.

I don’t do this all at once. I just walk through my home and begin removing anything that feels too sunny or season-specific. It’s more of a gentle edit than a full clean-out. I’ll pack up the red, white, and blue accents from July, tuck away melamine dishes and picnic-style pieces, and pull back on anything with a light summer aesthetic.

This is also a good time to refresh pillows and throws. I usually put away anything that looks too summery to me or is made with lightweight textures. I don’t bring out the heavy fall textiles just yet, but I do like to lean into softer, neutral layers that still feel light but a bit more grounded.

block print pillow on a upholstered bench

A room can feel so different when you simply remove a few things. The space feels calmer, a little more open, and ready for the slow shift into fall. You don’t need to rush into pumpkins or autumn leaves, just a bit of thoughtful editing is the perfect way to begin.

Clean And Refresh Your Home

After I put away my summer decor, I like to give our home a light refresh. It’s not a deep clean, but more of a reset that helps me see my spaces with fresh eyes. There’s something so satisfying about clearing surfaces, fluffing pillows, and letting your home breathe a bit before bringing in anything new. I like to do this between every seasonal decor change.

This is the perfect time to dust those areas I tend to skip, like baseboards, shelves, and windowsills. I also take a few extra minutes to vacuum behind the furniture and wipe down counters, mirrors, and doors. Even the simple act of straightening up and removing visual clutter makes everything feel lighter.

I wash and store any summer throws and send pillow covers to be dry cleaned that I won’t be using. Then, fluff or swap in neutral ones that can work now and into fall. It’s also a nice time to tidy open shelves. I remove everything, give them a quick clean, and then restyle them with fewer things. Less really is more when transitioning between seasons.

Transitioning Tip

Sometimes the best decorating is simply giving your home a little breathing room.

After everything is tidied up, I like to step back and enjoy how open and calm my home feels. It’s a nice little pause between seasons—a chance to breathe before layering in anything new. This in-between moment is just as beautiful as the season ahead.

Add Early Fall Layers

fall pillows in neutral colors on a sofa

Now that the summer decor is tucked away and the house feels refreshed, start by adding just a few gentle layers. Nothing that screams fall, just soft, cozy touches that hint at the change in seasons.

This is when I bring out my neutral throw blankets and lighter-weight pillows in warm, calming tones like ivory, camel, or soft gray. These textures feel comforting without being too heavy. I often drape a throw across the arm of a chair or fold one neatly at the foot of the bed. Small things that make a room feel a little more relaxed and cozy.

On the dining room table or kitchen island, I’ll layer in a burlap runner or soft linen napkins in a neutral tone. These subtle additions add just enough warmth to feel seasonal without jumping ahead. A lightweight woven basket filled with something simple, maybe hydrangeas from my yard, can bring beautiful, natural texture to a space.

I’m not reaching for deep fall colors or classic fall motifs just yet. This step is all about adding softness and a little visual weight, while still keeping everything feeling airy and fresh. It’s a slow and lovely way to welcome what’s next.

Transitioning Decor With Textural Touches

fall vignettte with a vase of dried yellow flowers and grasses

One of the easiest and most beautiful ways to bridge the gap between summer and fall is by focusing on texture. Instead of thinking about seasonal themes, I look for pieces that feel cozy and add a bit of visual warmth to a room.

This is when I bring out things like chunky baskets, aged wood bowls, burlap runners, or pottery in natural tones. These items don’t shout fall, but they whisper comfort. I love styling a console table with a large woven basket or a large shallow bowl made of stone or ceramic. It’s simple and layered, without feeling heavy.

Woven trays, leather accents, wood or burnished brass candle holders, and fabrics with a comfortable feel add so much character to a space. These pieces work quietly in the background, creating a welcoming mood that feels right for this time of year.

Don’t Miss This Step

.Think of this step as adding seasonless warmth. These items can stay out long after fall arrives and will blend easily with whatever you add next. It’s not about rushing the season. It’s about letting your home evolve naturally and beautifully.

Bring In Early Fall Organics

sweet gumball wreath hanging on a bookcase door.

This might be my favorite step in the whole process, bringing in subtle, natural elements that reflect the quiet beauty of early fall. These little touches go a long way in helping your home feel seasonally thoughtful without jumping straight into pumpkins and boldly saturated autumn colors.

I like to start with real or faux botanicals. A bundle of wheat, ornamental cabbages, or a few eucalyptus stems in a pretty vase feel earthy and relaxed, just right for this in-between season. Use green organics and fresh hydrangeas until you are ready to replace them with items that have more color.

greens in a tall vase on a dining room table

I’ll also add in a branch or two with early fall color. Think leaves in soft amber, faded rust, or muted golden tones. Just a couple stems can give your space that beautiful, just-turning feel without it looking like fall has fully arrived.

I also bring out small natural accents like faux pears, dried pods, or a small wreath of sweet gumballs. Acorns are another favorite. Simple, organic, and full of quiet charm.

wool ball acrons hanging on a bookcase with twine.

I like to sprinkle a few around the base of a candle or tuck them into a vignette for a little nod to the season. Now is the perfect time to make wool ball acorns in muted colors. They are so easy to make and a reader favorite!

It’s All About The Feel

Early fall organics should feel effortless, like you just brought something in from a morning walk. A stem here, a bowl there, nothing too styled or obvious. Let your home shift gently with the season.

Get a head start on easy-to-make fall decor. Here are two of my favorite fall DIYs…

More Summer Into Fall Ideas

As you slowly begin to transition your home, there are so many little ways to reflect the season without rushing into full fall decorating. These simple ideas can help your home feel warm, thoughtful, and just right for this short and lovely in-between time.

fall branches in a large urn on a white buffet

Bring The Outdoors Inside: Pick late summer or early fall flowers like hydrangeas, goldenrod, or rudbeckia and display them in baskets or pitchers.
Use What You Have: Repurpose summer decor in new ways, turn a white summer bowl into a base for dried grasses.
Switch Scents Gradually: Replace bright citrus or floral candles with warm but gentle fragrances like vanilla, cedarwood, or cinnamon.
Add A Soft Glow: Use battery-operated candles or a small lamp on a timer to create that cozy early-evening feel as days begin to shorten.
Style A Transitional Tray: Create a pretty vignette using a wood or rattan tray with neutral books, a small vase of organics, and a candle.
Layer Blockprint fabrics: Mix textiles with popular blockprints with other neutral and textural fabrics.
Display Fresh Fruit: Use pears, apples, or plums in a shallow bowl or pedestal dish as a simple and beautiful nod to the changing season.
Warm Up Your Color Palette: Slowly work in warmer tones like butterscotch, muted olive, or soft rust through accent pieces.
Let Nature Inspire You: Go for a walk and gather what catches your eye. Dried pods, twigs, or fading blooms—to use in bowls, jars, or vases throughout your home.

As summer gently fades and fall begins to peek around the corner, this is such a wonderful time to give your home a little extra care. Here’s a simple way to ease into the season without rushing:

Put Away Obvious Summer Decor – Start by removing seasonal items that feel bright, beachy, or summery.
Clean and Refresh Your Home – Give your home and mind a light reset to clear visual clutter and create a fresh foundation.
Add Early Fall Layers – Bring in soft, neutral pillows, throws, and table linens that hint at coziness without going full fall.
Transition Decor With Textural Touches – Add baskets, pottery, wood, and other textured pieces to give your rooms quiet warmth.
Bring in Early Fall Organics – Style your spaces with subtle natural elements like dried organics, branches, and a few acorns or nuts. Enjoy the beautiful process.

The beauty of this process is that it doesn’t have to happen all at once. Let each step unfold naturally, and enjoy every bit of this short and lovely season between summer and fall. Now is the perfect time to begin transitioning from late summer to early fall.

Shop For Fall

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to start decorating for fall?

Many wonder when it’s appropriate to begin decorating. While autumn officially begins in late September, it’s perfectly fine to start as early as late August or early September, depending on how the weather feels and how you experience the season. Whether you’re itching for cozy evenings or still enjoying summer evenings, the right time to decorate for fall is when YOU are ready.

How do I make my home feel cozy for fall without going overboard?

Creating a warm mood doesn’t require a full redecorating effort. Simple swaps such as earthy or spice-scented candles, throw blankets in soft textures, and subtle textile swaps (like linen or boucle in warm tones) can quietly transform your space into something inviting.

What fall color palette should I choose if I prefer neutrals?

If your home leans neutral, add fall touches using a limited palette of two to three accent colors, such as mustard, olive, or caramel, using small decor items like pillows, vases, or candles. This adds warmth without disrupting your base layers.

How can I add fall decor without buying new items?

You’d be amazed at what you can bring in from nature or use from your existing collection. Branches, dried flowers, acorns, seed pods, and even thrifted books provide subtle, meaningful fall accents without spending extra.

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Happy summer to fall decorating, friend…

5 Comments

Janet Hurlbrink says:

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Hi Yvonne, you’ve now gotten me in the mood to do some decorating for late summer/early fall. Love the look of your photos. Do you happen to have the source for the gray/ivory rug under your garden stool in the photo above? Thank you.

Cheryl Anderson says:

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Yvonne – as usual you have inspired and motivated me! I’m ready to transition into Fall. Can you please provide the source for the block pillow on the bench in this post? Thank you

1. Cheryl Anderson says:
  
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  Yvonne – as usual you have inspired and motivated me! I’m ready to transition into Fall. Can you please provide the source for the block pillow on the bench in this post? Thank you
  
Linda says:

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Are the hydrangeas real or faux. They are beautiful

1. Yvonne Pratt says:
  
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  They are real, called Ruby slippers. These oakleaf hydrangeas start out white, get pink splotches that turn to red and the red spotches bleed over the flowers. They go through quite a few interesting stages. They were ready to be dried so I brought them in and put them in a basket for fall.

Transitioning Your Home From Late Summer To Early Fall

Put Away Obvious Summer Decor And Textiles