Somewhere along my home décor journey I embraced the concept of less is more. Particularly when it comes to seasonal décor. I was never one to go all-out. More accurately, I was never one to follow through and execute on my plans to go all-out. There has always been a disconnect between my idea of what my seasonal home should be and my ability to make it so.
The truth is, I’m completely inept when it comes to styling a home, a room, a table, a vignette. Completely, utterly, inept. It’s embarrassing, but the first step to acceptance is acknowledgment. I’m not gifted in the area of home decorating.
That said, these short comings are no reason for Snowberry to suffer in a seasonless state. Therefore, I pulled down my one, small fall décor bin. And then I ventured out to Home Goods, Pottery Barn and Anthropology in order to present you with my less-is-more fall home tour.
If you too prefer a less-is-more approach, here are my five easy tips for successfully bringing fall décor into your home without driving yourself insane.
1. Go Neutral –
I love color in my home. I mean color in my cabinets, upholstery, draperies, pillows, throws and artwork. You get the idea. The downside … my colorful decor isn’t always compatible with the colors of the season. What to do? Stick to a neutral palette in your seasonal decor. This works in a neutral home palette as well … it’s cohesive and serene.
What I did:
In our great room, I added a round, seagrass basket tray from Terrain. It’s no longer available, but this one is similar. In the basket I placed a glass hurricane I’ve had for years, and filled it with Pottery Barn’s fall potpourri, an unscented pillar candle and a couple of ceramic pumpkins I bought forever ago in Sonoma. A new acorn candle from Anthropology and wicker pumpkin from Pottery Barn complete the great room’s fall decor. Super simple.
2. Imitation is the best form of flattery –
Find an inspirational fall décor photo and copy it. If you need to shop for items, take your photo along and ask for assistance pulling it together. Décor store owners and employees are often creative types and just might do the work for you … and make a sale.
What I did:
To our front porch bench I added my Pottery Barn plaid throw. They don’t make it anymore … what? But, I found a few cute options at Target here, here and here. Then I layered a new, striped pillow from Home Goods and a cute cloth pumpkin purchased on Etsy a couple of years ago. I found some cute striped pillows here, here and here. My workhorse Pottery Barn lanterns and unscented pillar candles finish the look. Since the lanterns are outdoors, I should probably substitute flameless candles. And, of course, the piece de resistance is the Snowberry pillow made by my friend @karenonbainbridgeisland.
3. Look to the garden –
Clip fall branches or foliage from your yard, or your neighbor’s yard (ask first), and arrange them in a vase. If, like me, your general creative ineptness extends to flower arranging … hydrangeas and branches are your friends. Not only are they easier to arrange, but they last a long time.
Place a bowl of apples, pomegranates, oranges or other fall harvested fruits and veggies out on your counter.
What I did:
In our kitchen, I placed a pasta bowl filled with red apples on the buffet. Next to the stove I added Ina Garten’s Family Style to my cookbook stand and filled a new Elsie Green wood bowl with clementines. In the dining area – between the kitchen and great room – I clipped branches from our Magnolia tree and placed them in pottery vase from Target’s collaboration with Studio McGee. If I change the water weekly the branches should last a long time.
4. Apply the Coco Chanel principal –
“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” In other words, put out your fall décor then edit, edit, edit.
What I did:
In the foyer, I placed my Serena and Lily throw on the bench and topped it with another cloth pumpkin. I added this gorgeous Anthropology wreath to the front door and hung it with a clear, suctioned hook I found at Hobby Lobby. I thought the suction cup might show inside the door, but I don’t even notice it.
5. And, finally, apply the KISS principal –
“Keep it simple stupid.”
Focus on your front entry. A well-placed pumpkin, a fall themed doormat or wreath. Any one or a combination of these simple things is all you need to bring the fall season into your home.
What I did:
For our front entry, I added a buffalo check rug and layered this cute doormat gifted to us by our son and his fiancé. I found a similar one on Etsy and cute option at Target. Next, I filled clay pots with fall color from the Terrain shop at Anthropology. Did you know they sell live plants? I didn’t. Anyhoo, I filled another Pottery Barn lantern with plaid and white pumpkins (they’re on sale for $6/bag – this is not an affiliate link) and small pinecones (on sale for $3/bag, also not an affiliate link) from Hobby Lobby. And, I replaced the plant in my large wicker planter with something more fall-esque. See similar planters here and here.
Bonus tip, ask for help – We all have friends and family members with that certain je ne sais quoi. Invite them over, feed them, pour them a glass of wine (or Aperol Spritz … did you see my post on how to make this gorgeous fall cocktail?) and then beg ask for help arranging your fall decor pieces.
And, there you have it!
Snowberry’s Less-is-More Fall Decor!
For more on fall, check out my Fall Porch Decor, Perfect Fall Cocktail and Easy Fall Outdoor Table.
As always, I appreciate your visit and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers from Snowberry and happy fall decorating!
This post contains some affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclosure policy here.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos in the post are by Monica Vargas Photography.
What great tips! I see so many things I need in my house!
Happy day friend!
KariAnne
KariAnne … you are so sweet! Thanks for stopping by! xo
I think your decor is gorgeous and you are a fabulous decorator!
Thank you, Rachel … if I stick to simple, basics I do ok! xo
I LOVE that wreath. The color contrast with the door is
The Pottery Barn lanterns are adorable. Feel like you can find a way to use them year round.
And I see my heart eyes emoji didn’t make it in my comment … so let’s just say the wreath is to die for.
Heart eyes emoji right back at ya! xo
Thanks, Soph! I sure would like to use them year round … changing things out constantly overwhelms me! I’m really loving Anthropology. Do you ever shop there? xo
It looks absolutely gorgeous!! I too love the “less is more” idea!!! Too much is well, just too much. I love it!!!!
Hi Robbin … I totally agree with you! I have friends who are definitely in the more is more camp and it works for them! xo
Don’t underestimate yourself. It looks beautiful!
Thank you so much! When I keep things on a manageable scale it works out! xo
I like your style. Less-is-more is classy in my book. Beautiful decor!
Thank you, Jill. You’re so sweet. We less-is-more gals need to stick together! xo
These are awesome tips, Juliet. And I am a “less is more” girl, too! Love the blog design. I will pin your images. Great job!!!
Mary Ann, you’re the best! Blog design all thanks to YOU! xo
I love your “less is more” approach. Your home is so beautiful. I love your colour scheme.
Thank you, Carol. Keeping it simple allows me to maintain my sanity … although I admire and appreciate those who go all out! xo
My love for neutrals is hereditary I guess
Ha ha … I take credit for all your wonderful qualities of which there are too many to name! xo
What a great post! Love your style and simplicity. Have so enjoyed watching the renovation and decoration of your new home. I’m with you on missing the interior design “gift”, but I can copy a photo that I like:)
Melanie
Hi Mel! Thank you so much! And, isn’t it great that we have so many sources of inspiration to so we can try to duplicate it in our own homes. Happy Autumn to you! xo
Simple Autumnal lovliness! Perfection!
Shelley Welley – I love how you use that word. I have trouble pronouncing AND spelling it! But you are the epitome of Autumnal Perfection (of all seasonal decor perfection) and I’m thrilled you dropped by! I’m in awe of your more-is-more approach and wish I had the ability to create such a dreamy home! xo
Your less is more approach is perfect for your decor. I like your style!
Thank you!!! It’s certainly a lot easier to decorate and clean up! Right?! xo
As always, Juliet, I LOVE your post and photos. I too share a less is more attitude throughout almost all aspects of my life (except perhaps for my fabric stash … it’s a problem), probably after being the mother of 3 girls when I felt like there was always too much STUFF in the house. I love your home and your take on life! Keep it up as I really enjoy reading and seeing each post so much. xoxo, Ali.
Ali – we’re all allowed an area or two of excess. You should see my book collection … throughout our moves and downsizing, not one book has been removed! Three girls … wow, you’re must be an amazing and wonderful household! Thank you so much for the encouragement … I needed it today. You’re blog is a real inspiration to me! xo
YOU KNOW I CANNOT RELATE!!!!!!!
I have NEVER decorated for FALL with the exception of HALLOWEEN when I had TRICK or TREATERS!
Once an item goes into my home it rarely LEAVES…………….that said,”ITS DECORATED ENOUGH!”
YOU sure FOOLED ME as you are SO PULLED TOGETHER and YOUR HOMES HAVE BEEN OVER THE TOP FABULOUS!
I have seen Two in person and ONE via photos!!!
I’m learning SO much about YOU!
XXX
Contessa! It’s such an honor when you drop by! Your house is fabulous … for all seasons … does not require seasonal fluffing. It’s the epitome of gracious living, year round. Speaking of Halloween, is it cancelled this year?! What a shame if it is. I enjoy seeing the little ones in their costumes … and this being our first year in new neighborhood I was looking forward to it. Thank you thank you for the compliments … as mentioned above, one is honored when the Contessa takes notice! xoxo
I HOPE NOT!I think I noticed it falls on a SATURDAY this year!!!!!!!!
YOU should get a FEW in your HOOD!!!!
BE PREPARED!
THEY COME MASKED so why would it be CANCELLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HA HA HA!!!!!!
HUGS,XX
Oh good! I love Halloween! xo
Love the simplicity of your fall decor and the links to some of your home decor! Well done!!
Carol … thank you so much! xo
Juliet,
Love reading the blog… You are a NATURAL! Per usual, the house is stunning.
Can’t wait to visit!
Michael
Hey Michael! Thank you … the house is coming together! Looking forward to seeing you here in person. xo
Hi Juliet,
I think your less is more approach is perfect for your beautiful home! I’m definitely a “more is more” type. But I have gotten better about reducing my impulses to something in the middle. I haven’t switched over to fall decor yet, it’s going to get hot here again in a few days. But when I do I’ll change the pillows, rug, and all tabletop and mantel items, sometimes the lamps,too! . It usually takes me several hours. Then often no one notices…
I hope you get a few trick or treaters! They are so adorable!
XO Heidi
Hi Heidi! We’re bracing for the upcoming heatwave too. Ugh. I’ve held off buying pumpkins until it passes. Most of my friends are with you in the more-is-more camp! Do you think we’ll have trick or treaters this year … I sure hope so. Have a great weekend … and let’s hope this is the last of the serious heat. xo
What a beautiful tour, Juliet! I love your less is more approach and how you use neutral seasonal accessories for your colorful spaces. Love that door mat too -so adorable! And you ARE gifted in the area of home decor!
Cheers!
Shelley
Shelley! Thank you so much … I’m not a natural, but I keep at it! I sure loved your fall home tour … and I’m going to make your burritos! xo
Hi coming over from Classic Casual Home, aka Mary Ann P. Your instagram post says the stripe pillow came from Target, and I’m looking at several pages of pillows and over here the post says that adorable stripe pillow is from Home Goods– which place did you purchase it at? I hope it was recently and I can find it soon in my state. Your Snowberry home is beautiful! Mind if I try to copy you? Copying someone is a form of a compliment…..
Hi Mimi, I’m so sorry … I thought I bought it at Target and then when I searched for it I realized it came from Home Goods. Good catch! Copy away!!! Love Mary Ann … and thanks so much for clicking over to see my blog! xo
How did I miss this post?? The shot of your kitchen counter is my favorite. The apples are a sweet & simple touch. Love how your cookbooks are arranged & well all of this spot!
Hi Marie … thank you! I just can’t part with any of my cookbooks and was thrilled to find this dead space to create the shelves. Where there’s a will there’s a way, right?! xo
You’re welcome! They look amazing grouped together like that. Great use of the space.
HI Juliet, I love your tips! We are of like mine and shopping stops! And you know I love your Dutch door! I promised my husband I would not paint it for a year ;0) But, it is happening!
It’s happening?!!! Oh my goodness, can’t wait to see the color?! But, I do love it white. xo