9 Tips For a Cozy Home This Fall

Fall is here are we're ready for all that it brings with it -- we've found our Halloween decorations, we've got our warmer clothes at the ready, and we're raking leaves! While nature puts on its fantastic display of Fall colors, we can borrow some of her ideas to make the interior of our homes cozy and inviting. If you're looking for a few ideas to make your home inviting and warm as the air gets nippy, here are our top 9 tips:

1. Add elements of nature. Start with the kitchen – easy ways to make this room cozy would be to include splashes of red, orange, brown, eggplant, and yellow in the form of winterberry, fall flowers, oranges and lemons displayed in an ornate bowl, cookware, or hand towels to grace your breakfast nook, countertop, or wall. In other rooms of the house, hang decorative fall-themed artwork on the walls, store firewood in an indoor rack, or change your curtains to instantly transform any room.

2. Add a warm fire. Do you have a gas or wood fireplace or a fire pit? Now’s the time to ensure the fireplace is in working order, and that you have an ample supply of firewood for bonfires – as an accompaniment to your get-togethers with friends and family, or for your own personalenjoyment to cozy up to whenever the mood strikes.

3. Add seating. As you invite guests to your home this time of year, much of the entertaining will likely revolve around meals of some sort, which calls for ample seating indoors and possibly outdoors. Instead of buying chairs, how about adding a bench to your dinette or outdoor furniture? When not in use, you can simply set it aside.

4. Add warm scents and flavors. If you had to pick “fall scents and flavors” for your home, you’d probably come up with things like apples, pumpkins, caramel, and cinnamon, and maybe some vanilla thrown in. Bubble up some wassail punch or apple cider on the stove for a double treat – not only will your home get filled with the fragrant scents, but you and your guests will also have a warm, satisfying beverage to enjoy.

5. Add fall accents to your bedrooms. Red ocher, tan, and goldenrod patterned bedding, pillow covers, and perhaps a fleece, flannel, or woolen throw blanket or down comforter are all a nice touch without even having to change anything else in a room. If you want, you can even spritz a seasonal room spray or include a vase of fresh cut season flowers.

6. Rotate your seasonal gear. Now’s the time to store your poolside gear and take out all your cool weather accessories, like hats, scarves, jackets, and boots to have handy in your hall closet. Or, display them in your mudroom or entryway in an organized fashion for a decorative look, without actually decorating at all.

7. Add a warm throw rug. A warm floor to greet your toes is a snug and cozy feeling indeed!

8. Add plush seating and accents in the family room. When you and your family gather indoors for movie night, games, or for conversation, make the experience that much cozier by including plush cushions, throws, and footrests and oversized lounge chairs for everyone to have the option to snuggle up to or relax in.

9. Adjust the lighting. With the shorter days and more time inside, having adequate indoor lighting in your home is important. Make sure fixtures and bulbs are replaced as needed, and that you have a variety of light sources – including use of a dimmer switch, lamps, and the glow of candle or fire light.

Are you thinking about selling your home this Fall while homebuyers are still enjoying affordable mortgage rates? Would you like to know how to stage your home in all its Fall splendor? Let's face it, this is one of the most beautiful seasons for home showings! Don't hesitate to contact me, Teresa Ryan, Managing Broker/Owner of Ryan Hill Realty at 630-276-7575 or email ClientServices@RyanHillRealty.com. I'll get your home sold.

Proudly presented to you by Teresa Ryan of Ryan Hill Realty

Call 630-276-7575 www.RyanHillRealty.com