The 5 items you should replace in your home this fall, from an interior designer

• As an interior designer, I believe fall is the perfect time to make sure you have a cozy home.
• You’ll be inside more often, so it’s imperative to get rid of clutter and outdated decor.
• I recommend ditching stiff throw pillows, mismatched vases, and bland wall art this season.

For most people, fall means cozy quality time with loved ones, fanciful feasts, and early holiday gatherings.

However, to truly enjoy the warmth of the new season, it’s essential to have your home in order, free from clutter and unnecessary decor that may not be a good fit for your space. As an interior designer, I’m always telling clients that less is more.

So, how do you identify what to toss? Instead of focusing on fall themes, think of how you’ll be using your space this season. If you plan to host dinner parties and intimate gatherings, consider organizing your living area to open up more space for loved ones.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in transforming your home into a cozy retreat from the chilly weather, consider assessing which decor and furniture actually make you feel comfortable, and adjust from there.

If you’re still lost on where to start, here are five decor items I often tell my clients to replace in the fall.

It’s time to get rid of any throw pillows that aren’t comfortable.

Chances are, your living room — and couch, specifically — will see more guests than almost any other room this fall.

This means now is the perfect time to swap out any old, outdated throw pillows for ones that make you want to hang out on the couch.

Adorning your seating areas with comfortable, sophisticated throw pillows will also make the space feel cozier for guests. I suggest bringing your space together with beige pillows; textured and plush ones will add visual interest and extra comfort.

Replace art that doesn’t move you with pieces you actually enjoy looking at.

It’s time to remove any art from your space that you’ve started to find dull. Instead, seek out paintings, framed prints or photos, and decorative objects that will spark conversation at holiday gatherings and living room cocktail parties.

Contrary to popular belief, your new decor doesn’t have to scream “fall.” Rather than shopping for seasonal artwork featuring autumn leaves and pumpkins, try to scour Etsy or local vintage shops for pieces you find interesting, thoughtful, and inviting.

I’d suggest keeping a warm color palette top of mind, but don’t limit yourself. Given that you’ll be spending more time at home as the weather gets cooler, you should feel comfortable and like your space accurately reflects you.

Swap out clutter on your bookshelves.

I am a person who loves a great display of sculptures, varied objects, books, and photos on floating bookshelves and beyond.

However, as a designer, I believe it’s essential to take a measured approach to decorating your bookshelves and entertainment centers.

Are you overloading each space with decor that’s not relevant or outdated? Probably. Do you need every tchotchke on your shelf? Probably not.

Instead of jam-packing your space with cute objects, consider paring down your decor for a sleek effect. Your guests will likely find it more calming — and you might, too.

Consider whether it’s time for a new go-to vase.

It’s extremely easy to accumulate a lot of mismatched vases over the years. Consider getting rid of the ones you never use, and instead, investing in a new statement vase you can keep on hand.

A large teardrop vase can inspire conversation among cocktails, while providing some visual interest — and helping your entire space feel more organized.

Swap out any fall decor that feels too on-the-nose.

I know, I know: The beginning of the holiday season is exciting, and decorative gourds can be cute. That said, I recommend staying away from holiday and fall decor that feels too specific and will only be relevant for a month or two.

It’s more budget-friendly and sustainable to invest in seasonal touches that you’ll want to keep. Instead of incorporating fall-themed decor within your space, opt for a tasteful fall wreath or a seasonally appropriate, pumpkin-scented candle.

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