I’m an interior designer – it’s so easy for your fall decor to become tacky, my four tips will elevate your home
AS Thanksgiving approaches, many festive homeowners are tempted to get into the holiday spirit by dressing up their space with fall decorations.
Knowing that these themed accent pieces can get tacky fast, one interior designer shared her dos and don’ts for seasonal décor.
Design guru Julie Sousa has garnered a following of over two million users on TikTok (@the_avantgarde) thanks to her “decorating 101” tips and crafty DIY ideas.
Knowing how hard it is to toe the line between tasteful and over-the-top fall décor, she shared her recommendations in an exclusive interview with The U.S. Sun.
“If you get too thematic, it can get a little kitschy,” Julie said, noting that she lives by the “less is more” mantra.
Get cozy
One item in particular that is too cheesy for her liking: signs with text.
“I don’t love things that are literal. I’m not going to have a sign that says ‘cozy girl fall’ in my house.
“I’d rather just bring in cozy elements that remind me of fall.”
As for how you do that, exactly, she has some ideas.
“Switching out pillowcases is one way to do it tastefully,” she said.
She advised going for earthy color schemes, like burgundy, burnt orange, or brown.
“And I recommend just buying the pillowcases so that you can maximize space when you’re storing them during other seasons.”
Add texture
For all the HomeGoods lovers, she said to look for those with zippers so that you know the covers are removable.
To add even more texture to your family room, bring out the heavy-weight blankets and leave the linen ones behind.
“The cozier the better. The knitted, the wool, the woven fabrics, those are my favorite.
“I’m also a sucker for plaid. I feel like it screams quintessential fall.”
But when it comes to the bedroom blankets and sheets, Julie’s minimalist, clean-lined style means she sticks to all white all year round.
Add scents and foliage
Thinking about accent décor, she noted how a change of scents and a little nature can bring out the feeling you want.
“I have this toasted pumpkin candle that as soon as I light it, I’m like: ‘Ok. It’s fall,’” she gushed, noting that Brooklyn Candle Studio is her favorite line.
“And swapping out your vase fillers, putting in a dehydrated plant or dry flower, is also quintessential.”
Just don’t get any fake fruit or foliage.
“Those little red cranberries can get kitschy fast, so I tend to avoid those altogether.
“As for fake foliage or fake wreaths – avoid that. If you really want it, just get the real thing at that point.”
Light a fire
And thinking about all of the family gatherings and get-togethers with friends that come with the holiday season, she recommended one buy: a fireplace.
“My fireplace was probably one of my best purchases.
“It’s an entertainment piece – people love hanging out by the fire, making s’mores, chatting. It’s perfect for this time of year.”