When that intense summer heat finally starts backing off and you get those first signs of autumn, there’s something that makes you want to cozy up your space. However, you don’t need to tear everything apart to make the shift from summer to fall. Adjusting some colors, fabrics, and lighting can make your place feel like a completely different room.
Here are five easy ways to give your studio apartment that fall vibe. If you’re one of those people who loves bringing the seasons indoors, you may want to try these out.
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Bring in some autumn colors
Autumn can be a great time to bring a bit of the outside indoors. It is all about adding warmth and depth to your color palette. Muted tones like mustard, terracotta, khaki, burgundy, deep green, and warm browns instantly add an autumnal touch, making the space feel more grounded and inviting.
The easiest way to work these in? Start with your soft stuff. New cushion covers, maybe a different throw blanket, or swap out that summer rug. Before you know it, your whole room will have this calming impression. You can also use autumn-colored cushion covers, rugs, blankets, and other fabrics as accent colors. Choosing muted colors will also create a refined atmosphere without being too bold.
Time for a fabric swap
Changing out fabrics is an easy and effective way to adjust the atmosphere. This might be the easiest trick in the book, but it does the work. We’re talking about all those fabric pieces that you notice first, such as cushions, throws, rugs, and even your curtains if you’re feeling ambitious.
Summer fabrics are all about being light and airy, but how about fall and winter? Fall is texture season. Pack away those crisp linens and bring out the thick, brushed materials such as wool, flannel, velour, and corduroy. The colors matter too. Those deeper shades, such as beige, brown, burgundy, and khaki, will give the room a calm, autumn-winter look.
Best part about this approach? You don’t need a ton of space to store the off-season stuff, and you can start small. Grab a couple of cushion covers and lap blankets and see how you feel. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Get your lighting right
Lighting has a huge impact on the mood of a room. As the days get shorter, choosing the right kind of light becomes even more important. Indirect lighting, which fills the space with soft, diffused light, can make the whole space feel cozier.
Warm, soft lighting can make all the difference when the weather cools down. A gentle orange glow adds a cozy, welcoming feel to places like the living room or bedroom, where you want to relax and wind down. In contrast, bright white lights like LEDs can come off as a bit too harsh. So, it’s better to use them in practical spots like your desk or kitchen, where you need better visibility.
Real candles and incandescent lamps are also pretty good. If you’re worried about leaving them burning, LED ones that flicker look real. Some of the scented ones are pretty nice, too.
Small decorations
Adding a few seasonal accents can help you a lot in creating the autumn feel. Natural materials not only look great, but they also bring texture and subtle scents, giving the space depth and calmness.
Try hanging up some artwork in warm, earthy tones. You can also add a dried flower wreath for a subtle seasonal touch. Even something as simple as a tray filled with pinecones, dried grasses, or a few autumn fruits can instantly make your space feel cozier and fall-inspired.
For more info, check out our blog: Best 100-Yen Purchases for Apartment Decoration
Don’t forget about fall scents
You may feel a bit off both mentally and physically as autumn settles in and the days get cooler and darker. Many people enjoy refreshing scents in the summer, but when you feel the arrival of autumn, a scent that has a high relaxing effect helps to balance your mood.
The best part is that you don’t need anything fancy to enjoy the benefits of essential oils. Just add a few drops to a tissue and leave it in the room; the scent will slowly flow through the space. For a cozy nighttime routine, try mixing a few drops into your fabric softener when washing pillowcases or sheets. It’s a simple way to wrap yourself in comfort as you wind down for the night.
Essential oils worth trying
■ Lavender
Lavender is often called the “all-purpose oil”. It is loved for its calming and deep relaxation effect. It’s believed to help quieten the mind, promote restful sleep, and bring a sense of deep comfort. Lavender is especially helpful during seasonal transitions, when both body and mind can feel a little out of sync, as it supports balance in the autonomic nervous system.
Source: AEAJ The Effects of Essential Oils on Brain Function and Concentration
■ Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile is characterized by its gentle and sweet apple-like scent and has long been popular as a “healing herb.” Its calming properties help ease anxiety and tension, making it an ideal essential oil to reach for on stressful days or when you’re having trouble winding down at night.
■ Petitgrain
Petitgrain has a fresh, slightly woody scent with a refreshing and soft sweetness. It’s especially helpful during seasonal transitions, when your mood might feel a bit low. Because it’s gentle and not overpowering, petitgrain is great for evening relaxation, whether you’re diffusing it in the bedroom, adding it to a warm bath, or using it as part of your nighttime wind-down routine.
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Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.
I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.
We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.
I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.