Fall Is Here—8 Steps to Turn Your Home Into a Cozy Haven

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Fall is synonymous with crisp weather, comfort food, and coziness all around. There’s nothing like transforming your home into a warm and inviting haven to fully embrace all the goodness of fall. While I love leaning into the special elements every season brings—it’s hard to say goodbye to the early summer peonies—there’s something transformative about welcoming cooler days with a cozy home refresh. Where else can you find the perfect pumpkin candle, a soft throw, and a sweet baking mix all in one trip? If you guessed Target, you’re right. That’s why we’ve partnered with them to show you how to transform your home into a cozy haven for the season.

All the Cozy Home Inspiration You Need This Fall

With cozy vibes and autumnal abundance in the air, I like to infuse my home—and life—with accents and pieces that transition my space and energy to align with the season. Ahead, I’m sharing all my best tips and Target picks to help you lean into the magic of fall. Whether you’re looking for a total refresh or simply want to add a few fall-ified accents to your home, these Target finds make it easy to create a space where you can truly unwind. Get ready for your most stylish season yet.

Layer With Textures

While summer is all about linens, fall is the time to lean into the softness of cozy fabrics and organic materials. Swap out lightweight summer pieces for plush textures that encourage you to sink in and stay awhile. Think chunky knit throws, velvet cushions, and flannel bedding that not only provide warmth but also a sense of tactile comfort to your space. Layering these fabrics adds depth to your decor, making the space all the more visually inviting. Plus, incorporating materials like wool or faux fur can give your home that signature fall feel, perfect for curling up with a book or enjoying a warm drink by the fire.

Adding a variety of textures—like combining a soft wool blanket with a smooth velvet pillow—keeps the room interesting without overwhelming it. A thoughtful mix of cozy materials ensures that your home feels warm and welcoming, helping you fully embrace the transition to cooler weather.

Create a Cozy Nook

Working my way through my fall reading list is top of mind, and as such, I’m prioritizing curating a reading nook where I can curl up for hours. It’s the perfect way to carve out a little sanctuary in your home as the weather turns crisp. Whether it’s a window seat, a corner of your living room, or even a spare chair in your bedroom, the key is layering soft textures and adding warm, ambient lighting. Start with a cozy, plush armchair (bonus points if you opt for something soft like faux shearling) and your favorite warm blanket. Position a reading lamp to cast a soft glow, making it the ideal spot for cozy evenings with a book or a cup of tea.

I like to create a little vignette next to my chair, styling an accent table with a tray, a candle in a seasonal scent, and a stack of my favorite magazines or a journal. Consider incorporating natural elements like a vase filled with dried branches or flowers to mirror the changing landscape outside.

Lean Vintage

Now’s the time to bring out all the vintage decor. Think brass candlesticks, old books, or antique frames that give your home a timeless, nostalgic feel. I find that mixing vintage-inspired pieces into your space adds character, developing a story and a narrative throughout your home. Brass taper candle holders styled on your coffee table create a warm, flickering glow, while books displayed on your shelves add both texture and intrigue. There’s also something about the dark academic appeal of antique frames that feels just right for the season.

Embrace Warm, Earthy Tones

Opt for earthy tones to amplify the seasonal mood. Opt for earthy tones to amplify the seasonal mood. Shades of varying reds, deep olive, and rich caramel instantly make your space feel grounded and inviting. The beautiful thing is that this cozy home inspiration tip can be applied to anything you bring into your space. Whether you’re swapping out throw pillows, switching over your drinkware, or adding taper candles to the mantel, these colors create warmth that mirrors the shifting beauty of fall. Consider adding just a few warm-toned pops to soften the room, while keeping the overall palette neutral to maintain a calming, cozy atmosphere.

Layer Your Table

The dining table is one of my favorite places to create character and depth when decorating my home for fall. Because I love serving warm, grounding dishes throughout the season (pasta, soup, and pumpkin everything all comes to mind), I want a tabletop that reflects that same cozy vibe. Start by layering textures: linen or cotton table runners in earthy tones, woven placemats, and ceramic dinnerware that feels rustic yet refined. Adding a mix of serving bowls and platters in muted hues or natural materials like wood and stone helps create a table that’s both beautiful and inviting.

Bring in Seasonal Greenery

Use fall-themed wreaths, branches, or dried florals to give your home an organic, seasonal touch. These elements help bring the outdoors in, adding texture and warmth to your space. A wreath made from dried eucalyptus leaves hung on your front door or above the mantel instantly signals the shift into fall, while vases filled with tall branches or sprigs of autumnal blooms create an understated yet elegant display. These natural touches tie your home to the season, evoking the coziness of autumn without overwhelming your space.

Add Wood Accents

Incorporating wood accents into your home is one of the easiest ways to instantly add warmth and a cozy fall feel. Whether it’s a reclaimed wood coffee table or wooden picture frames, these pieces bring a natural, grounding element to your space. Consider layering wooden trays on your coffee table to hold candles or small decor items, or adding a wooden bench to your entryway. The organic texture contrasts beautifully with softer fabrics and metallic accents, creating a balanced, inviting atmosphere.

For a more subtle touch, add small wood accents like cutting boards displayed on your kitchen counters or a set of wooden candlesticks on your dining table. These little details bring depth and character. They also age beautifully, making them timeless additions to your fall decor. When paired with other cozy elements like earthy tones or seasonal greenery, wood accents offer that perfect finishing touch.

Bonus: Curate a Chic Halloween

As soon as the end of September rolls around, I can’t help but add a few nods to the holiday throughout my home. But to create a chic Halloween vibe, I like to go beyond the typical orange-and-black palette and lean into elegant, subtle decor that still feels festive. Minimalist pumpkin displays in neutral tones or wooden, woven materials are my go-to’s. My number one tip? Always opt for refined touches over kitschy pieces. The goal is to embrace the spooky season while still making your space feel stylish and elevated.

For more of my entertaining, food, decor, and fashion faves, explore and shop my Target storefront.

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