Updated 2025-10-02T14:38:20Z
Share: Facebook, Email, X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Bluesky, WhatsApp, Copy link.
⚡ Icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.
Impact Link | Save | Saved | Read in app
This article is available only to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Already subscribed? Log in.
—
Interior designer Ashley Childers, a seasoned professional in both home furnishings and accessories, discussed her carefully chosen favorite fall décor elements, as well as those she advises avoiding when decorating for the season. According to Childers, one of the most common mistakes she notices in autumnal decorating is the overuse of synthetic, mass-produced items. She explained that many homeowners crowd their spaces with artificial pumpkins, imitation plants, and a host of other faux decorations, creating an environment that lacks authenticity and drains a room of its natural warmth. In her view, thoughtfully chosen organic pieces—such as wreaths composed of real materials or richly textured wool blankets—offer a far more sophisticated and inviting effect.
The arrival of fall often signals a shift in home interiors, with pumpkins, warm seasonal hues, and cozy textiles making their way into living spaces. While these items can transform a house into a haven that feels both comfortable and elevated, excessive or poorly selected décor can do the opposite, pulling energy away from a room and even tipping it toward a kitschy or disjointed look. Since seasonal decorating can quickly become expensive, Childers advocates for investing in versatile, high-quality pieces that seamlessly integrate with a home’s existing design and style, year after year. Ultimately, she believes that holiday and seasonal decorations should complement, rather than compete with, the underlying aesthetic of one’s home.
Childers also noted that some style-conscious homeowners hesitate to decorate seasonally, fearing their homes will appear tacky. She emphasized, however, that it is possible to celebrate fall in a tasteful way by selecting understated, natural elements that enhance rather than overwhelm a room. To illustrate this, she offered guidance on which five autumnal décor accents she recommends incorporating, as well as three décor trends she believes are best avoided.
A key foundation in Childers’ approach is to allow nature itself to guide the palette and materials. Rich earth tones inspired by seasonal landscapes—burnt orange, wheat, burgundy, deep green, soft camel—effortlessly evoke autumn without straying into garish or artificial territory. For example, she notes that real pumpkins and foliage bring authentic energy into both indoor and outdoor arrangements, while dried plants or grapevine wreaths strike a balance between longevity and natural beauty. Incorporating organic textures—ranging from rustic sticks to bundles of wheat—creates an atmosphere grounded in the season itself.
Textiles also play a crucial role. Childers highlighted the versatility of wool throws, calling them an iconic staple of fall design. In her own home, she rotates throw blankets seasonally, particularly enjoying the tactile richness of fall and winter fabrics, such as nubby wools or cozy linens. Her advice is to select natural fibers—wool, linen, or organic cotton—for throws and cushions, as these not only endure over time but also provide a timeless feeling of warmth and refinement. Similarly, decorative pillows in luxurious materials such as linen, bouclé, or silk enhance interiors by adding visual and tactile depth.
When considering floral arrangements or centerpieces, Childers favors dried botanicals rather than artificial flowers. She explained that pieces showcasing dried branches, berries, or naturally structured wreaths evoke an authenticity that faux plants cannot reproduce. These additions provide visual interest without appearing synthetic, ensuring that they harmonize with the organic character of the season.
By contrast, Childers cautions against heavy dependence on mass-market faux décor. Although she acknowledges that in her home state of Arkansas, the heat often encourages people to decorate early, making fresh pumpkins or real flowers impractical, she still advises against filling spaces with multiple replicas. Instead, she recommends shifting toward long-lasting natural substitutes such as dried foliage, which achieves both durability and aesthetic sophistication. Equally, she discourages the use of overly bright or artificial colors, pointing out that many store-bought pumpkins and ornaments display unnatural shades that clash with the palette found in the natural world. In her opinion, muted auburns, sage greens, and deep earthy tones will always establish a more welcoming and serene atmosphere than vibrant oranges or stark blacks.
Another trend she suggests avoiding is the use of heavily patterned ribbons or contrived color schemes, such as vivid plaid designs in orange and yellow. While some may enjoy such styles, she stresses they rarely contribute to an elevated look; instead, they often risk appearing dated or contrived. For those seeking refinement, subtlety and cohesion with existing décor should remain guiding principles.
Nevertheless, Childers is careful to point out that each home is highly personal, and every homeowner’s sense of beauty and comfort should take precedence. She encourages experimentation, reminding individuals that their home is an evolving environment—a kind of laboratory where they can trial seasonal pieces, determine what feels right, and discard what does not. For example, swapping in new throw blankets or pillow covers offers a low-cost way to refresh décor from year to year without major investments in furniture. Her philosophy emphasizes both adaptability and joy in the decorating process.
In essence, Childers’ advice reflects a thoughtful balance: embrace fall by weaving in authentic, natural elements and materials, but resist the temptation to clutter a home with synthetic imitations or overly bold motifs. The result is a space that feels timeless, comforting, and harmonious with the season itself.
Editor’s note: This story originally appeared in September 2023 and has been updated in October 2025.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/best-tasteful-minimalist-fall-decorations-2023-9
