Along with the falling temperatures and turning leaves, autumn is known for its connection to the concept of home. While we certainly hope you’re out making the most of these quintessential DC fall days, we also want the spirit of the season to live on as you return home at night. Around here, few phases inspire the elevated standard of creative expression that fall evokes. And for that matter, no season requires quite the same level of home-care, either. So, from decor tips to practical insights, here’s a list of ways to turn your house into the fall sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of. 

Seeking more inspiration this fall? Check out our latest post on everything you should do this season in and around DC. 

Practical Magic

If only getting your home ready for fall was as simple (and enjoyable) as buying some pumpkins! The reality? With this colorful season comes a host of less festive responsibilities that any savvy homeowner should learn to embrace. 

Clean your gutters: Falling leaves may be a sight to behold, but they can also give your gutters a real scare (and not the good kind)! The result of clogged gutters? A flooded interior or damaged exterior — two things you don’t need getting in the way of your seasonal fun. In short? Remember to clean yours regularly this season, and even replace them when necessary. 

Check For Drafts: Combat heat loss through windows with weatherstripping, a simple yet cost-effective way to keep heating costs down. Pro tip: to check if you have a draft, close a door or window on a strip of paper. A little insider tip? If the paper slides easily, it’s time to update your weatherstripping!

Change Your Filters: Here’s the unfiltered truth: if your filters are clogged, it’s harder to maintain that ideal home temperature. And while cleaning them monthly is the goal, there’s never been a better time to start.

Looking to make updates to your home? Here are some more blogs to inspire you:

• Empty Nester? Here’s What to Do with that Extra Bedroom!
• How to Elevate Your Home with Art
• How to Make Green Living in Your Home Luxurious

Festive DIY Fun

Get cozy with these tips for transforming your home into a warm, seasonal, and stylish escape. 

Fall Back On Florals: Let the colors of the season take center stage with a medley of autumn blooms that’s punctuated by burnt and gold accents.

Warm-Up Your Outdoor Space: Even as temperatures drop, it’s never been easier to create an alfresco space that’s inviting and fashionable all at once. String lights, plush blankets, fuzzy throw pillows, and lanterns combine to create an outdoor space that’s big on comfort and low on maintenance.

Harvest The season: Nothing says fall quite like a good, old fashioned display comprised of the season’s most iconic elements. Dress up your door with a festive corn husk garland, pumpkins, and a healthy dose of hay.

Reach For Wreaths: Whether you’re buying them or DIY’ing it, you can’t go wrong with wreaths made from autumn leaves, pinecones, berries, and twigs that you can hang on doors, windows, or over a fireplace mantel.

Inspiration courtesy of Good Housekeeping

Spirited Style

In honor of the spookiest season around, here are some hauntingly stylish ways to decorate your home. Spoiler alert: They’re so chic, they might scare you. 

Deck Out Your Bar Cart: A worthy focal point for any and all seasonal displays, your bar cart is the perfect complement to sophisticated Halloween decor such as metallic pumpkins and autumnal floral arrangements.

Experiment With Antiques: Dial up the tricks with items like old clocks and masks that add a mysteriously eerie vibe to any room.

Limit Lighting: Not a fan of over-the-top decorations? This year, conjure up an atmosphere that’s as tasteful as it is frightening by trading overhead lamps for tiered candles.

Elevate Your Pumpkin Display: We’re all too familiar with the classic Jack-O’-Lantern play, but what about switching it up this year? Here’s an idea: Instead of carving spooky faces onto your pumpkins, paint them black for a more sinister Halloween vibe. Extra points for embellishing them with silver or gold accents.

Go For Ghost: Because why should the living (decor) get to have all the fun? This year, make your own ghosts using white fabric or sheets draped over balloons or wire frames, or build ghostly figures in your yard using white sheets or fabric over sticks or stakes. Another tip? Use temporary ghost decals on mirrors for a haunting surprise when people glance up at their reflection.

Get more home decor and lifestyle inspo with these posts next:

• Midcentury Design Features We Love
• Home Upgrades that Will Increase Your ROI
• Is Maximalism Making a Comeback in Home Decor?

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in DC? We’d be happy to help! Give us a call directly at 202.280.2060 or email us at jsmira@jennsmira.com.