I never miss the chance to decorate for fall. Whether it’s a few well-chosen pieces or lots of fun DIY’s, I enjoy creating a home that feels visually and physically ‘cozy.’ Along the way, I’ve made plenty of mistakes that have resulted in more than my fair share of buyer’s remorse and money NOT-well-spent 🙁 So today, I’m walking you through my favourite 4 fall low-buy decor tips that will help you maximize your style with a minimum of spending.
MY 4 FALL LOW-BUY DECOR TIPS
Tip #1: What’s Your Colour Story?
Most of us decor lovers often enjoy walking through the aisles of our favourite shops to see what’s new or trending.
I know I do.
But I would venture to say that the number 1 reason that most of us over-spend on our decor, regardless of the season, is that we have not determined our ‘colour story’ first.
Before heading out to get your fall decor this year, take a moment to determine what colours you want to use to signal fall in your interiors.
These are typically the colour combinations for fall that you’ll see at any decor shop:
- Neutrals (cream, beige, light wood tones)
- Rusts (various shades of gold, orange or ruddy/red)
- Purple (deep purple, dusty pink, lavender tones)
Choose one of these and stick to it!
When you decide on your ‘Colour Story’ before you shop, this will help you focus only on what you need.
Just know that whatever your colour theme, you can’t go wrong if you stick to it.
What if you don’t know your colour story yet? Anytime I’ve not yet decided on my own colour story, I will give myself permission to do a little ‘window shopping’ before I decide. Whether that is going online to see some inspirational images or simply browsing my favourite decor shops to see what’s new and trending. Sometimes this will give me the inspiration I need to decide.
Either way, decide on Your Colour Story before you buy.
Tip #2: Shop Your Home
Speaking of planning before you buy: probably the worst feeling for the style enthusiast on a budget is purchasing decor items that you realize you already have.
Argh!
I have been through that and don’t always get around to returning those items.
So, I’ve now taken an effort to organize my seasonal decor each season into boxes. This way, I can pull out those boxes marked “Fall” and see what I’ve already got.
I have certainly collected enough trinkets and pillows and pumpkins over the years that I can quite handily decorate with hardly any further purchases.
In fact, last year I shared a “Clean & Decorate with Me for Fall” video on my YouTube channel where I showed how I did just that. You can also check out that Fall Home Tour here.
Of course, the ‘creative’ in me always enjoys making something or adding a couple of new items each year just to stay inspired at home 🙂
And anything that no longer inspires me, I can donate so that someone else might get the same joy out of that piece that I once did.
Win-win.
Tip #3: Make A List
Once I’ve done the above, I realize that I don’t need as much as I thought I did.
I then simply make a list of the items I DO need to make the vision in my head come to life at home.
Yes, much like a grocery list, I quite literally take out a scrap of paper and write down such things as:
- Large scented candle (3 inch X 3 inch)
- 5 white faux pumpkins (1 large, 2 medium, 2 small)
- Golden faux foliage for DIY wreath
These are the kinds of lists I make to help me stay on track.
Of course, there is ALWAYS going to be a little room for the ‘inspired purchase.’ But, HEY, I’m only human 🙂
Tip #4 Buy Vintage
Probably the best finds that I have ever found for fall decorating is from thrift stores! I can’t tell you the number of warm, cozy items that I’ve found at my local thrift and second-hand shops that are just perfect for fall.
Some of my favourite include:
- Baskets
- Trays
- Copper Candleholders
- Copper Vases
- Prints
- Wood Vases
- Wood Carvings
The ‘warmth’ that you can find at vintage stores – copper hues, wood tones, wicker – is truly wonderful.
And some of those pieces are simply so unique that you won’t find them anywhere else.
If you have never delved into the world of thrift stores, try it this fall.
Need some inspiration? Check out one of my favourite Facebook Live Videos on my Facebook Page: Thrift Store Hauls for Fall (with decorating tips for integrating new and old).
Just like you would at any decor shop, keep your list and Colour Story in mind, and, trust me, you will find at least one item that fits what you are looking for.
Well, I hope my 4 fall low-buy decor tips have got you thinking about how to maximize your style this year with minimal effort. It can be tempting to buy all those beautiful bits and bobs each season – I know, I’ve been there! – but with just a bit of planning, you’ll find yourself equally inspired by your space without overspending.
Happy decorating 🙂
Jelica
For more fall decorating and craft inspiration, see my favourite posts from the blog:
FALL HOME TOURS:
FALL CRAFTS:
FALL PORCH REFRESH
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