2. Let Your Ceilings Sing
Who says you have to be satisfied with the standard, white-painted ceiling? Design experts urge homeowners and even sellers to put the “up” in updating by painting your “fifth wall.” You don’t have to be Michaelangelo to give your ceiling a stunning makeover. Ceiling color can reset the ambiance in your bedrooms, living, or office spaces or further distinguish them as separate places. people spend approximately one third of their lives at home now due to hybrid or remote work—so setting apart your living areas can have major benefits for work/life balance—as well as your mood.
3. Get Fired Up About Your Fireplace
What better way to welcome cooler weather than by curling up next to a fire. Whether your fireplace is wood-burning or gas, you can add some fall flare by decorating the mantel—consider adding things such as a few autumn-scented candles, a vine of colorful leaves, some classic pumpkins (fake or real), or even a fall wreath. If you’re looking for a more permanent change, and you have a brick fireplace, consider painting it with one of the earthy tones mentioned in the first trend.
4. Window Trim is In
Painted window trim or door case moldings is a long-kept secret by interior designers. It’s one of the fastest and most inexpensive ways to freshen up a room for a busy homeowner or seller. Over the years, trim and moldings can weather and crack with age. With a brush, paint, drop cloth, and painter’s tape, you can transform your mudroom or kitchen over the course of a day. Designers are favoring bolder, brighter fall colors that fit with more traditional subdued wall colors. Think outside the box to consider deep blues, reds, and even purples.
5. Powder Room Pops
If you have a powder room or half-bath near your entertaining area, fall is the ideal time to give it a little seasonal personality. Tasteful fall floral arrangements will floor your guests and give this space a fresh energy. Try using dahlias, sunflowers and mums paired with dried branches or leaves can transform the look and fragrance of a powder room. Consider fall-themed candles and autumnal color pops like a hand towel, rug, special hand soap, or swapping out lightbulbs with softer hues.
6. Improve Your Home's IQ
Make your home smarter by integrating several smart technology tools which come in a range of products and price points. Protect your perimeter with outdoor security cameras that offer motion detection, night vision, and more. Outfit your living room with a smart speaker that you can operate by voice to control the ambience or set the mood for a dinner party. Trade out your incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient smart light bulbs that support app and voice controls. You’ll be able to turn smart lights on and off from the comfort of the couch or while you’re away on vacation for security reasons. Other smart devices that can cozy up your home this fall include smart coffee makers, crockpots, and thermostats.
7. Outdoor Living Spaces
Don't forget your outdoor spaces! You can extend your living area with outdoor seating, cozy blankets, and fire pits this season. Do-it-yourself firepits can really bring together all the best elements of a Minnesota autumn. If you’re on a budget, consider using stacked modular stone or brick to create your own pit. Big box home and garden stores often sell these DIY firepit kits that are heavy but require very little assembly. Hanging outdoor bulbs over your gathering spot will create the right ambience for a chilly fall night next to an open fire. There’s no law against using your grill up to the first freeze, but you might have to eat fast to avoid a chilled burger. Washable outdoor rugs with a festive design can be a key ingredient to outfitting your patio.
8. It’s Electric!
The electrification trend is sweeping Minnesota—from vehicles to lawn care to cooking. These eco-friendly devices can also transform your home and save by reducing energy costs. These trends are also attractive features for would-be buyers that sellers should consider. Minnesota offers certain tax incentives and rebates for the installation of electric cooktops, heat pump systems, and other home appliances. Battery-powered home maintenance tools like leaf blowers, lawnmowers, and hedge trimmers can reduce fuel emissions and start out at affordable prices. For the more ambitious efficiency-minded homeowners, solar panels present an opportunity to keep down utility bills long-term, though upfront costs can be high. Realtors® can invest in washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and more through NAR’s GE appliances program at discounted, member-only pricing.
By embracing these fall home design and decor trends, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your Minnesota home. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace or enjoying the vibrant fall colors from your outdoor oasis, these trends will help you make the most of the season's beauty and charm. Get ready to welcome autumn in style!