Fall, the time of year where everyone is obsessed with all things cozy and warm. If you’re like me, you’re probably spending a little more time indoors and at home as the temps drop.  I love keeping my home extra cozy during these Autumn and Winter months. There are countless ways you can make your home more “homey”, but I wanted to share my top 5 in hopes of inspiring you ladies!

1. Smell… If you’ve ever walked into your home and it smells like diapers, remnants of your last meal, or just stale, then you know how offensive that is to the nose! I love lighting candles for this reason. I always am on the lookout for paraben free candles to enjoy. Also looking for coconut wax, beeswax, and soy wax are healthier options than the paraffin based ones. Diffusing essential oils is another great idea. I love mixing orange, cinnamon, and clove for a delicious seasonal blend. I’ve also concocted stovetop potpourri with fresh orange peels, cinnamon bark, apples, lemon, cranberries, etc. letting that simmer on low will make your house smell AMAZING!
2. Personal touches. Have you ever been to somebody’s home that looked like it was straight out of a magazine? But maybe a little TOO much? I love creating elegant spaces, but it doesn’t feel quite right until I add a little something personal to it. This for me is often family photos placed throughout my home. I love a perfectly arranged gallery wall or just a photo in a pretty frame placed here and there. I also love the idea of taking things that have special meaning and displaying them tastefully. Our wedding guest book is a pretty white with a feathery embellishment on its front. I love the idea of getting a shadow box or frame and putting this by my vanity. I also love monogrammed art for my kids’ rooms. There are so many creative ways to really make your home personalized.
3. Elements of coziness. I love a basket full of fluffy blankets. You can neatly fold throw blankets to be used for movie nights, cuddling, and hot cocoa sipping. Also draping a knit blanket over arm chairs, the end of your bed, or on the couch can make a space so inviting. I also love a good fur rug (all year around) but they especially look great during the cold seasons. You can add cozy layers to existing spaces, furniture, and decor for a richer cozier atmosphere.
4. Decorating for the seasons, not only is it fun but it seriously can turn a home magical. This is something I loved doing ever since I was little. Hanging the wreaths, getting out the seasonal decor totes. I love using lots of gold & white for Fall and Christmas decor. I feel this gives it a more elegant and less “loud” look. Get creative, if orange isn’t your thing for Autumn you can choose something more neutral or out of the box. I’ve even seen people decorate for Fall with pink or navy or some other non traditional color scheme. This is the ultimate expression of your personal style! Have fun with it! Guests always love coming into a home that has been thoughtfully decorated for the holidays.
5. Practice positive energy. This might sound a little woo-woo, but hang with me for a sec! Have you ever been to someone’s house and left feeling inspired, uplifted, and happy? Or have you ever left somewhere feeling the opposite…oppressed, tired, and blah? Well I have a little theory, the people who live in the home give it a unique feel aka “energy”. A home that is filled with prayers, laughs, and positive words and music is almost always going to give off a happy energy! Regardless of what your home looks like, or how big your decorating budget is, the way your home makes people feel will be what they remember most. So get practicing positive energy!

As a stay at home mom, my home is my haven for myself, my family, and hopefully whoever comes by for a visit. I love sharing my tips for making a home special. Please comment if you have any blog requests on this topic.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

xo

-Caitlin