As the weather cools and rainy season nears, many of us try to fend off the winter chills by warming up our homes with cozy and comfortable home accessories. This Fall, many will create an inviting atmosphere by surrounding ourselves with fresh new throw blankets, plush pillows, and the warm rich colors of the foliage outdoors.

Due to the unsettled markets of the last year or so, many of us are tightening our wallets and choosing to spend more time at home. As we do so, it is not uncommon for us to want to invest in the home. Many of the big box stores are now offering home décor products, which makes updating your home affordable, even on the strictest of budgets , without compromising on style.

Minor tweaks and investing in some fresh accessories can really change the look of your home without costing a fortune. Surround yourself with elements that reflect your individual style and interests. Books, keepsakes and mementos, highlight your unique interests.

There is a definite trend towards the “new vintage”, that is, a flea market find that gets a new lease on life with a fresh coat of paint, or re-upholstering. Doing these projects can lead to immense sense of accomplishment and often better reflects your own style.

Here are my favorite tips for Fall Updates:

• Add a few new cushions to your existing ones to create luxe look
• Wrap yourself in throw blankets with textures such  as a thick cable knit or faux fur
• Layer new accessories with your existing ones to create an eclectic look
• Bring the outdoors in by adding fall foliage to your home such as pumpkins, decorative squash, and twigs
• Create a new backdrop with a fresh coat of paint – hot colors right now include khaki, taupe, chocolate brown, warm gray, camel beige, and off white
• Add an accent wall with wallpaper (which is likely to make a large resurgence in the coming seasons)
• Add a pop of color to brighten up your home on those dreary fall days with accessories  – try a burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive green, or rich red to name a few
• Make a vintage piece your own by revitalizing a flea market find with a fresh coat of stain, paint, or upholstery
• Nowadays you can add a fireplace with ease, check out the latest ethanol burning versions which can be freestanding or wall mounted

Meghan Schroeder