Create a Cozy Fall Home with the 5 Senses: Part 1

As the crisp autumn air replaces summer's warmth, it's the perfect time to transform your home into a cozy haven that celebrates the season. Decorating for fall isn't just about visual appeal; it's an opportunity to engage all five senses. From the warm glow of seasonal lights to the comforting scents of pumpkin spice and the soft touch of knitted throws, each sensory element plays a vital role in capturing the essence of fall. Join me as I share how I incorporate sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that make this time of year truly special.

Create a Cozy Fall Home with the 5 Senses: Part 1

We all grew up learning about the 5 senses in elementary school. Have you ever thought about using these elements when you decorate your cozy fall home?

There is no better time than autumn to incorporate the 5 senses into your decor scheme. It's easier than you might think. Do you remember the 5 senses? Let's discuss them and see how I incorporate each into our home. 

Sight

Sight is one of the simplest of the 5 senses. What are things that come to mind when you think of a cozy fall home?

• Autumn Colors: All shades of orange, green, brown, golden yellow, warm red and blue. Think dark jewel tones or more on the pastel side. The sky is the limit. I tend to go more with colors that appear naturally in nature.
• Fall does not have to be filling your cart with all things pumpkins. Cozy up your space with candles, cozy throws, and pillow covers.
• Now would be the time to update bulbs in lamps to smart bulbs. Did you know that you can change the tone of these bulbs from cool to golden?

The colors you select are personal. You may prefer all neutrals. This can be stunning with varying shades of cream and brown. Color can be what you decide!

I do have a few faux fall stems. I have opted to use faux magnolia on the fireplace. It has a classic look. The kicker is that. I will use the magnolia for Christmas through winter. It's less to do for the holidays. It gives me a lot of bang for my buck.

I also like to cut hydrangeas that have changed to lovely fall colors from the yard. Hydrangeas are truly the gift that keeps giving. They dry beautifully. This ginger jar has been a favorite find. It looks lovely with flowers or with the lid.

I love the pop of golden yellow in the foyer with the faux maple. It brings out the yellow in the painted chest.

I feel like if our home was a season, it would be fall.

I enjoy pulling out our faux blankets for fall and winter. They feel like a big hug. You'll find Bentley here daily snuggled behind the pumpkin pillow. It's one of his favorite spots.

Velvet Pillow Covers | Printed Velvet Covers | Ginger Jar

Velvet pillow covers cozy up the couch area. I enjoy reading and watching TV right here.

I've had these pillow covers for a while now. I find them comfy. They each have down inserts.

Monet Book | Van Gogh Book | Lamp Shade | Runner

This thrift store lamp was a recent makeover. The addition of the pleated block print shade makes me swoon.

You will find thrift store and vintage finds throughout our home. The little wooden pumpkin with the carvings oozes texture and charm. No matter where I place these each year, they will work in our home.

The gallery wall has been collected through the years. Many fall colors in the art fit the mood of the room.

Faux Tree | Tree Chinoiserie Pot | Green Velvet Ribbon

Adding a green velvet ribbon to the pumpkin softens the secretary vignette. It is the same green ribbon that I use at Christmas.

Sound

One of my favorite things to do during the fall season is to search for playlists on Spotify or Amazon Music. I enjoy cozy music in the fall while I cook dinner, dine, and while I read with a cup of hot tea. 

Here are a few playlists that I enjoy:

I do not pay for Amazon Premium Music. I just have a regular Amazon Prime account. I have an Alexa in the kitchen. I simply say, “Alexa, play Evening Lounge Jazz on Amazon Music.” I occasionally use my daughter's Spotify if she isn't using it. I'll say, “Alexa, play XX playlist on Spotify.”

Favorite Playlists

• Evening Lounge Jazz (Amazon Music)
• Thanksgiving Dinner (Amazon Music)
• Warm Thanksgiving Ambience (Amazon Music)
• Coffee Shop Jazz (Amazon Music)
• Relaxing Classical (Amazon Music)
• Classic Standards (Amazon Music)
• Fall Dinner Party (Spotify)
• Living in a Nancy Meyers Film (Spotify)
• Vocal Jazz Standards (Spotify)
• Cozy Autumn Vibes 2024 (Spotify)
• Coastal Grandmother (Spotify)

The sound of our real wood-burning fireplace in this room has always been so cozy. We did something about a month ago. We had gas logs installed. After 20 years of regular fires in here, we decided to make life easier. Our log haulers got married and moved out on their own. Ha, ha! While I will miss the sound, smell, and look of a roaring fire. It will be a joy to grab a remote to enjoy a fire at any time.

Smell

Fall scents are easy! Scented candles come to mind as well as diffusers. Look for fall scents like pumpkin spice, vanilla, apple, cinnamon, or a warm, woodsy scent.

Large Round Tray | Faux Fall Stems | Alexa

A wonderful way to get fall scents is in the kitchen. Baked apple pie, pumpkin muffins, and the slow cooker with a yummy beef stew make me smile when the season changes. 

You can create a wonderful simmer pot with aging citrus and apples in some water with spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks.

Even whole coffee beans simmering in water on the stove smell yummy!

Taste

Similar to smell, you can welcome family and guests home with the scents of homemade baked goods and a yummy pot of homemade chili. Here a few recipes from my site that you may enjoy.

• Pumpkin Cupcakes
• Banana Nut Bread
• Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
• Homemade Chili
• Apple Nut Poundcake
• Spice Cake

Just last week, I shopped our house and put together the plates hanging over the hutch. It is just the pop of color that the white wall needed.

We've moved the coffee bar set up over here. The drawers hold K-cups for coffee and assorted tea. I used these dividers to organize the drawers. I recently made these pumpkin muffins and can't wait to share the recipe with you. They are fabulous. I also added the adorable honey pot!

Dried hydrangeas fill in the empty spaces between pumpkins and my chinoiserie balls. They aren't seen in this photo.

More dried hydrangea flowers and a rattan pumpkin add a touch of fall to this nook.

Incorporating all five senses into your fall decor not only enhances your space but also deepens your connection to the season. By layering in comforting scents, rich textures, and warm lighting, you create a home that feels like a true autumn retreat. Whether you're savoring the taste of a spiced treat, hearing the crackle of a fire, or simply enjoying the cozy ambiance, these thoughtful touches make your home a sanctuary that embraces the magic of fall. So, take time to immerse yourself in the season, and let the beauty of autumn fill your home and heart.