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Chic and Mortar

Fall into comfort and style with the latest decor trends of the autumn season

Everybody knows that September is the unofficial start of a new season. Even though the warmer temps are still present, the air feels a little different. Kids are back in school. Fall sports have started. And the return to an established routine has many families breathing a sigh of relief. This is also the time for the seasonal swap with home décor and a style that echoes the feeling of fall. If you have a home project you’ve been wanting to tackle, or you’re itching for some inspiration to help you discover something fresh and new, Chestnut Realty shares what’s on trend and the viral ins and outs you might see splashed across social media.  

Al Fresco

Yes, outdoor living is now a trend. Homeowners are more invested in creating an outdoor space that allows them to enjoy the beauty of nature in their front or backyard. Features like oversized patios for a hot tub or plunge bath, built-in grill, seating to entertain, extended decks, screened porches, and shaded architectural structures like pergolas. A lot of these outdoor areas become an extension of the interior of the home and allow families to interact, entertain, and relax together. They’re becoming just as important as the living room, family room, or dining table.   

Simple

Less is finally more. And considering the cost of everything, it’s nice to see a thrifty trend that positions your home to speak volumes without breaking the bank. You can command a space without an abundance of details—statement pieces that stand alone and take center stage, such as a unique vase you collected from an international trip, a handmade blanket from your great-grandmother, or a piece of art you picked up at a vintage flea market.  

Softer

Warmer tones are on the rise: browns, beige, deep golden, and caramel-colored hues. After over a decade of cool colors, namely fifty shades of gray and all the jewel tones, a softer palette is poised to make an earthy return. You’ll see this in upholstery, area rugs, tabletop décor, curtains, and even painted cabinetry. It’s a new neutral that carries a richness and regal vibe. Cool tones give off a clean, crisp feel. But warm ones convey an intimate, inviting space. 

Mixed Materials

You may have grown up matching the curtains to the walls, the walls to the floor, and ensuring all the textiles paired well. But gone are the days of completely coordinating and having everything match. Mixing materials, patterns, and textures is perfectly acceptable. Weaving in a variety of materials can feel complicated and chaotic, but it’s more about the placement rather than the pattern. Be intentional with the flow but understand that creating harmony doesn’t have to be uniform. 

Contrast

People are gravitating towards high-contrast elements and color-blocking that will stand out and grab your attention no matter the season. Black trim on the exterior around windows, dark-colored garage doors, a boldly painted front door, or textured backsplash in the kitchen. A striking contrast can often feel a bit loud, but start small. Add a large mirror in your foyer to create dimension or accent pillows that start a conversation. Even colorful or patterned dishes can help tell a story. 

Cozy

Your home is not a museum, and it doesn’t need to be carefully curated to look like one. We spend a lot of time in our homes. Thanks to the pandemic, we got a jump start on realizing that perfectly manicured spaces are not conducive to comfort. Instead, we’re embracing areas that we can feel safe, secure, and relaxed in. This might be as simple as changing out lightbulbs in your lamps or draping soft blankets over an oversized chair. Or maybe you swap staged and unused furniture for plush and curvy pieces that welcome lounging or a big round table where family and friends can gather in a circle and connect. 

While the nature of trends means it’s ever-changing, and style can be very subjective, the overall feel for this fall is an influence that helps you create an inviting and inspiring space that also reflects your identity. 

The precision to be perfect is out, and the heart of comfort is in.  

Less is finally more. You can command a space without an abundance of details—statement pieces that stand alone and take center stage.

Warmer tones are on the rise: browns, beige, deep golden, and caramel-colored hues. After over a decade of cool colors, namely fifty shades of gray and all the jewel tones, a softer palette is poised to make an earthy return.

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