Five Simple Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like Fall Naturally 🍁

There’s something magical about the first hints of fall—the crisp air, the soft golden light, and the little changes around the homestead that tell you the season is shifting. While we’re still enjoying warm days, I’ve been finding simple ways to bring that cozy fall feeling indoors without candles or store-bought decor. Here are my favorite natural touches that make home feel warm and welcoming this season.

1. Bring the Outdoors In

Collect fallen leaves, pinecones, acorns, or dried flowers from the yard. A simple vase of branches with colorful leaves or a small bowl of pinecones on the kitchen table instantly gives a nod to the season. Bonus points for including sprigs from your own garden!

2. Layer with Cozy Textures

Even without a full seasonal makeover, adding a few cozy touches can make all the difference. Think soft throws over your couch, a knitted pillow, or a warm rug near a reading nook. Mixing natural textures like wool, linen, and cotton gives your home that rustic farmhouse feel.

3. Make a Simmer Pot

Simmer pots are one of my favorite ways to make a home smell like fall naturally. Fill a pot with water, slices of apple, cinnamon sticks, and a few sprigs of rosemary or dried flowers. Let it gently simmer, and you’ll have a warm, welcoming aroma that fills every corner of the house. Bonus: no open flames! For ideas on simmer pot recipes you can check out our blog post here.

4. Decorate with Natural Bounty

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving! Small gourds, squash, or even bundles of corn husks make simple, natural displays on a dining table, windowsill, or mantel. You can even get creative with homemade wreaths or garlands using what’s around your yard and garden.

5. Enjoy Fall Foods

Nothing says fall like comfort food. Whether it’s a loaf of pumpkin bread, spiced apple cider, or roasted root vegetables, these flavors bring the season indoors. I like keeping a warm drink in hand while listening to the ducks chatter outside—it’s the perfect way to connect home and homestead. We created a pumpkin loaf with muffin option in a previous post. That recipe can be found here.

Fall doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few natural touches, cozy textures, and seasonal flavors, your home can feel like a warm retreat no matter what the weather is doing outside.