Seasonal setting

Fall arrived Saturday. And though the temperatures are not very chilly yet, now is the perfect time to set the stage for that much-needed and welcoming warmth that fills our homes through autumn and into winter.

Just as you would change your wardrobe for the season, you need to adjust your home's décor, said Margaret Nanni, senior vice president of product development at Sure Fit, which specializes in slipcovers for your furniture.

"There are certain rules that apply as season's change, and to accommodate the change in temperature," said Marc Thee, interior designer and curator of Altogether Home. "Summer is all about light, deconstructed, breathable cottons and linens, whereas fall is about nesting and snuggling on chilly nights with saturated colors and fabrics like mohair and velvet."

Nanni said deeper, richer colors and textures herald in fall and help get us ready for the pending holiday season.

"For simple yet chic autumn updates, incorporate colors like rich chocolate brown, rustic orange and red, and deep gold," said Ralph Snyder, home design director for Kohl's.

Thee also says charcoal grays, brick, mustard and umber are good colors for fall. That, however, doesn't mean you have to abandon your current décor or colors already in your home.

"If you love cool colors like seaglass, for example, don't feel like you have to get rid of it for the fall, but instead of pairing it with white accents, instead pair it with a great menswear gray," he said.

In addition to color, Snyder said you can add depth and dimension to your fall décor "with interesting textures, such as natural wood, textiles, worn leather and cozy cable-knit."

Nanni said textiles such as suede and pile fabrics are an ideal way to add texture, plus they are soft to the touch.

Layering is another way to add depth and dimension. Thee said the lightweight sisal rug you used all summer can serve as the base for a smaller patterned or rich-toned rug placed over it on a diagonal for autumn.

"The key to seasonal decorating is finding pieces that can be effortlessly swapped out to update a space," Snyder said.

Decorative pillows, table linens and small accessories are items that are easily switched. Kohl's experts recommend seasonal accents with metallic sheens and hammered metals to add sleek sophistication, along with small details of antique glass, decorative lanterns, metallic sheen pillows and textured metal serveware.

"The great thing about slipcovers is that they are an easy way to transform or transition your room for the seasons, much like decorative pillows. In just a few minutes you can change the look," Nanni said.

Another benefit of slipcovers is that they are machine washable, making them ideal for holiday entertaining.

"You can use them (slipcovers) when you need to protect your sofa from pets children and spills," Nanni said.

Along with the cooler temperatures come longer nights. As such, don't forget to consider lighting in your décor changes.

"I am a firm believer in the warmth that artificial lighting adds to a space. So, once the sun begins to set, the lights should go on," Thee said. "If you have your lights on dimmers you are able to have them cranked up during the late afternoon, and dim them down as the evening progresses."

Your seasonal décor changes also should extend to the exterior of your home.

"I love when people get courageous with their front door. A fresh coat of high-gloss paint color is easy to change seasonally and makes a big difference. A great red/brown or even an almost black are two of my favorites," Thee said.

"Finally, when decorating for the holidays indoors or out, whether it's groupings of gourds and squashes or a beautiful array of poinsettias, keep the décor abundant, but monochromatic for a clean and sophisticated look."

When using gourds, plants or bales of straw, be sure to take some precautions to keep your décor looking nice and prevent it from attracting unwanted attention from insects and rodents, said the experts at Terminix, a pest control company.

Here are a few tips:

n When choosing a pumpkin, make sure that the entire pumpkin is colored bright orange and that there are no bruises, soft spots, scars or signs of mold.

n Use straw bales instead of hay bales. Hay bales are more likely to attract rodents looking for a place to nest.

n Similarly, use straw to stuff a scarecrow, not hay. The packed hay is a perfect place for rodents to nest.

n Cover scarecrows if rain is expected. Damp cloth and straw is an attractive home and water source for rodents.

n Place living décor several feet from doors or windows.

n Ensure doors and windows are tightly closed, and seal all cracks in the home's exterior.