Budget-Friendly Tips On Creating A Cozy Autumn Aesthetic!

Mary-Lisa Russo

Tree leaves falling on a cool, crisp day in an orchestra of colors that catch your eye in shades of red, yellow, orange and copper... mesmerizing, rich tones that warm your yearning heart.

Cozy evenings indulging in a warm bubble bath or watching a sweet romance from the comfort of your cushy sofa, buried under your favorite blanket.

There is a reason that, year after year, we enter the autumn season with much anticipation and an overwhelming need to nestle in our living space. Embracing a fall, cozy aesthetic contributes to our wellness journey because this is a season where we naturally make slow living and self-care a priority.

Autumn is my favorite season! The moment August approaches, I map out where my autumn décor will take the place of the summer aesthetic that runs throughout my home. I enjoy the idea of staying in and cocooning with a book, my soft blanket and a steaming cup of tea... all this while the chilly wind repeatedly taps at my windows. A perfect fall scene for a slow living enthusiast like me! 

Designing your comfy autumn setting is easy and an uplifting activity for your creative thoughts. It doesn't need to cost a fortune to elevate an autumn vibe in your living space. It's all about your personal choice, and allowing your romantic heart free rein to merge with the inspiring possibilities this season offers. 

Let's explore some tips to inspire your autumn aesthetic vision:  
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1. Make fluffy throws, cushions and blankets your cozy best friends. These items instantly create a warm, inviting aesthetic that encourages you to put your feet up, cuddle and watch a movie or read.

Place decorative cushions and soft throws on your sofa, lounge chairs and bed. This will instantly create a relaxed mood that is in deep contrast to the carefree vibe we experience during summer. 

I replace my cushion covers with autumn-inspired designs that instantly reflect this cozy season. I like to mix the textures of my blankets that I spread around my home. Sherpa, faux fur and fluffy fleece blankets are on hand depending on my mood or need for warmth. A thick sherpa blanket at the foot of my bed adds instant warmth I can depend on when cool nights transition into colder temperatures.

Ruby, emerald, sapphire and earthy tones reflect the season's vibrant, rich hues. Let your vision of coziness, accompanied by textures and colors, guide your goals. Afterwards, relax and revel in the soothing aesthetic you create.

2. Create a cozy vibe with candles. ​Inexpensive and lovely to behold. Aromas such as vanilla, pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon are perfect for this season. You don't even have to light them to catch a whiff of the yummy scents you choose. The dreamy effect they display in the evening is romantic and calming... the perfect vibe in contrast to the cool outdoors. Scatter various sizes throughout your living space. I place mine on my mantel, piano, and on large candle holders on the floor near my cozy reading chair. Most of my candles are battery operated, so I don't have to worry if I fall asleep with my head buried in a book. 

3. Get crafty with mason jars and vases. Add a few acorns, twigs, pine cones and LED fairy lights in mason jars and light them up in the evening. You can scatter them outdoors near your pumpkins, on your patio, or indoors on your coffee table or mantel. These crafty cuties are adorable and inexpensive to create.

You can do the same for glass vases you may have lying around your home. Fill them up with pine cones, acorns, dried leaves and twigs and make centrepieces for your tabletops. You can find these items while walking at your favorite outdoor spot. Parks that boast several trees, or hiking trails are good places to gather your autumn treasures for your crafty visions. 

4. Embrace soft lighting... tea lights, lanterns & mini string lights. Place tea lights throughout your home. The soft glow they emit is dreamy! I like to add mine to my mantel with my other autumn decorations and on my side tables. I even place some in the bathroom (this addition to your bubble bath is a lovely treat as the flickering lights provide a soothing effect while you are relaxing), and on my bedroom vanity table for a cozy effect. My tea lights are battery operated for my peace of mind. 

Add various-sized lanterns on the floor near your sofa and lounge chairs, and on your tabletops. Place string lights on your windows, door frames, on your mantel and in other places you feel could use a little soft, whimsical glow.

5. Dress your kitchen and tableware with autumn-inspired accessories. The kitchen is a lively place where we cook, bake, eat and discuss. Creating a cozy vibe with autumn-themed kitchen dishes, cups and napkins are little dining details that complement your kitchen living. Adding a seasonal tablecloth, table runners, towels and wall décor will instantly elevate the autumn vibe you can enjoy in a high-traffic area of your home. You want to feel that seasonal vibe even in the everyday objects you use while your daily life is unfolding. 

6. Scatter decorative pumpkins throughout your home. Just this one item creates an instant autumnal vibe you can appreciate. Outdoors, I place various-sized pumpkins boasting a variety of colors on my porch near my doorway and stairs alongside my lanterns. The hues are rich and earthy, pretty to view. Indoors, I add fake pumpkin décor to my table runners, tabletop and mantel. Place pumpkins next to your candles and centrepieces, and use them in your craft projects. Let your creativity flow.

7. Add an autumn-themed wreath or swag... indoors and outdoors! Feeling crafty? Find bare wreaths/swags at your local dollar store and dress them up yourself with fake mini pumpkins, leaves, twigs, acorns and pine nuts. Alternatively, there are ready-made wreaths/swags available for purchase at your local stores or online once the fall season commences. Just be sure to have more than one wreath handy! I place mine on my front and back doors, and in my home. Mini ones look so sweet on the bedroom doors.

​8. Dress up your main doorway entrance with an autumn-inspired rug. Another minor budget item to accessorize your outdoor living space. Mine is a thick brush style illustrated with pumpkins and leaves on a black background. There is no doubt that autumn has arrived once viewing it! 

9. Make fake leaves your autumnal star accessory! Create a lovely fake leaf garland around your entrance door for a lovely autumnal effect. Place them on your porch railing and stairs. A mix of gold, orange, red and copper leaves looks glamorous! Carry this décor indoors by placing it on your mantel or stair railing. Study your living space and let your vision take hold!

​10. Add an electric fireplace to your living space. I adore mine! The warm glow adds an instant cozy vibe to my living space and actually lulls me to sleep in the evening. I put my tired feet up and let the heat soothe all my aches while I enjoy viewing the dancing, flickering flames. It's a mental and physical treat. Reading in this cozy setting is dreamy! 

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Budget-Friendly 'Quick' Tips!

1. Neatly pack away your autumn-themed décor when the season rolls into winter. I keep everything such as my wreaths, swags, rugs, wall décor and other accessories in storage bins labelled 'autumn decorations' in my basement. I have special cabinets where I store all my seasonal items. This way, I don't have to keep purchasing new items for the next year.

2. Visit a second-hand or dollar store for inexpensive autumn-themed items. Browse the crafts section if you are determined to create your own items and let your imagination roam. 

3. (As previously discussed), collect bits of nature such as dried leaves, twigs, acorns and pine cones on your walks to make your own crafty projects.

4. Visit a pumpkin patch where you can probably find a large quantity of pumpkins for sale at a budget-friendly price. I find the prices are a bit lower closer to October. 

An Encouraging Little Tip For You!

Create your autumn aesthetic on your own terms! Surround yourself with seasonal colors and textures that settle your mind and elevate your sense of well-being. Though the primary colors of this season are earthy and rich, I incorporate soft shades of pink amidst the autumnal tones to add a feminine flair to my surroundings. Break away from the unexpected and make your décor reflect your own personal expression. If you prefer white and pink pumpkin décor as opposed to orange, then do what makes you happy and follow your heart's desire. 

I am so in love with this season I wrote a book about it in depth. HOW TO CREATE YOUR COZY AUTUMN BLISS is now available for your reading pleasure. You will find even more tips on living your best life during this cozy lover's season by clicking HERE.

​I am humbled that you've taken time from your busy day to read my recent blog. I hope that some of my ideas will inspire you to create your own autumn-inspired, cozy aesthetic. Tackle it with the romance brimming within your heart. (Just be sure to continue elevating your lifestyle with a year-round, cozy setting to keep nurturing your wellness journey.)

Wishing you the best during this enchanting season! 

With Love,​

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About Mary-Lisa

Mary-Lisa Russo is a blogger and author of lifestyle books who believes in the power of slow/intentional living. She is keenly aware of women’s unique life journeys and seeks to bring elegance, confidence and classic charm to their daily routines. She writes to inspire her readers with advice on living a simple, feminine-inspired life featuring discussions on self-care, self-growth, style, home décor, health and well-being, seasonal living and much more. ​Embark on your wellness journey with Mary-Lisa’s inspiring self-help books by visiting www.marylisarusso.ca.