The Five Senses of Fall
Soft throw blankets, scented candles, and pumpkins are fall classics that we know and love (although the pumpkin spice flavor craze may be a little more divisive), but lately I’ve been thinking about autumnal things that still bring on cozy feelings, but that may be a little more, unexpected. Rather than simply bringing in pretty, warm toned decor, I wanted to make the season feel like an experience by exploring it through our Five Senses. Rich textures, delicious flavors, warm scents, soft sounds, and natural visuals get me into the autumnal spirit. I hope these offer new ways for you to embrace the season!
1 TOUCH
Fall is all about the earthy textures, and I’m particularly drawn to leather and wood right now. Here are a few decor pieces that would bring in rich texture. The more varied textures you have, the more visually layered and cozy your space will feel.
LEATHER & WOOD SCONCE
I am head over heels in love with this sconce! It has the perfect combination of materials - walnut wood, brass, and a rich cognac leather. Add a warm toned light bulb, a good book, comfy chair, and the hygge factor increases exponentially.
ICELANDIC SHEEPSKIN
The soft gray color and extra fluffiness of this sheepskin make it a little more unique than the typical white Flokati. I prefer using these as a rug, layered over the corner of a larger rug, or placed in front of a fireplace. They’re also lovely when stepping out of the bathtub or into bed.
LEATHER MAGAZINE RACK
I’m a big magazine reader, so this piece really speaks to me. It feels modern while the leather brings warmth and texture. When styling a space, a piece like this is fantastic for layering - it adds both form and function, and can be used in so many rooms!
HAND CARVED WOOD BOWL
One of my favorite uses for a shallow bowl like this is to display small nature collections of rocks, twigs, and feathers. It would also be great as an entryway catch-all or a rich wood styling element in an open shelf. There are only a couple of these vintage French bowls left!
2 TASTE
Enjoying delicious, freshly baked spiced goods are one of the best things about the cooler months! Bake all the pumpkin bread and cinnamon rolls while you can, and here are a few more delicious ideas or flavors you may not have tried before.
aZTEC HOT CHOCOLATE TEA
From the purveyor: “Spice up your palate with this rich, exotic blend of cinnamon drenched chocolate, elevated gently by the warming kick of spicy chili flakes and grounded by the rich, earthy character of our favorite pu-erh tea.”
FRENCH STONEWARE TEAPOT
This petite teapot is perfect for brewing a couple cups of tea - bring it to your desk during the work day, to your reading nook, or to the bedside table for a dose of cozy relaxation.
MULLING SYRUP
Add this to a warm saucepan of apple juice for delicious spiced cider, or add some wine and brandy for a warming batch of mulled wine. You could also add it to a homemade latte or use it to flavor baked goods!
3 SMELL
I’ve heard that smell is one of the strongest senses we have, especially when it comes to making memories, and fall is one of the most distinctive seasons when it comes to scent, known for cinnamon, spice, and other warm scents. Here are a couple scent ideas that are still warm and cozy, but not extremely sweet or spicy.
PALO SANTO
Growing up in New Mexico, burning Palo Santo reminds me of my childhood. Now I like to burn this in my studio before I start working or when I’m wanting to relax with a good book and a cup of coffee, it sets the mood either way! This bundle was sustainably harvested in Peru and should last several months. You light it, then blow it out to create a plume of it's earthy scent.
WOODS CANDLE
This is a warm, woody, slightly floral scent that feels comforting for the season, and not overly spicy like most fall candles tend to be. This brand began with perfumes, so their candle scents are strong and linger for a long time.
LAVENDER & CAMOMILE BATH SOAK
Ease away the day with a luxurious soak in the bath. This award winning blend helps to relieve stress and tension, and will leave skin lightly fragranced with natural botanical oils.
4 SOUND
When I think of the sounds of fall, I think of the blustery wind rustling branches outside, or even the crackling of a fire, but I also think of nostalgic, soft, and acoustic music; here are a couple ways to enjoy the autumnal tunes.
RECORD PLAYER
Listening to music through a record player is such a different experience than through modern speakers or headphones. The sound quality has more depth and texture, which feels very nostalgic and creates the most perfect fall vibes.
BLUETOOTH RADIO SPEAKER
I love the retro design and small size of this portable speaker. Connect your phone via Bluetooth to enjoy a fall playlist or your current audio book, or tune in to your favorite radio station. Yes, radio!
Ps. Another great retro speaker.
FALL PLAYLIST
This playlist is filled with acoustic and folk songs that will make you feel reflective and calm. Sunday drives now have the perfect accompaniment.
5 SIGHT
Bringing nature indoors is a fast and easy way to embrace the seasons, whether that’s through actual leaves and branches, or through artwork that nods to the seasonal changes and natural elements that are characteristic of fall.
GATHERING CLOUDS PAINTING
Although not overtly autumnal, this painting nods to the weather of the colder months. I love how vast and expansive the sky looks in comparison to the tiny city silhouette below, and the soft gold and pink hues reflecting off the clouds, created by a setting or rising sun.
ANTIQUE SEPIA INK STUDIES
Part of an old portfolio of English paintings circa 1880’s, these sepia ink watercolors depict a pair of tree landscape studies, and because the ink casts a slight brown hue, they evoke an autumnal feeling.
dRIED BOTANICALS
I’m so glad that dried flower and branches have been embraced lately - they’re not only practical because they last for an extremely long time, they also add a beautiful, time-worn character. I particularly love the dried pepper grass pictured here, but be sure to check out the entire collection of dried botanicals. I also really love this leather wrapped vase for displaying them.
WOOD FLOWERS
These natural wood flowers are incredible! They grow naturally on certain varieties of trees in Guatemala, so they’re literally sculpted by nature. I love how they look a little bit like mushrooms, and they feel undeniably perfect for the season. I would style these in a large shallow bowl on the coffee table, or on a bookcase placed on various stacks of books.
I hope that you are able to embrace the coziness and comfort of fall this year, whether it’s through baking pumpkin bread, or bringing in some dried botanicals. The little things we do to feed our senses make life more beautiful and full.
Title Photo: Marte Marie Forsberg | Privacy & Affiliate Policies
