As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, autumn in Temiskaming Shores is the perfect time to refresh your home’s décor. With the beautiful changing colours of the season all around us, it’s easy to get inspired and bring a touch of fall indoors. Whether you’re decorating a cozy lakeside cottage or your family home in town, these autumn decorating ideas will help you capture the warmth and beauty of the season.

1. Celebrate the Colours of Fall

Nothing says autumn more than the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves along the shores of Lake Temiskaming. To bring these vibrant hues inside, try incorporating rich fall tones through textiles like throw blankets, pillows, and curtains. Choose deep oranges, rust reds, mustard yellows, and browns to create a warm and inviting space.

Tip: Layer your blankets and pillows to make living spaces feel extra cozy, perfect for those chilly northern Ontario evenings.

2. Incorporate Natural Elements

Take advantage of the abundant natural beauty of the area by bringing the outdoors inside. Pinecones, birch branches, and even small pumpkins can add a rustic autumn feel to your home. Arrange these in bowls or use them as centrepieces on your dining room table or coffee table. For a fresh, local touch, consider gathering leaves or wildflowers during a walk through the local trails and pressing them into a frame.

Tip: Use clear glass vases or mason jars filled with acorns, twigs, or even wheat stalks to add a farmhouse-inspired feel.

3. Create a Cozy Entryway

Autumn often means a little extra foot traffic at the door, especially with fall hikes, pumpkin picking, or Thanksgiving gatherings. Make your entryway feel as welcoming as the rest of your home by adding a seasonal wreath or garland. Opt for one with autumn leaves, berries, or even faux apples and pumpkins. A warm doormat with an autumnal design can also help set the tone.

Tip: Use baskets to store scarves, mittens, and other fall accessories by the door to keep your entryway organized and functional during the colder months.

4. Bring the Warmth of Candlelight

The shorter days and earlier sunsets in autumn are the perfect excuse to embrace candlelight. Create a relaxing atmosphere in your home by adding candles to your décor. Look for candles in seasonal scents like cinnamon, apple, or maple to make your home smell as cozy as it feels. Arrange them in clusters of different heights on your dining table, mantle, or even in the bathroom to create soft, ambient lighting.

Tip: Battery-operated candles can be a safe alternative if you’re worried about open flames, especially if you have pets or young children in the house.

5. Swap Out Your Summer Décor

One of the easiest ways to refresh your home for autumn is by swapping out lighter summer décor for items that reflect the warmth of fall. Put away bright, floral patterns and replace them with plaids, checks, or leaf patterns. Swap out airy curtains for heavier, insulated ones to keep the warmth in and add an extra layer of style to your home. This simple change can make a big difference in creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Tip: Don’t forget to switch up your front porch décor, too. Replace summer flowers with potted mums or pumpkins, and add a seasonal welcome sign to greet guests.

6. Add a Touch of Plaid

There’s something about plaid that just feels right in autumn. From tablecloths to pillows to blankets, adding a pop of plaid in your living space is a simple way to bring a touch of coziness. Choose earth-toned plaids that incorporate shades of orange, brown, and red to complement the fall season. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using plaid curtains or rugs for a bold yet cozy look.

Tip: Mix and match different plaid patterns for a layered, homey feel—just be sure to stay within the same colour family to keep the look cohesive.

7. Focus on Comfort

With the cooler weather approaching, now is the perfect time to make your home a haven of comfort. In northern Ontario, autumn often brings brisk mornings and cool nights, so creating a cozy environment indoors is key. Focus on adding layers to your décor with thick, plush blankets, chunky-knit throws, and oversized pillows. Add a few soft area rugs to warm up hardwood or tile floors, making your living spaces feel extra snug.

Tip: Add a faux fur throw to your favourite chair for a luxurious yet warm touch, perfect for curling up with a book or a hot drink on chilly evenings.

8. Get Creative with Pumpkins

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving! Decorate with them throughout the fall season, using pumpkins of various sizes and colours to add interest to your décor. Try grouping them on your porch, using smaller gourds and pumpkins for indoor centrepieces, or even painting them for a more modern, elegant look.

Tip: If you’re not a fan of traditional orange pumpkins, try using white or pastel-coloured pumpkins for a softer, more sophisticated style.

9. Highlight the Hearth

As the temperatures drop, the fireplace becomes a focal point in many homes. Give your hearth a seasonal update by decorating the mantle with garlands of autumn leaves, pinecones, or fairy lights. Add a few seasonal ornaments like ceramic pumpkins or woodsy elements like birch logs to keep the area looking festive. And don’t forget to stack some firewood nearby for that quintessential fall vibe.

Tip: If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, you can create a similar cozy atmosphere by adding a woodpile basket or faux fireplace heater to your space.

Conclusion

Autumn is a magical time in Temiskaming Shores, and it’s easy to bring that magic into your home with a few simple décor updates. From embracing fall colours to adding layers of cozy texture, these ideas will help you create a warm, inviting space perfect for relaxing with family and friends as the temperatures cool.

Happy decorating, and enjoy the season!