When it comes to home design, Drew and Jonathan Scott – better known as the Property Brothers – have no problem telling it like it is. After renovating hundreds of homes and witnessing homeowners' design mistakes firsthand, it's fair to say the Scott brothers have seen it all.
That's why they're the perfect couple to ask about Top fall decorating mistakes to avoid. Read on to get her honest thoughts on what's really worth your time and money this season. Also, don’t forget to tune in for the upcoming series. Property Brothers: Under Pressurewhich will debut on HGTV next year.
Not spending wisely.
It's hard not to resist the temptation to try every fall decorating trend you find, but be realistic. There's no reason to blow your budget on new seasonal decorations year after year. “Of course it's okay to have a little fun and buy new items that you're excited about, but you should make sure to reuse them when you buy them,” says Jonathan. “Instead of spending a ton on new decorations, invest in storage solutions that will keep them from getting messy so you can enjoy them year after year.”
Drew also warns against stocking up on unnecessary bells and whistles: “When decorating seasonally, it can be tempting to buy a lot of small decorations because they're cheap and cute. But if you have too many, it can look messy,” he says, pointing out that a high-quality piece, like a pretty living wreath, could be the solution.
❌ Choosing the wrong color scheme.
Combine traditional colors with a few unexpected hues to style your space for the season. “I hate too many oranges or burgundies. You can use them, but don't overdo it,” says Drew. “Try mixing them with greens, creams, chocolate browns, and other less flashy hues. This creates a solid base that you can enhance with Thanksgiving decor, but also looks tasteful on its own.”
❌ Excessive use of signage.
Those pillows and wall art with inspirational messages? Jonathan says it's best to keep them to a minimum in the house. “For example, we usually swap out a pile of books for fall books or switch out the doormat for something more seasonal. I also like to bring blankets in fall colors or textures that I place at the foot of the bed or over a chair in the living room to reference the season,” he says.
❌ Rely only on the ceiling lighting.
Design professionals, including the Property Brothers, swear by complementing ceiling lighting with other fixtures like table lamps and sconces. “It gets darker earlier in the fall, but that doesn't mean you should turn on a brighter, harsher light to combat that,” says Drew. “Instead, aim for atmosphere by placing multiple lamps and candles for a soft glow. Not only will it enhance your existing fall decor, but it will also create the warm, inviting feeling you want this time of year.”
❌ With a view to the room fragrance.
“You can give the whole house an autumnal atmosphere with a few subtle scented candles or simmering pots,” says Jonathan. However, proceed with caution. “Be careful not to go too crazy—too much pumpkin spice or apple orchard smells will give you a headache just waiting to happen,” he adds.
❌ Neglect the outdoor area.
Jonathan says a few small decorating options can easily spruce up your outdoor space for the season. Decorating with straw is one of his favorite fall decorations: “We love incorporating straw into our garden with pumpkins, corn, and other similar elements. Whether you're looking out the window from your kitchen or sitting on the patio, you can really lean into the season. But a word of caution about straw: It gets everywhere! So plan where you'll put it and cover the path with a tarp to make cleanup easier.”
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Monique Valeris is Home Design Director for Good housekeepingwhere she oversees the brand's home decor coverage in print and digital formats. Before joining GH in 2020, she was a digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What's in My Cart.”