Tips To Transition Summer Decor Into Fall - 27 East

Residence

Residence / 1380055

Tips To Transition Summer Decor Into Fall

authorErica Thompson on Sep 1, 2014

With summer drawing to a close, drawers once filled with bathing suits will soon be replaced with turtlenecks and cozy scarves, and flip-flops will take a backseat to leather boots and loafers.

A wardrobe swap isn’t the only thing due for a change with the imminent arrival of fall. Home décor once suited for breezy summer weather also deserves an autumn update, according to East Hampton-based interior designer Barbara Feldman, of Hamptons Interior Design.

“As the seasons change, we’re really more oriented to that inside, cozy feeling that replaces the outside atmosphere that comes with summertime,” she said. “I think people who live here year-round like change. If they didn’t, they’d go to Florida.”

And phasing out of a summer color palette or seasonal accents doesn’t have to be a drastic undertaking. Changing or adding home accessories, accent pieces and patio furniture are simple and inexpensive ways to welcome the elements of fall into a home.

Throw pillows in deep blues, greens and gold, as well as layering throw blankets, are easy and affordable ways to play up a fall color scheme, said Ms. Feldman.

“A spot of russet is reflective of the changing leaves, and it will add some contrast as well,” she added.

Bridgehampton-based interior designer and owner of The Design Studio Eugènia Au Kim said “Hermes orange” is another color that lends itself to transitioning from summer into fall.

“Pairing that with deep blues to reflect the ocean, which gets darker when the weather is cooler. I like to bring that in with a butter-squash color and adding a touch of black.”

Ms. Kim recommends trying black lampshades as an accent. She also said changing the rug can help bring an autumn-inspired atmosphere to a living space.

Swapping out a sisal rug—made of a woven, straw-like fabric—for a wool area rug can bring color and warmth into a room, she said.

“Slipcovers are another easy and inexpensive way to update an entire look,” said Ms. Feldman. “Choose a fabric that has a different color and texture than what you already have. Go from white cotton to a neutral beige or taupe in a soft, woven fabric, corduroy or, as the fall moves into winter, velvet or suede.”

Bringing in outdoor plants, both designers said, and on some occasions furniture, is another way to prep your home for the upcoming season while in the latter case adding some extra seating to a room.

“I actually like the idea of bringing in an oversized wicker chair,” said Ms. Kim. “It warms the space, softens it, especially when it’s paired with leather. I like the idea of coordinating all types of elements.”

Ms. Kim said outdoor wicker furniture—which she no longer refers to as “patio furniture” since so much of it is often “sophisticated and sculptural”—works particularly well in a den or breakfast room, especially on the East End.

“Out here, you really have that opportunity because everything is just more relaxed,” she said, comparing this area’s design aesthetic to that of Manhattan.

As for plants, Ms. Feldman said keeping herbs in vases is one way to obtain a “summer garden” feel even in cooler weather.

“I keep kale on my kitchen counter and it looks wonderful,” she said of using the leafy vegetable as a centerpiece.

“It’s not like you have to go out and buy all new furniture because it’s a different season,” she summed up. “A little bit of everything makes a big difference.”

You May Also Like:

Hampton Designer Showhouse Kicks Off July 19

The Hampton Designer Showhouse will return to Southampton this summer to benefit Stony Brook Southampton ... 1 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer

Holiday House Hamptons Opens With White Party on July 12

Holiday House Hamptons will return to the South Fork on Saturday, July 12, for its ... by Staff Writer

East Hampton Art & Design Days Runs July 11-13

The inaugural East Hampton Art & Design Days, running July 11 to 13, will present a lecture series at Guild Hall on Sunday, July 13, featuring interior designers and landscape designers in conversation. The day will begin with a book-signing hour, followed at noon by Aerin Lauder in conversation with David Netto about her new book, “Living With Flowers,” which explores the role of florals in “interior design, inspired living, and timeless style.” “Designing Iconic Interiors and Architecture” begins at 1:15 p.m., with panelists Brian Sawyer, David Kleinberg and Victoria Hagan moderated by Jacqueline Terrebonne of Galerie. The designers will ... by Staff Writer

Marders Hosting Garden Talks Series Covering Range of Garden-Related Topics

Marders, a nursery and garden center in Bridgehampton, is hosting the Garden Talks series, covering a variety of topics relating to garden maintenance and caring for plants. These talks take place on Sunday mornings at Marders at 120 Snake Hollow Road in Bridgehampton, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and are free to attend. Paige Patterson, a plant ambassador at Marders, has been running talks for over 10 years. The talks grew out of Patterson receiving questions relating to misconceptions about plants, as well as other aspects of gardening that she was unaware of when she first started. “I never ... by Dan Stark

East Hampton Historical Society To Host 19th Annual Antiques & Design Show Benefit

The East Hampton Historical Society is hosting its 19th annual Antiques & Design Show Benefit ... 30 Jun 2025 by Dan Stark

Fireflies Are Back for Summer — or Are They?

Like Fourth of July fireworks, cooling swims and relaxing vacations, fireflies are a sign of ... 26 Jun 2025 by Melissa Morgan Nelson

Gourds Are a Great Growing Project for Curious Kids — and Adults

It’s not too late to plant a few seeds that can be a great project ... by Andrew Messinger

David Harber and Michael Derrig Present 'A Celebration of Art in the Garden'

The David Harber studio in Oxfordshire, England, is bringing its outdoor sculptures to East Hampton ... 24 Jun 2025 by Brendan J. O’Reilly

Salvatore Piazzolla and Grant Wilfley Find Comfort in Southampton

Salvatore Piazzolla and Grant Wilfley found solitude when stumbling upon what inevitably was their dream ... 20 Jun 2025 by Tristan Dyer

Free Tuesday Webinar on 'Case Studies of East End Near-Zero and Net-Zero Residential Properties

Jean-Pierre Clejan, a renewable energy integrator specializing in zero-energy building, will host a free, live webinar, “Case Studies of East End Near-Zero & Net-Zero Residential Projects,” on Tuesday, June 24, at 4 p.m. The two-hour sustainability-focused continuing education unit program, with PDH, AIA HSW and GBCI/LEED credits available, showcases the ways architects have achieved net-zero and near-zero energy for their Long Island clients by incorporating energy efficiency, specifying hyper-efficient electric HVAC and optimizing roof/site plans to maximize solar production. In each case study, Clejan will review the embedded technology, key design elements, and real-world energy/financial performance of the built project. ... 18 Jun 2025 by Staff Writer