Ideas for a Seasonal Home Refresh
20 imaginative, creative concepts for making home feel like cozy retreat as you get ready for fall & winter.
The sun is setting earlier, the temperature is slowly dropping, and the leaves on my street are beginning to fade to gold. The sidewalks of New York are filling with wool coats and steaming coffee cups in hand.
Everything is about to shift indoors. During the fall and winter, we are pulled inside. Our spaces become safe havens from the cold, and their design and function suddenly amplify in importance. If we’re going to be at home, bundled up, it should both feel like a retreat and function as one.
I would argue that more impactful than a spring cleaning is a fall refresh — a pause to truly evaluate what is working and what is not in our spaces, followed by an effort to make them feel more beautiful. We might as well, since we’re all about to spend so much time indoors.
To do a fall refresh well, start by working with what you already have. Don’t begin by focusing on what you want to purchase or what’s missing — you’ll quickly feel defeated and distracted. You’ll rabbit-hole down Pinterest searching for the perfect piece when you could be starting the work already.
Where to start:
Ask yourself (and anyone you live with) the following questions:
Where in my space is there frustration right now?
Example: The entryway is cluttered, and it always irritates me that I have nowhere to hang my bag. Or, I use the same coffee cup nearly every day, but it’s so far back in a cabinet that I have to hop on a stepstool to reach it.
Is there anywhere within my space I currently avoid looking at?
Example: A pile of shoes under the bed, a stack of unopened mail.
Is there anything I really need to get rid of?
Be honest with yourself. Make a list to donate or sell.
Where am I uninspired in my space?
Example: The bathroom has no character or color, or my at-home coffee setup looks messy.
Where do I spend most of my time inside during the winter?
Example: In a reading nook, on the couch, or in the kitchen by the stove.
Where do I have design dreams or ideas? What excites me?
Example: I’ve been wanting to reorganize the pantry to make it look beautiful, or I’ve been dreaming about making my nightstand feel designed.
These prompts should help you identify what’s most important to you. Now you can work through each area, one step at a time. Make a list of every space you’d like to refresh, and move through it thoughtfully.
I’ve compiled a list of inspiring ideas for you to reference—I hope they spark your imagination for all that your space could be.
If you try any of these out, please send a photo to me via DM! I’d love to feature your project in the next Monday Letter and send you something from the Feeling! treasure box.
Many of these ideas could be a DIY project, a thrift-store find, or something you can do with what you already have in one afternoon.
Additionally, I’ve included related products I could find as suggestions to help you source materials—less time scrolling for you, more time creating a dreamy winter haven.
1. Monochromatic + Striped Mats & Frames
Reimagine your wall art with a bold mat and frame. Run to a craft store to find matching paint and cardstock to mat a photo, or have it framed professionally. Use photo booth strips and Polaroids, and try off-centering the photo within the frame. Allow plenty of blank space for the color to shine—and when in doubt, go red.
I found a frame maker on Etsy who will frame your photos monochromatically, with a beautiful range of color options.
They make chic off-center colored frames with mats, and even have a specific option for photo booth strips.
I also found a striped pink and brown fabric frame that would be gorgeous for a fall setup, and unique colored bobbin frames you could utilize to build a diverse gallery wall of frames.
2. Canopy beds
I found a guide from Martha Stewart herself, published in 2002, with instructions on how to set up your own canopy! You can turn your bedroom into a retreat with just a little extra fabric. Create a canopy bed, add a cozy nightstand lamp that glows, and you may never want to leave. I feel like this could be such a fun annual routine—put it up when the temperature starts to drop, and cuddle up!
Alternatively, there are plenty of ways to play with the concept. You could add a pinch-pleat curtain along the wall behind your bed or around the perimeter of the ceiling. It creates the feeling of a luxury hotel room.
3. A Photo Bowl
As family and friends come to visit, pull out classic family photos or Polaroids and place them in a decorative bowl on your coffee table or kitchen island — somewhere prominent where everyone can flip through them.
Instead of a fruit bowl, create a photo bowl that becomes an interactive piece for guests. It’s also a wonderful, casual conversation starter.
I found some really beautiful bowls that could serve that purpose:
A beautiful stainless steel layered bowl, a large dark teal glass decorative bowl, or a small swirled (almost-tortoise shell looking) catch-all dish where you could put some prominent photo favorites.
4. Groceries as Decor
Pick up a few small storage baskets and display your garlic, ginger, and potatoes as if you’re shopping in a tiny luxury grocery store. Then, when you cook, it’ll feel like you’re pulling fresh ingredients straight from your own shelves. You can use any style of basket, but the repetition is what creates the visual interest in this little project — so make sure they match. I found these exact grid baskets here!
5. Getting Ready Plate
If you have limited counter space in your bathroom, try using a plate or decorative tray to store the items you use to get ready. Keep the tray on another surface, then pull it over to the sink when it’s time to primp.
I love how a thrifted plate can instantly elevate your space and add an interesting story to what’s often the most boring room in the house — the bathroom.
I think vintage may be the best fit if you are going for the chinoiserie look. But if you are going silver, I’d recomend
‘s stainless steel oval tray. It is sold as a pack of two! Personally, I use one as a getting ready tray, and the other for hosting.I also saw someone use a vintage bud vase as a qtip holder and had to show you! If you are going thrifting for a plate, you might as well grab a bud vase to match!
6. A Towel Gallery
I love the idea of creating a towel display, especially when hosting guests. It makes them feel like they can pick any towel they’d like, as if they’re shopping. Roll or fold them neatly, just make them a centerpiece.
I really like Parachute’s striped towel collection for a similar striped look, and super soft feel.
7. Cozy Dining Cushions
Make or purchase some patterned cushion covers for your dining chairs. If you’re planning to host more often or spend long evenings gathered around the table with bowls of stew, now’s the perfect time to invest in more comfortable seating. They make your space feel instantly warm and homey.
8. Matchbook Bowls
Store a collection of matchbooks in a display bowl to use for all your winter candle-lighting. Search for matches on trips, favorite restaurants, or buy a vintage mystery pack on Etsy to get your collection rolling.
9. Quilted Headboards
Don’t want to commit to a canopy bed but still want to be extra cozy? Hang a quilt as a headboard! You could even swap out the design seasonally.
Honestly, this could become a craft-maia moment — where the idea inspires you to learn how to quilt. You could make a new piece each season, hang it as a headboard, and then swap it out when the next one arrives. Can you see the quilt vision?
10. A Hosting Cabinet
Pull your favorite glasses, plates, and dishes into a spot where they can be admired — or at least somewhere easily accessible. If you’re planning to host more intentionally this year, lean into the practice by creating an organized hosting cabinet.
Just as an artist arranges their paints so they can quickly grab the perfect color, organize your collection. That way, you can easily see what you’re working with as you creative direct your dinner.
Never underestimate how quickly thrift stores can help you fill it out — often within a very low budget!
11. Grab-n-Go Tray
Display the things you use every day (glasses, sunglasses, perfume, lip balm, keys, rings, etc.) in a beautiful bowl. This will simultaneously help you keep track of things and serve as functional decor.
12. Doilies are so Back
Keep an eye out for a resurrgance of doilies this winter season. If you spot any while purusing a thrift store, you can pick them up to use in your tablescaping. I found a really amazing oval table runner on Etsy that would immediately give you the look.
13. Wool Rugs
Fill your space with cozy wool rugs to add color, depth, and make it feel like a cabin oasis. I’d reccomend this moss colored rug from Revival. I have it in my kitchen as a runner, and am so impressed with the quality and how soft it is under my feet. If you are really looking for fall/winter feeling rugs, go wool for sure, and then look for colors like: wine, olive, caramel, or dark teal.
14. Branchy Arrangements
Take a walk through your backyard or neighborhood with some snippers and gather a few branches for a clear vase. Even if there are only a few leaves left, lean into whatever greenery you can find until the trees are bare for the year.
15. Squash Bowl
Find a large bowl for your coffee table, kitchen island, or entryway, and fill it with mini squashes or pumpkins. After a week or so, turn your décor into snacks by baking the squash or roasting the pumpkin seeds. Functional on many levels, I’d say.
16. Stacks of Books, Everywhere
Act like you’re the head of merchandising for an independent bookstore.
Pull books that feel autumnal from your shelves and display them more prominently around the house — short stacks, in high quantities. Pair them with a chunky little lamp or an oversized candle.
17. Vegetable Candles
Once I saw these asparagus candles, I knew I wouldn’t move on. It is hard to think of a better Thanksgiving table setup than something as unexpectedly whimsical as asparagus taper candles.
Pair with gingham dinner napkins, and maybe a butter candle too.
18. Restaurant-Style Kitchen Displays
Imagine displaying your everyday kitchen items as if they were decorative pieces in a store. Arrange cutlery in glass jars, stack your snack bowls, and put it all out for everyone to see — like a functional art gallery of things to eat on!
I found some snack bowls similar to the photo from Lazy Jamie.
19. Blue Dining Sets
For whatever reason, powder blue has completely stolen my heart lately. I’ve wanted to coat everything in that color — and plates feel like a really good place to start. The shade complements any type of dish beautifully, making it the perfect canvas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I especially like the barro collection from HAY (my fav of all time) with their bubble-like rims.
20. Totoise Shell Cutlery
Last on the list, first on my wishlist: tortoise shell cutlery. Can you imagine eating an applie pie with that fork? So fall, so chic. This looks like a set of forks and knives the main character in a romantic comedy would whip out when she gets home from a bad date and scoop vanilla bean ice cream out of the carton.
Here is a collection of every item I shared in this editorial, in one place! I use ShopMy to organize my suggestions for this magazine.
* An important note that the Feeling! Magazine Color Club is officially about to begin! October’s art is heading to the post office this week!
Here are some more details:
I have not made art prints for years, but I’m coming out of retirement just for Substack.
Founding members of Feeling! Magazine will be inducted into the Color Club, a once-a-month art print delivery to your mailbox!
My goal is to make this digital magazine become tangible.
Pick up a 5x7” frame, and then every month for one year, you will receive an art print to fill it!
A seasonal rhythm, I hope, sparks a year of joy.
After you subscribe, you receive an automatic email requesting your address information to fill out, ensuring the print shows up in your mailbox!
What to do with the previous print?
Start a collection and store it in a box, put it in a favorite journal and reflect on the month, hang it in another frame (make a gallery wall!), or, my favorite idea, give it away! Make it an intentional thing — where you give the art to someone you care about.
What style of art will the prints be?
All the art will look like mine, meaning it will be a mix of illustration, colors, and whimsy. The work will be on a double-sided 5x7” card, with a different art piece on either side, so you have a choice which piece to display. The goal is that when you look at it, it evokes a sense of hope. It reminds you of moments that were full of joy but hard to articulate, that you wish you could hold on to longer.
When will I receive the first print?
The first one will be sent toward the end of October! Which is so soon!
How do I sign up?
Click below! And then check you email for a confirmation with a form to enter your mailing address! The founding membership is $89.99.
How do I upgrade my subscription?
If you are already a paid subscriber but want to join the Color Club and start getting art prints, you can upgrade and Substack will prorate the price!
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it on desktop:
1. Navigate to your Substack account Settings page: https://substack.com/settings
2. Under Subscriptions, click on the paid publication you want to update.
3. Click “Change” next to Plan in the Subscription section.
4. Choose from the following plans you’d like to switch to and select “Change plan”.
From Substack:
”What happens if I upgrade my subscription plan from annual to founding member?
If you upgrade your subscription plan from annual to founding member, you’ll be charged a prorated amount, and your renewal date will change to the date you made the upgrade. You’ll receive a payment receipt email showing the pro-rated amount. The renewal date will not stay the same as the original date for the annual plan. For example, if it’s January 8th, 2024, and you change your plan to founding member, your next renewal date will be January 8th, 2025.”
I am so excited to make this magazine dream come true, and I hope you can feel my enthusiasm from the screen. Thank you, thank you to everyone who has subscribed and supported this dream with me!
I can’t wait to pack your envelopes and mail you every month!!
🐚 Read more thoughtfully created articles here
🪄 Shop all my favorite things
🍒 Let’s be internet friends, please! @ jennaisfeeling
🪄 Get more inspiration
My favorite is groceries as decor! Especially as someone who doesn't have a lot of kitchen space.
I love the idea of polaroids and photos in a bowl. We don’t keep photo albums the way we used to and this is such a great way to display memories and every day moments.