If you're in the middle of injecting a fall vibe into your home, we suggest you don't forget the kitchen. Dip this room in autumnal scents of apple cinnamon, sandalwood, and pumpkin spice, and curate endearing arrangements of mini pumpkins and gourds on a tray for an eclectic display. Fill this space with harvest colors, seasonal produce, and cozy textiles, and make the kitchen extra inviting.
We’ve rounded up some of the top fall decor ideas for your kitchen, and here are some easy (and some decorative) staples you could choose from. Get ready to take notes.
1. Drench the kitchen in a fall palette
If you're designing a modern kitchen that feels inherently cozy, and even timeless, may we suggest fall colors that feel relevant throughout the year? Think of rust, ochre, deep blues, and burnt orange. If you're looking for a unique palette, you could also go in for unexpected fall colors like lilac, sage, or mint. These tones have an embracing effect and look especially lovely in natural light.
"When the leaves start to fall and we transition into those brisk autumnal evenings, seasonal sympathetic decorating can quickly transform a space through the seasons," shares James Greenwood, brand & interiors specialist at Graham & Brown. "Warm a space up by introducing our red rock clay hue Arizona Sky, inspired by the desert-like landscape this warming hue will bring warmth and a cocooning sensation, especially when taken up from the wall and over the ceiling."
2. Introduce pumpkin-themed accessories for fall kitchen decor
Pumpkins are the biggest fall decor trend, and an element that easily fits into the kitchen.
"I love the idea of DIY pumpkins, decorated with flowers and plants," says Jenny Bandley of The House That Lars Built. "Classy and elegant, once you see these beauties you’ll rush to add them to your annual decor."
DIY beauties aside, for a more subtle yet fun look, consider pumpkin-shaped kitchen accessories and cutlery. For instance, the stoneware pumpkin mug from Anthropologie, or a pumpkin serving bowl from Walmart.
3. Create a fall centrepiece
If you have a small kitchen diner and are hosting friends for a meal, consider a whole fall display in this room. Add tall branches in small vases and surround them with small varieties of gourds. Layer in branches shaped into interesting sculptures. Place tall vases with pampas grass, and don't forget to add tall candles.
Also, for a more permanent setup, consider creating a lovely vignette with hydrangeas in a bowl — did you know that you can dry them to preserve their beauty throughout the year? Alternatively, you could add a branch with colorful yellow leaves and place it in a glass vase to bring the outdoors in.
4. Display fall flowers
Look to flower trends for fall to find out which ones would look great in your kitchen corners.
"Add fall flowers and branches (dead or alive) and bring them in and put them in a pretty vase," suggests Leanne Ford, founder of Leanne Ford Interiors. "It immediately makes your room feel special and makes it feel happy. I think it’s an easy but big move anyone can do to change up their space."
Flowers aside, you could also add pinecones in a bowl or tall cornstalks to not only add a touch of harvest colors but also a feeling of height in the kitchen.
5. Hang a wreath
An autumnal wreath hung on a pantry, cabinet, or kitchen door will contribute to the kitchen color. You could even suspend it off a cabinet pull, or place it on the kitchen counter. This is an easy, non-permanent fall kitchen decor idea.
"Wreaths can of course be hung on the front door, but I prefer to have them hung on the center of large windows, as this adds an unexpected punch of color and natural element to the front of a home," says Jane Lockhart, founder of Jane Lockhart Design.
6. Imbue fall colors with tiles
This is ideal for those who are remodeling a kitchen so it feels cozy, inviting as well as being on-trend. Instead of paints, you could consider injecting tones via kitchen tiles. Think of two or three tile tones in burnt orange, yellow, pink, or red.
"For the design of this kitchen, we started with the color of the microcement floor present throughout the house, a neutral beige color, and gradually increased the intensity of the different elements, such as the walls and the kitchen units," says Carlos Tomás, founder of Estudio Recente. "Finally, as an accent color, we introduced black elements such as the extractor hood, windows and the radiator."
"Shades that we love for fall are yellow, green, and orange," says Theresa Butler, principal and founder of Theresa Butler Interiors. "These hues capture the essence of autumn by mirroring the golden tones of changing leaves and the cozy glow of seasonal harvests. Its intensity adds depth and a touch of luxury to any space, creating a welcoming and invigorating atmosphere. Consider incorporating these shades into accent walls, tiles, textiles, and beyond."
7. Create a feeling of warmth with candles
Want to create a cozy, snuggly feeling in the kitchen as you spend some quiet meals with your friends and family? Consider adding beautiful candles to your kitchen countertop to create that seasonal glow. You could also go in for electric candles, in case you feel the real ones could be a hazard.
Choose the tall, colorful varieties that work as accents in your kitchen decor, and even complement the fall flower displays. Their soft radiance will set a warm mood even on the crispest days.
8. Add natural textures
The best way to create autumn kitchen decor is by adding soft and natural textures, often where you'd least expect them.
For practicality, kitchens typically have tiled or hardwood floors that are easy to clean, but there's no reason you can't introduce a kitchen rug. "Opting for an on-trend rug in the middle of the room is also a great way to tie in a color palette and add a homely touch," explains Sarah Savery-Smith, brand director, at kitchenware brand, ProCook.
"When rugs are brought into the kitchen they can create a living room feel," says Lizzie Beesley, head of design at Magnet. "Laying a woven jute or sisal rug can really relax the feel of your kitchen and juxtapose a more modern theme."
To keep stains and spillages to a minimum, add a runner between an island and your wall-mounted cabinets, ensuring it's a space where you're unlikely to be carrying foods or liquid. If you have a kitchen diner, a rug can add a taste of luxury when laid beneath your dining table, too. Just be sure to use a non-slip backing to avoid any accidents.
Rugs aren't the only way to introduce a more homey feel to a kitchen. Sarah notes there are plenty of ways to embrace textiles in a kitchen, and they can help reinforce a color palette too. "Hang suitably colored tea towels out in the open, whether that is on the oven door or hung on the wall to utilize space," she says. "If you have a table in your kitchen, dress it using deep-hued table linens and dining sets."
9. Bring the outside in with organic decor and furnishings
From wooden kitchen cabinets to stone floor tiles, natural materials have a striking effect in our kitchens. Not only do they look beautifully neutral and understated, but they help bring an element of the outside in, helping to introduce a fall vibe in your kitchen.
"Wooden worktops are a great way to bring rustic, autumnal touches into the kitchen," says Dawn from Smile Kitchens. "Either opt to use all wood or create a statement island with a wooden worktop. If you want even more impact, you can choose wooden or wood effect cabinetry doors," she says.
If you want to incorporate wood finishes in a more subtle way without changing the overall design, she suggests using elements like wooden shelving, stools, or art pieces.
Bo Hellberg of String Furniture has some expert advice when it comes to choosing the right wood for a fall effect. "Rich walnuts and soothing oaks are a wonderful way to create a warming, cozy kitchen feel in a kitchen that's perfect for the autumnal months," he says. "These earthy tones are perfect for enriching a space and bringing in a calming feel to a home."
Wood isn't the only way to add a touch of nature to your space. Tom Howley, owner of Tom Howley kitchens says incorporating plants into your space can help you feel closer to nature and add a more seasonal feel to the room. "Fill windowsills with potted herbs, dress your mantle with seasonal foliage, or place fresh flowers on your island to instantly lift your mood as you enter the room," he advises.
10. Use brassware for warmth
Brass accents can add a warm glow to any room that replicates the inviting flicker of an open fire. Brass kitchen ideas are a great way to add this comforting feel that's so synonymous with fall.
"Handles are a great, subtle and budget-friendly way to introduce gold or brass into your kitchen," says Dawn. "If you want to make more of an impact, consider a matching sink and tap in brass or gold."
Other brassware accessories are a great way to incorporate metallic elements but with more flexibility. "Look for vases, statues, or artwork," Dawn advises. "Another option would be to look at antique effect tiles or backsplashes that can add a warm tone in a slightly less traditional way."
Although typically traditional, Tom believes brass makes a great contemporary touch to a kitchen while also having the potential to tie in an entire color scheme. "Brass finishes are an excellent way to draw attention to your cabinetry, adding warmth, especially when combined with a dark paint color," he explains. "The warm tones of the brass beautifully enhance blues and dark greens, helping to create a cohesive look."
11. Create a kitchen book nook
Reading is the ultimate fall activity. There's nothing better than curling up under a soft blanket with a good book and a warm mug of cocoa. Although a bedroom or living room might be your first port of call, there's no reason why you can't create a cozy reading corner in your kitchen.
"Creating a micro-library or book nook within your kitchen design can work wonders for achieving ultimate autumnal coziness,"' says Lizzie."Install a few bookshelves in a lesser-used corner of your kitchen space and fill them with your favorite books."
Benches or corner chairs placed by a window make the perfect setting for a reading area. If you know a thing or two about storage solutions, you can even incorporate a book nook in the smallest kitchens.
"For seating, install a set of kitchen drawer units to create a fully functional seating bench in your choice of styles and colors to coordinate with your kitchen cabinetry," Lizzie says. "Finish off with your fluffiest cushions on top and you'll have the perfect nook to escape into a book on a rainy fall afternoon."
12. Introduce earthy tableware
Your walls and cabinets might be the first places you turn to when designing a fall kitchen, but it's important not to overlook your dinnerware sets. Switch out your bright summer plates for more earthy-toned ceramic tableware.
"Utilize functional items such as utensils, storage items and chopping boards in suitably natural materials," says Sarah from ProCook. "Swap out everyday items such as utensil jars or fruit bowls that are typically made of glass or china for alternatives that are made from deep-hue acacia wood or light beech wood."
There are more ways to embrace the all-wood kitchen trend than you might believe. Think spoons and spatulas, bowls and even wooden shelving. Don't hide them away in drawers either. "Keep wooden chopping boards of varying sizes and shapes out on display by propping them up against the countertop wall to cover sockets or wires," Sarah advises.
"This is great for easy accessibility and storage, while also providing a stylish element," she adds. "Alternatively, leave a butchers-block style chopping board out on the countertop at all times for a convenient yet rustic touch."
Stylish cookware can also be used to embrace an on-trend fall interior in any kitchen without overwhelming the space. "Invest in some deep-toned cookware, such as a cast iron casserole dish that can take center-stage and add a pop of color," says Sarah. "Whether it’s left on the hob in prime position or added to some open shelving, they're a great way to add a stylish yet functional element to a kitchen and the perfect fall cooking accessory."
How to decorate a small kitchen for fall?
The easiest autumn kitchen decor includes fall flowers and rustic elements. Think mini pumpkins and gourds placed on a tray or a seasonal floral arrangement on the countertop. You can also hang a wreath on the cabinet, and add linen table runner or mats.
What are the fall colors for kitchens?
Fall kitchen decor tones include rust, browns, taupe, reds and oranges. These colors inject a warm, cozy vibe to spaces, and can infact work year round. But you don't need to commit to these tones via paints. You can include these colors through decoratives, artwork, rugs, or flowers.
