Transitioning with the planet's seasons and reflecting that into our home decor doesn't mean we need to walk into the fast homeware store and purchase the season's trendiest decor. 

We're seeing fast homeware follow a similar path of fast fashion, with fashion fashion retailers adding home sections, such as H&M Home and Urban Outfitters.

This over consumption of trends not only burdens the planet and it's resources, it also pressures consumers to spend more. So how can you sustainably decorate your home for autumn, budget friendly, and feel good about it? Check out some of our tips to make your home a perfect spooky, cozy, autumn sanctuary. 

Scent

We love seasonal scents! Smells are so important in creating an atmosphere, hotels have signature scents, why not have a signature scent for your home?

Fall is for warm, rich, and earthy scents. A successful fall scent should hug you the second you walk through the door. Look for scents with the following notes:

Candles:

Head to your local farmers market or craft fair. Candle makers (and soap makers) are experts in local scents. You can find candles scented specific to your region and season. The smells are always free! Just remember when burning a candle, allow the wax to melt all the way to the container to avoid tunnels, and clip off the end of the wick before each burn. 

Essential Oil Diffuser:

There are many essential oil blends for the fall. I've been using the Cedar Ember blend from Saje. If you want to make your own blend try this recipe:

Essential Oil Cold Water Diffuser:
6 drops Cedar,
5 drops Clove
3 drops Balsam 

Essential Oil Diffuser Sticks:
10 drops Cedar
8 Drops Clove
6 Drops Balsam
1/4 Cup fractionated coconut oil

Simmer Pot:

A classic way our grandparents filled their home with delicious warm fall scents is from the stove. Simmer pots are an amazing way to take aging spices, citrus peels, ends of ginger, pretty much your spice compost, throw it into a pot and let it simmer, allowing the smells to engulf your home. My favorite Fall simmer pot smell is when my mom makes Colada Morada, a traditional Ecuadorian Day of the Dead drink. The rich smells of cinnamon and star of anise balanced with the citrus smells of lemon and the sweet smell of sugar, you will never want to leave your house! 

Fall Simmer Pot Recipe:
Pineapple skins and core
5 cinnamon sticks
1 ishpingo (Cinnamon flower)
4 whole cloves
4 all spice berries
1 star of anise
12-14oz of panela or brown sugar
4 lemon verbena leaves
4 lemongrass leaves
2 orange peels
Optional: arrayan ataco (purple amaranth), orange leaves

Directions:
Place the pineapple skins and core, cinnamon, spices and panela or brown sugar in a large pot with 8 cups of water. Boil for about 20-25 minutes.

Add the lemon verbena, lemongrass, and orange peel.

Reduce heat and simmer for 2-4 hours.

Nature's Decor

Fall is my favorite time of the year for using natural decor. There is an abundance of nature you can use inside your home, all you need is gardening shears. 

On your next nature walk, look for fallen long twigs to bundle in a vase.

Pick up the fallen pine cones and create garlands using twine or put in a bowl.

Pumpkins and Squash make excellent centerpieces. Pumpkins and squash come in so many autumn colors so you can match them to your homes color palette.  The best part is you can eat them when you're done, just make sure to buy the sweet pumpkins!

Second Hand Decor

Thrift your decor! Most second hand stores are riddle with vases, candles, and when fall comes around, all the Halloween decor you can think of!

Look for pieces made of ceramic, glass, fabric, with good construction. These pieces were meant to last.

Simple pieces with neutral colors can be reused through the seasons. One of my favorite vases I've thrifted is a simple white vase with a tall neck. I love the way dried flowers and branches look in it as well as vibrant fresh flowers. 

Happy decorating!