Wondering when to decorate for fall? These 7 expert tips can help

Fall is just around the corner. Interior designers and stylists shared tips and tricks for getting started on autumn decor — and when to do it.

Start outside

Interior designer Ami McKay recommended starting with the exterior of your home. "As summer winds down, you may notice your outdoor plants need some TLC, whether it be your vegetable garden or flowers, so take some time to tidy those up for fall," she said. Then, arrange any potted plants that still look good around the front door or on the deck.

To seamlessly transition your outdoor space from one season to another, McKay recommended incorporating plants that have year-round appeal, like a Katsura tree or a curly willow tree.

Take the layering approach

Interior stylist Emily Henderson suggested easing into fall decorating with a layering approach instead of waiting until October. "You can add a wreath to your door and switch out some pillows or throws," she said. "Then maybe a few weeks later add some pumpkins and other fall decor."

Make small swaps

Designer Stephanie Perez O'Boyle agreed with this one-step-at-a-time approach. "The easiest place to start is your tabletop," Perez O'Boyle said. "A summer table can easily be changed over to fall with a simple refresh that doesn't break the bank."

She suggested choosing a neutral foundation for your table that can be used year-round and switching out seasonal decor to keep things simple. "Swap out a centerpiece of tropical fruits with gourds, pumpkins and other rustic produce, and change flowers to chrysanthemums and dahlias in shades of purple and deep red," she suggested.

Switch out textiles

"As fall approaches, swap out any summer textiles for warmer tones and cozier fabrics for those chilly autumn days," McKay said. "Subdued reds, earthy and rusty hues, and golden tones will set the stage for the cooler months."

For a neutral color palette, try a Nordic retreat look. "Find some heavier neutral knit blankets and cushions, sheepskins (ethically sourced only, please), candles, and woven pieces for a cozy fall atmosphere," she said.

Save real pumpkins for October

"Pumpkins on the porch are great October through November; they set such a festive and cozy tone for guests entering your home," said designer Mimi Meacham, who heads into fall decorating mode once the start of school craziness begins wearing off. She recommended waiting until Oct. 1 before putting out live pumpkins, which typically only last for a few months.

Update displays throughout the season

"I prefer to use fun-colored, painted pumpkins in October," Meacham said. "Since Halloween is traditionally more dark and gloomy, the painted pumpkins stand out and nod to the more playful side of the holiday."

Depending on the health of those pumpkins, she recommended trading them out for more muted, organic colored pumpkins in November. "I love to mix in the funky shaped ones, like the acorn, scallop, and kabocha varieties," she said.

Remember: Your home, your rules

"I am a big advocate for decorating when and how you want first and foremost," Henderson said. "It's your house!"