Warm-Up Your Living Room for Fall

(First off, don't forget to enter the Inspired Whims Gift Card Give-Away {here}.  Winner announced next Monday!)

Now, on to the post...
A recent article in the September 2012 issue of HGTV Magazine inspired me to search for a few ways to "warm up" a living room for Fall, by using primarily the same furniture and fixtures and then adding just a few new accent pieces to give it that warm cozyness that Autumn inspires.

So snuggle in (if you're cool already) or kick back in your flip-flops (if you're still hot) and take some notes...

Here is a snap-shot of the "before" summer-ish living room that was shown in HGTV Magazine's "Quickie Makeover! One Room, Two Looks" article:

And then, the snap-shot of the "after" Fall-inspired living room with the same furniture but new accents pieces:

Notice that the key differences in this "Fall" space have to do with color and texture.  For color, out with the light and bright white, yellow, green, and blue; and in with the spice-hued red, orange, gold, and brown.  Deep navy blue, plum, and gold are a few other colors that help warm up a space.  For texture, limit the use of glass, silver metals, and other slick surfaces; and instead, amp up the wood, warm-colored metals (like gold, copper, iron), leather, velvet, tweed, etc.

Feeling warmer already??? In the article, the writer Elizabeth Roehrig, suggests changing up pillows, side tables, rugs, curtains, lampshades, and other accessories to give your room an entirely new look with the same basic furniture.  Slip-covers are another great option if you'd like to completely change the look of larger furniture, like sofas and chairs.

Now that you've seen a professional's example of a transformed space, here are a few accent pieces that can help you do exactly the same in your space at home!

Pillows - mix and match colors + textures for a warm eclectic look...

1. Amber Gold Velvet Throw Pillow ($10) - Cost Plus World Market // 2. Rust Burlap Lumbar Pillow ($17) - Cost Plus World Market // 3. Decorative Pillow Target Multicolored Square ($27) - Target // 4. Diagonal Stripe Pillow ($35) - Pier 1 // 5. Spotted Hide Pillow Cover ($80) - Pottery Barn

Lamp Shade - go darker or introduce a new textured material like cork or burlap...

1. Natural Cork Floor Lamp Shade ($35) - Cost Plus World Market // 2. Red Burlap Floor Lamp Shade ($30) - Cost Plus World Market // 3. Yellow Lamp Shade w/Cinnamon Stripe ($20) - Target

Window Panels - add some depth and richness with lush velvet...

Velvet Drape ($109 per 84" panel) - Pottery Barn

Replace your area rug with a warm-colored option...

1. Coventry Area Rug ($137 for 5'x8') - Home Decorators Collection // 2. Kattrup Rug ($149 for 5'x7'') - Ikea

Or, add a few other textured accessories (large or small)...

1. Uttermost Walton Hall Gold Finish Wall Mirror ($152) - Amazon // 2. Leather Ottoman ($165) - Overstock // 3. Natural Tree Stump Side Table ($199) - West Elm // 4. Valencia Red Leather Nail Head Bench ($169) - Overstock // 5. Nate Round End Table ($200) - Target // 6. Tweed Carmen Chair ($599) - Pier 1 // 7. Hitch Marigold Stool ($169) - CB2

Keep in mind, restraint is key in not going over board and looking too much like a "Fall Festival" - just pick a few pieces that really complement your space (i.e. new pillow covers and velvet drapes, or maybe a new lamp shade, rug, and a small leather accent).

Are any of these featured items peaking your interest?  Have you thought about adding any fall-inspired accents to your space?  If so, what do you add or plan to add?