Fall Decor Tips From Two Omaha Design Pros

A wood-burning fire crackling in the living room. The first batch of chili stewing in the crockpot. Pumpkins brightening up the porch.

It’s the most magical time of the year, as the fall foliage unfolds and cooler temperatures wash over the Great Plains. But how do you embrace the season with your own home decor scheme?

For some quick and easy ways to slide into fall, check out what two local designers had to say.

Brand new to Omaha is designer Nikki Njeri Klugh, CEO and Principal Designer of her own company. She shares that with shorter days and hibernation season approaching, it’s important to pay special attention to how your home can help keep you in a sunny, happy mood. That can be especially true in a sometimes harsh climate like the Midwest.

Klugh loves adding warm colors to home decor to help harness fall vibes. She explains, “While these colors are naturally associated with Autumn, the shorter wavelengths and vibrant energy also aid in keeping you in an upbeat mood.” Something as easy as changing the color of accent plates in a table setting (as pictured) or switching out throw pillows can accomplish a quick change-up in any space.

Additionally, the designer shares that having a weekly or bi-weekly floral arrangement can also brighten your mood and add beauty to your home, while also embracing a seasonal element.

Omaha designer Courtney Otte has been working in the interior design industry since 2011 and founded her own firm, The Modern Hive Interior Design Studio, in 2012.

She sums up her fall decor with two words: mums and pumpkins.

Otte expands, sharing that while she loves the earthy organic and modern farmhouse look popularized by one Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame, she doesn’t choose to embrace that aesthetic in her own home. This can make it hard when it comes to seasonal decorating, as all the stores seem to be stocked with exactly that style.

The designer continues, “I've learned to combat that by slowly curating my seasonal decor. It takes time to find pieces that fit perfectly in my home, which typically consists of a combination of magenta mums and white or brightly colored faux pumpkins. In addition, I've also found that just because the seasonal decor comes out, does not mean that all your other decor has to go away. I often keep my 'regular' decor out though the season and sprinkle in the seasonal decor. I suppose you could say I approach seasonal decor in a non-traditional way, but at the end of the day the key is staying true to you and your personal style!”

Overall, between running a business, plus being a wife and mother to two kiddos, Otte doesn’t have much time to overthink fall decor options. She sticks to simple, lasting, easy seasonal swaps.

Overall, it’s plain to see that decorating for fall doesn’t need to be a time-consuming chore. Focus on some simple autumnal picks and natural elements and your whole space can be transformed.

What are your favorite local stores for fall decor? What ways do you incorporate fall into your home?