Foraged and Found Fall Decorating

In an effort to simplify what is stored away for seasonal decor, today I’m sharing: foraged and found Fall decorating. Instead of faux pumpkins and faux foliage, I am sharing how you can use foraged grasses and branches, and found vintage items in a warm color palette, to decorate your home for Fall.

This is the 9th installment of the Simply Home Series where a small group of friends and I share once a month, themed decor ideas. This month we are sharing simple fall decorating ideas. We each did a different take on fall decorating, so you will definitely want to check each of my friends out after you’ve read my post!

Use Foraged Grasses & Branches

Foraged grasses and branches are the most budget friendly way to bring Fall indoors. Yes, they die faster but they are free and encourage you to get outdoors to go looking for replacements whenever needed! Early in the Fall season, if leaves haven’t turned yet, grasses are a great alternative.

To really make a statement using foraged grasses, cut long stalks. I found these on the side of a road with their rust-colored silky tops, and cut several off at near the base to have the most options when it came to trimming them to fit in a vase.

I plucked some ‘wimpier’ grass from a park trail because I liked the airy quality it has when grouped together. Thinner, shorter grasses are a great option for coffee tables. You can see through them and over them easily so it doesn’t interrupt or obstruct a conversation.

I trimmed our dappled willow bush last month and new growth comes in this pinkish-red color. So I clipped a few branches and used them in another vase on the Ikea shoe cabinet in our dining room. This is a great example of how you can use clippings from bushes/plants/trees that naturally grow those warmer Autumn tones, instead of waiting for fall leaves or using faux.

Display Found Items that Have ‘Warm’ Colors

For found items, check out thrift stores and antique shops for unique items that have warm colors: rust, brown, coral, copper, orange, marigold, salmon, and gold. Bonus points if they can be used for more than 1 season or for more than 1 purpose.

I found some pottery (including that black vase with the long grasses) and this original landscape oil painting with beautiful Fall colors earlier this week while antique shopping and fell in love.

It wasn’t signed and I can tell it was an amateur artist, but the sky was well done and the colors in the trees are lovely. I know this will look great in several spots in my home even beyond Autumn.

Group ‘Found’ Alike Items Together

When found items are smaller in size, group several that are alike, together. It will create more of an impact, since they are too small of a scale when displayed individually.

I created this small grouping of vintage items because they had similar warmer colors. The stoneware vase is a newer find from antiquing, and I specifically selected it because of the color.

This group of 3 handmade pottery are varying sizes and colors, but they are all in the same color family, so it has a bigger impact and feels cohesive.

Shop Your Home to Find Cozy Textures

Another great way to use ‘found’ items is to shop your home! Look for cozy textures that you can display or repurpose.

A faux fur pillow case acts like a sheepskin throw but it’s smaller! It adds a cozy touch to a small bench or stool.

Velvet is one of my favorite textures to incorporate in the cooler months. It can instantly bring a sense of coziness to a room. Here I grouped it with a leaf block print pillow case that has great contrast with the rust-colored velvet pillow.

While this combo has a distinct Fall vibe, these are pillows that can be paired with a variety of colors to be used for different seasons. Using pillow covers that have zippers is important not just so you can wash them, but it makes it easy to fold and store them in a bin like I do.

Repeating the rust color on all sides of the room (but not in overwhelming amounts) makes the decor feel cohesive.

Our window in the front room is off-center, so to disguise this, I hung the curtains high and wide, with two panels on each side. That way texture of the curtains makes the discrepancy less noticeable.

Our front door adds great contrast. I painted last year when we gave this room a refresh, and the color is Behr Graphic Charcoal.

Consider the Aroma of Fall

Scents are linked so strongly to memories, especially in the colder months as we spend more time indoors with those we love. Candles are a great way to add a cozy glow and a fall-inspired aroma. I think one of the most impactful ways to decorate for fall is to include fall scents.

I hope you enjoyed this different approach for Fall decorating! You can create a welcoming Fall vibe in your home on any budget if you are willing to get creative to find or forage items!

Check out my friend’s fall decorating posts below!

Tidbits: Fall Home Decor Ideas 

Maison de Cinq: Five Tips for Easy Fall Decorating

Seeking Lavender Lane: Five Favorite Fall Decor Items

Shades of Blue: Foraged & Found Fall Decorating

So Much Better with Age: Neutral Fall Decorating with Fall Leaves