Good morning! Today is Wednesday, October 20, and you are reading today’s section of Examiner+, a digital newsmagazine serving Westchester, Putnam, and the surrounding Hudson Valley.

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(Photo: Chuan Ding)

As the days turn shorter and the temperatures cool, we start shifting our focus from outdoors to inside — where comfort, warmth, and serenity become the order of the day (and night). Here, three local designers share their tips on how to cozy up your living space and embrace the autumn season in your home.

From Alexandra Denburg, M&P Design Group

Bedding upgrade:  Say “see you next season” to your cotton and linen sheets, and warmly embrace all that is flannel!  If you have a duvet cover, it’s fun to swap that out and bring in a different pattern or color palette for the cooler months.

Throw a throw on anything:  This is great because a single, high-functioning item can not only cozy up the look of your space but can make your mornings and evenings feel snuggly and cozy as well.

From Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors

Switch up your color palette: There are a lot of opportunities to change the look and feel of a room with darker color accents. Personally, I’m drawn to deep colors in the fall and winter months, such as brown, rust, deep greens, and even black pieces, rather than pumpkins or foliage everywhere.

Fall centerpieces are a must: For fall centerpieces, get creative — use anything from darker runners (jewel tones or heavier fabric like velvet) to in-season fruits and more hearty flowers or stems. 

Swap out candlesticks: Something as simple as swapping out the tapers in your candlesticks to a darker color can completely change the look of the room. Come fall, it’s time to retire your summer sets and focus on bolder pieces.

From Lara Michelle, Lara Michelle Beautiful Interiors

Change out your scents: Add fall-inspired orange-colored and pumpkin or cinnamon-scented candles on your coffee table, mantel, and bookcases. Adding warm candlelight and spiced scents into the room gets the autumn mood going in an instant!

Fall for fall hues: Fall hues like orange, browns, reds, and greens can be added to your living space easily in throw pillows, an area rug, plush throw blankets, and accessories. Bringing in these rich hues is so cozy and warm and really rings in the fall spirit.

Jenn Andrlik is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in home design and architecture, and parenting. She is formerly the senior editor of Martha Stewart Living and executive editor of both Westchester Home and Westchester/Hudson Valley Weddings. She has worked for other titles, including House Beautiful and Parents. She has two children and lives with them, her husband, and beagle, Lucky, in East Norwalk, CT.

We hope you’ve enjoyed today’s section of Examiner+. We love honest feedback. Tell us what you think: examinerplus@theexaminernews.com

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