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As the crisp air of fall settles in, it’s the perfect time to bring a touch of seasonal warmth into your kitchen.

Simple, uncluttered decor can transform your space without sacrificing its functionality, allowing you to enjoy the cozy charm of autumn without overwhelming your counters or workspaces.

From subtle natural accents to warm textures, these easy-to-implement ideas will help you embrace the season in a way that feels both inviting and practical.

white kitchen with blue gray island and fall accessories on the counters

1. Add Touches of a Fall Color Palette

When walking in to an inviting kitchen, the first thing the eye is drawn towards is the color. Select colors that mimic what fall looks like and how you want it represented in your home. Ideally, it should remind you of the changing season and outdoor scenery of fall.

Deep burgundy, rusty orange, mustard yellows and darker jewels tones like deep greens and navy blues are all great color selections.

These colors can be brought in in various ways – the addition of new dish towels, the color of the vase you use on the kitchen island, even the addition of some extra brass on your countertops will add more warmth and color.

2. Add Fall Touches To Your Shelves

An easy way to create a simple fall kitchen is to strategically place hints of the season throughout open shelves.

lidded pumpkin bowl on a shelf.

Try adding fall touches to your shelves with decorated pottery, a tiered tray with mini pumpkins, or pine cones nestled in some greenery.

A simple piece of art can showcase the time of year while staying simple and sophisticated.

3. Use Branches and Foliage

If you’re going go to add one new item to your kitchen for fall, let it be some fall foliage. It’s the simplest way to add a touch of fall!

Try adding a centerpiece made of an arrangement of fall items such as fall leaves, branches, or berries to your kitchen table or island. Not only will this brighten up your space, but it will mirror the colors outside your window, effortlessly bringing the outdoors into your kitchen.

vase of Japanese maple branches on a kitchen counter.

Artificial stems are so realistic these days. I love Pottery Barn and Afloral for their super realistic varieties, but I’ve had great luck with Amazon too – just be sure to read the reviews!

vase of faux olive branches next to kitchen sink.

I love a dramatic moment with my faux stems and branches. A large vase or other vessel next to the sink with branches draping over makes such a statement.

small vase of bunny tail stems next to the sink for fall.

Of course, the same on the kitchen island creates the perfect focal point, too!

dramatic orange falls stems in a round vase on a kitchen island.

Some options to consider include pampas grass, olive stems, oak or Japanese maple branches, or any other artificial stem in fall colors.

4. Pick Fresh Flowers to Arrange

While faux branches and flowers are super easy, fresh flowers are always an excellent choice in any season! For fall, I like to clip some hydrangeas and bring them in and allow them to dry out.

RELATED: How to keep cut hydrangeas from wilting.

hydrangeas in a vase in shades of deep purple and blue with brass salt and pepper mills next to them.

I also love to bring in some sedum from my garden once it starts to turn that pretty pink/rusty color.

vase of pink sedum next to the sink.

Explore different combinations of greenery, flowers, and seasonal elements to see which works best for your kitchen layout and personal style.

5. Burn a Fall Scented Candle

There’s nothing quite as comforting than filling your kitchen with warm fragrances of fall. One simple way to achieve this is by using a fall-scented candle. Candles evoke the essence of the season and can truly transform your kitchen into a warm gathering space.

brass salt and pepper mills and a fall pumpkin shaped candle.

Some nostalgic scents of autumn include apple cider, sweet cinnamon pumpkin, and autumn harvest. Target always sells the prettiest fall candles – ones that not only smell amazing, but act as the perfect fall decor touch for your kitchen, too.

small lit candle on a kitchen island.

6. Set up a Fall Themed Coffee Station

You may find yourself craving a hot drink more often as the temperature cools, so decorating your coffee station is a great way to create a more personalized display.

fall-themed coffee station with pumpkin filled with coffee pods, glass mugs and tea and coffee canisters

To create a fall-themed coffee station in your kitchen, start by designating a specific area for it. Organize the space for a simple and clean feel. This may include arranging your coffee machine, filters, pods, or grounds, elegantly in this space.

Then, you can add elements of fall by incorporating seasonal decorative items:

  • A tiered tray can easily display your fall mugs and other accessories. Use this space to show off any favorite mugs that are seasonal.
  • Introduce fall colors with items like placemats, trays, or even small stirring spoons in shades of cream, olive green, or gold/brass.
  • Add some fall-themed accents such as mini pumpkins, gourds, or faux leaves to your display.

7. Tea Towels and Kitchen Linens

A very simple way to revamp your fall kitchen decor is to merge a few seasonal towels with your day to day kitchen linens. Play with different patterns, textures, and seasonal motifs to reflect your style and the new season.

white kitchen with a mustard colored towel hanging off the stove

I’m personally not a fan of graphics or motifs, so I opted for a simple ochre yellow plaid towel to hang over my oven door.

8. Replace Kitchen Mats and Runners

Replace your current kitchen rugs or mats with ones featuring autumn designs or hues.

white kitchen cabinets with a pink toned kitchen runner

You spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Chances are, your kitchen mats probably have a lot of wear and tear. Swap out your old mat for a durable solid color option in burgundy, mustard yellow, or cream to transition from summer to fall.

Again, I like to keep things simple so I chose a runner rug with some deeper navy blues that complement my existing decor.

Final Thoughts

As you start to incorporate these simple fall decor ideas, remember that less is often more when it comes to keeping your kitchen both functional and inviting.

vase of fall stems on a kitchen counter.

By adding just a few thoughtful touches—whether it’s a splash of fall color, natural elements, or a cozy scented candle—you can easily transform your space for the season without overcrowding it.

fall vignette with cutting board and plant in the kitchen.

With these easy and practical updates, your kitchen will be a warm and welcoming reflection of autumn’s charm, making it a space you’ll love to gather in throughout the fall months.

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12 Comments

  1. Nicole Owsley says:

    Love the simple transition pieces for fall! Rooms look inviting and not cluttered.
    Do you have a link for the runner shown in the kitchen?

  2. Love the look!! You did a great job and with 3 children, my home HAS to be functional as well as stylish.:)

  3. Hi Jenna –

    I love your blue and white scheme and the Target rug. I wanted to get it for my bedroom, but the size I needed is no longer available. :-( I am looking forward to when the temps start to feel more fall like, too. Today is the first day of fall and it was 91! Hoping for a chill to arrive soon.

  4. Jenna you did a wonderful job of adding copper into your home! Your home looks so cozy and ready for Fall! You did a stunning job