The Best Home Decor Trends To Usher Your House Into Fall This Year

1. Exposed Wood Beams

This project was a full gut renovation, designed to blend with the natural landscape while bringing the homeowners' vision to life. The couple, both in their 60s, wanted a home that felt nestled in the oak canopies of the Honda Valley Preserve while making the most of the light and sweeping views.

From the moment you step inside, reclaimed beams in the entry foyer set the tone for the entire space. The clients envisioned a retreat that felt both elevated and deeply connected to nature — warm, inviting, and sophisticated.

2. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

The team wanted to maximize the ocean and mountain views by increasing the roof height and fenestration on the Southern façade. They also introduced upper west-facing clerestory windows to welcome the warm afternoon light. The result? Sweeping ocean vistas that take center stage, while natural light floods in throughout the day.

3. Bi-Fold Doors

The design team rebuilt the existing 1960s home to feel like a "treehouse in the sky." The bi-fold doors opening onto the deck blur the line between indoors and out, extending the living space and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

The windows from the living room and kitchen frame breathtaking 180-degree views overlooking the Santa Barbara Harbor and the Honda Valley Nature Preserve, making the transition between inside and nature feel almost invisible.

4. Cozy Yet Refined Furniture

The result is a warm, multi-layered sanctuary — an elevated treehouse retreat that blends with its natural surroundings while revealing a refined yet cozy charm. The open living floor plan features high ceilings, expansive glass, and a plaster fireplace too. "The furniture is a thoughtfully curated mix of heirloom vintage, design classics, and modern pieces, creating a cultivated aesthetic," says Bailee. She notes that the furniture includes selections from Cisco Home, The Citizenry, and boutique sources.

5. Shelfie Perfection

Balancing tradition and modernity, Bailee combined the couple’s beloved antiques and heirloom pieces with contemporary furnishings and carefully curated fixtures. This shelfie is a thoughtfully layered mix of books, pottery, antiques, and personal treasures — designed to be both visually striking and inherently soothing.

6. Fluted Island

Fluted kitchen islands are a hot trend right now and I love the architectural detail and modern aesthetic of the vertical battens of white oak on the island, complementing the white oak cabinetry and marble countertops.

Adding a gentle curve at the end of the kitchen island enhances both form and function — creating a more visually dynamic focal point while also maximizing space and flow.

7. Layered Lighting

"The lighting is a mix of designer and mainstream pieces, from the gorgeous Ravinhill fixture over the island to the Visual Comfort sconces in the living room and Rejuvenation in the guest bathroom," says Bailee. By combining different sources, layered lighting enhances the mood and versatility of a space, making any room feel more inviting and well-designed. Sconces here add warmth while the pendant chandelier above creates a statement while diffusing light beautifully.

8. Earthy Palette

Sunlight pours into the home, accentuating the rich woods, organic textures, and an earthy palette that enhances the seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

9. Statement Artwork

Bedrooms were designed as private sanctuaries surrounded by trees. This vintage goose painting beautifully echoes the room’s palette while adding an almost whimsical energy. The expressive pose of the goose brings a sense of movement and charm, making it both a statement piece and a harmonious accent.

10. Floating Sink

Floating sinks are a game-changer for smaller bathrooms, creating the illusion of more space while maintaining a sleek, elegant look. Marble is also a hot trend we love for kitchens and baths.

11. Entertaining Deck

Outdoor living is essential, and this deck is the perfect extension of the Santa Barbara treehouse — designed for lounging, dining, and entertaining while embracing the beauty of the surroundings.

12. Modern Landscaping

Modern landscaping transforms the curb appeal by blending clean lines, native plants, and strategic lighting for a polished yet inviting look. Thoughtfully placed greenery, sculptural hardscaping, and layered textures create depth and dimension, while sustainable elements like drought-tolerant plants elevate the home's exterior.

​What's Replacing Upper Kitchen Cabinets?

First, you might be wondering what you'd do with all that empty space on your kitchen walls. Don't worry: it's not just going to remain bare.

Instead, open shelving — like these shelves from Wayfair — has become the go-to decor choice. It still affords you storage space but with a playful twist. This parallels the direction that numerous homeowners have been heading– moving away from their kitchen looking, well, just like a kitchen and infusing more personality into their unique space.

Think about it: your living room may have a typical couch and TV, like most homes, but it probably isn't a cookie-cutter replica of anyone else's house. You have knick-knacks, artwork, lighting fixtures, and other furniture that you've hand-picked and curated into your very own collection.

Of course, kitchens will always be used for cooking, and they should remain functional. At the same time, though, many homeowners recognize that if they spend so much of their lives in this room, it should almost be an extension of the rest of their decor, like with these shelves from West Elm!

That's precisely why open shelving is taking over. It affords you the ability to customize your kitchen to the max, adding anything from antique dishware, cool cooking tools, and vintage mugs to funky cutting boards or cookbooks as decor.

And by giving yourself the opportunity to decorate on a vertical plane, you're opening up a ton of counter space that might've otherwise felt cluttered and, again, dark due to upper kitchen cabinet shadows.

While this might sound great, you may still be concerned about all those pots and pans that are currently stacked in your cabinets. Luckily, there are other more practical storage solutions you can integrate alongside open shelving.

Pantries are a great option. You can transform a broom closet to store your extra dry goods and cookware. Or, infuse your kitchen with even more character by picking up a vintage armoire and using it as an unexpected pantry.

Your lower cabinets can get an upgrade as well. Many homeowners are opting for deeper kitchen drawers, meaning they can hold more pots and pans, as well as shelves that are tiered and roll out.

It's important to remember that everyone's space (and amount of kitchenware) is different, so being thoughtful is key. Consider how much storage you really need, say goodbye to anything that's no longer serving a purpose, and get creative.

One thing is certain: you won't miss having to drag out the stepstool or stand on your tip-toes to access those hard-to-reach upper kitchen cabinets anymore.

1. Leo

It's hard to miss a Leo showing up at a party. These fire signs don't just attend gatherings; they command them.

Leos are confident, charming, and entertaining, thriving on attention and drawing people in. They have an inherent warmth that helps people feel welcome and a flair for the dramatic. So, this sign has a way of making any celebration feel larger than life.

2. Aries

Aries are full of energy and enthusiasm, meaning they are captivating in high-energy environments where they can take the lead and keep the momentum going.

This sign also doesn't retreat from a challenge, whether that's starting up a game with other partygoers or rallying the crowd for an impromptu adventure. Aries are both confident and spontaneous, which is irresistible in social settings.

3. Gemini

Geminis can work a room with ease, bouncing from one conversation to the next like it's no problem at all. They're charismatic, quick-witted, and curious, which keeps things exciting.

This sign always has a clever joke or good story up its sleeve. But perhaps most importantly, they never make anyone feel left out and can adapt to any group.

4. Sagittarius

Sagittarians have the ability to turn even the most ordinary get-togethers into full-blown parties. They have a huge sense of adventure and boundless optimism that makes them almost magnetic.

Moreover, this sign never tends to sit still and is always up for trying something new. It's this fearless enthusiasm that helps others let loose, too, and embrace the moment.

5. Aquarius

Aquarians have quirky personalities and fresh ideas. Their unpredictable energy makes no two nights ever feel the same.

This sign loves to keep things interesting, whether by stirring up debates or sharing shocking stories. Aquarians are also open-minded, which allows them to connect and relate to people from all walks of life.

6. Libra

Do you have that "safe space" person you gravitate toward during social gatherings? They might be a Libra.

This sign can easily make any function feel welcoming and warm. They're socially graceful and able to bring all sorts of people together to ensure everyone feels included.

Libras might help smooth over awkward moments, check in on others, or put together the perfect party playlist. Regardless, their love for balance helps every gathering feel like a good mix of lively and laid-back.

7. Pisces

This sign is extremely intuitive and emotionally intelligent, which is great for making other guests feel seen and understood. Pisces can share an uplifting story of their own or lend an ear to someone in need.

Either way, they help create a loving atmosphere where people are sure to spark meaningful connections.

8. Taurus

Finally, Tauruses know that a great party isn't just about the people. Rather, it's about the experience.

This sign has an eye for ambiance and makes sure every single detail, from lighting to music and food, is on point. Aside from hosting, they also made great attendees who appreciate the finer things and love to soak up the moment.