Once the summer winds down and the kids are back in school, fall decor always finds a way to sneak into my home!
And one of my favorite places to add a few aumtumn touches is my kitchen.
I like to keep things simple with things like fall dish towels, a bowl of pinecones, or a cutting board with simple pumpkin propped up against my backsplash.
I’ve learned over the years that you don’t have to spend a ton of money or cover every inch to get those cozy vibes.
Trust me, just one or two swaps is enough to make your space feel fresh and seasonal!
Here are some easy fall kitchen decor ideas that will have your kitchen feeling warm and inviting:
1. Swap Out Dish Towels
I always start with dish towels because they’re the easiest thing to change!
Put out a couple in orange, mustard, or red instantly give the kitchen a fall feel.
I usually grab a plaid or striped set that looks seasonal but not too themed.
They hang on the oven handle or by the sink so they’re always in sight.
And dish towels also wear out quickly, so it’s a practical excuse to rotate them with the seasons.
2. Add a Fall Scented Candle
Candles change the whole mood of a kitchen with almost no effort.
Fall scents like apple, pumpkin spice, or vanilla smell delicious and are perfect for the kitchen.
Place one near the stove or on the counter where it’s visible but out of the way.
A candle in a small jar is usually enough for the whole room.
3. Display Seasonal Mugs
I’m a sucker for mugs because they can be both practical and decorative!
You can swap your everday ones for a few in fall colors or fun seasonal prints.
To make them part of your decor, line them up on an open shelf or hanging them on a mug rack where they’re easy to grab.
Or you can use them as part of a festive and fall coffee station!
Put them next to your coffee maker along with some fall-colored canisters and tuck in some leaves for a cozy cafe look.
4. Bring in a Basket of Apples
Fresh apples are easy to find in fall and work as natural decor.
Toss a handful into a woven basket or bowl and set it on the counter and you’re set.
It’s a super easy way to add color while also being a grab-and-go snack.
Choose different shades like red, yellow, and green to make the display look fuller.
And a few leaves or sprigs of greenery tucked in can make the basket look styled without any effort.
5. Use a Small Pumpkin Display
Mini pumpkins are inexpensive and come in lots of colors other than orange.
Arrange a few on a tray, cutting board, or windowsill for a instant seasonal accent.
They don’t take up much space, making them perfect for smaller kitchens.
You can even carve one or two into candle holders to add some charm!
6. Layer a Neutral Table Runner
I love table runners because they’re an easy way to set the tone without being overwhelming.
You can use a neutral base like beige or cream in fabrics like linen or burlap.
Or find one with a simple print.
Then layer on smaller accepts like candles or bowls.
Even if your kitchen it small, a runn can help make the space feel more styled for fall.
7. Hang a Simple Wreath
Wreaths aren’t just for the front door!
You can hang a smaller one on pantry door, above the sink or any free wall space in your kitchen.
Go for something with berries, lamb’s ear, pumpkins, apples, or pinecones to match the season.
A wreath made of faux leaves or grasses will also last longer.
8. Add Copper or Brass Accents
Did you know you can add fall vibes to your kitchen without using seasonal items?
Warm-toned metals like copper or brass have a warm feel and you can add it through kettles, measuring cup sets, or utensil holders.
They also catch the light nicely and over time copper develops what’s called “patina” which gives it a nice rustic look.
9. Style a Wooden Cutting Board
So I have my cutting board for cutting, but I also have my decorative boards that I prop up against the backsplash.
For fall, it’s a simple stenciled pumpkin but you can also get ones with quotes or other fall imagery.
And to make it look more interesting, I add a couple of smaller ones behind it to create layers.
Or you can set a candle or pumpkin in front of it to give it more style…whatever works for your kitchen!
10. Fill a Glass Jar With Candy Corn
Candy corn is colorful, cheap, and instantly screams fall.
Pour some into a clear jar or vase and set it on the counter.
You can even pop in some fall foliage or candles to make it look more intentional as decor (and not just a snack jar).
11. Switch to Warm-Colored Oven Mitts or Pot Holders
Oven mitts don’t usually get much attention, but changing them can add to the overall vibe.
Just like those dish towels!
You can buy sets that match or look for mitts in fall colors or prints.
Hang them on a hook by your stove so they become part of the decor.
Oh, and quilted or knit textures really give a cozy touch.
12. Display a Fall-Themed Sign
Instead of using a cutting board, you can always display a sign in your kitchen that welcomes in fall.
It can be something as simple as a framed quote or a full on design on reclaimed wood.
Or you can do a chalkboard version and change the words every year to mix it up!
To keep things simple, look for one with minimal color so it blends in with your decor.
You can also make your own with a thrifted frame or scrap piece of wood.
13. Use a Bowl of Pinecones
My kids love picking pinecones, so I let them collect a few whenever we go for a walk.
Then when we get home, I toss them into a bowl makes an easy decoration that feels seasonal and personal.
They’re lightweight (and free) and look good with just about anything.
Sometimes I mix them with pumpkins or leaves to fill out the display then sprinkle them with cinnamon for a yummy fall scent!
14. Add a Cozy Throw to a Kitchen Chair
If your living room can be cozy with soft blankets, why can’t your kitchen?
Adding a plaid or chunky knit in fall colors to your chairs instantly cozifies the space (and are useful on chilly mornings).
Since it’s small, it won’t overwhelm the room while adding color in your kitchen.
And it only takes seconds to do!
15. Bring in Mini Gourds
Mini gourds come in all shapes and patterns, which makes them fun to scatter around the kitchen.
Put them on a windowsill, in a bowl, or next to a cutting board.
Their beautifully varied textures make the space look more layered.
They last a while and don’t need much upkeep.
16. Set Out a Seasonal Soap Pump
I like swapping out the soap pump at the start of a new season.
A color or simple pattern that matches fall makes the sink area feel updated right away.
And it’s an excuse to get fall-scented soaps like apple or cinnamon!
I use refillable pumps so I can use them year after year (and I can switch the scents up too).
It’s such as an easy change but one I notice as soon as I walk into my kitchen.
17. Hang String Lights or Use Lanterns
Kitchen lighting is nice, but it tends to be a bit bright and functional.
Not very warm for fall evenings.
But you can add some softer lighting with string lights along a window frame or a couple of lanterns on open shelves or the counter.
They give an inviting and relaxing glow when your kitchen isn’t in use.
18. Swap Plates or Bowls for Fall Prints
Everyday dishes can set the mood in a kitchen just as much as decor.
Switching to plates or bowls with fall patterns can tie the whole kitchen together.
You can stack them on open shelves or let them show through glass cabinet doors.
And seasonal serveware like platters or trays can extend the look to gatherings!
Small Kitchen Changes, Big Fall Feel
Fall kitchen decor doesn’t have to mean a full makeover.
Small and easy swaps can shift the whole atmosphere without taking much time or money.
Mixing in a few seasonal touches makes the kitchen feel fresh while still being practical for everyday use!
