When it comes to home design, Drew and Jonathan Scott—better known as the Property Brothers—have no problem telling it like it is. After renovating hundreds of houses and witnessing homeowners’ design mistakes firsthand, it’s fair to say that the Scott brothers have seen it all.
That’s why they’re the perfect pair to ask about the top fall decorating mistakes to avoid. Read on for their candid thoughts on what’s really worth your time and money this season. Plus, don’t forget to tune in to their upcoming series, Property Brothers: Under Pressure, which will debut on HGTV next year.
Not spending wisely.
It’s hard not to be tempted to try every fall decor trend you come across, but be realistic. There’s no reason to blow your budget on new seasonal decorations year after year. “Of course, it’s ok to have a little fun and get new items you’re excited about, but you should buy with the mindset of reusing them,” says Jonathan. “Instead of spending a ton on new decor, invest in storage solutions that will keep them from becoming clutter and allow you to love them year after year.”
Drew also warns against stocking up on unnecessary knick-knacks: “With seasonal decor, it can be tempting to buy a bunch of tiny decorations because they’re inexpensive and cute. But if you have too many, it can look cluttered,” he says, noting that one high-quality piece, like a pretty live wreath, might be the way to go.
❌ Settling on the wrong color scheme.
Pair traditional colors with a few unexpected hues to pull your space together for the season. “I hate too many oranges or burgundies. You can use them, but don’t go overboard,” says Drew. “Try mixing them with greens, creams, chocolate browns, and other shades that are less obvious. That will create a solid base that you can enhance with Thanksgiving decor, but it’ll still look tasteful on its own.”
❌ Using signage excessively.
Those pillows and wall art with inspirational messages? Jonathan says it’s best to keep them to a minimum around the house. “We usually swap out a bunch of books to fall books, for example, or change out the doormat to something more seasonal. I also like to bring out throw blankets in fall colors or textures that I’ll place at the end of the bed or over a chair in the living room to hint at the season,” he says.
❌ Only relying on overhead lighting.
Design pros, including the Property Brothers, swear by supplementing overhead lighting with other fixtures, including table lamps and sconces. “It gets darker earlier during fall, but that doesn’t mean you should turn on a brighter, harsher light to counter it,” says Drew. “Instead, aim for ambience by layering in lamps and candles for a soft glow. Not only will it enhance any fall decor you already have, it’ll also create that warm, inviting feeling you want during this season.”
❌ Overlooking home fragrance.
“You can make the whole house feel like fall with a few subtle scented candles or simmer pots,” says Jonathan. Proceed with caution, though. “Be careful not to get too crazy—too much pumpkin spice or apple orchard smells are a headache waiting to happen,” he adds.
❌ Neglecting your outdoor space.
Jonathan says a few small decorating choices can easily upgrade your outdoor area for the season. Decorating with straw is one of his go-to fall decor staples: “We love to incorporate straw with gourds and corn and other similar elements in our garden. So whether you’re looking out the window from your kitchen or sitting on the patio, you can really lean into the season. But one word of caution about straw: It gets everywhere! So plan out where you’re going to put it and cover the path with a tarp to make cleanup easier.”
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Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
