When it comes to fall decorating, there is no shortage of ways to embrace the season throughout your home. If traditional fall decor doesn’t resonate with you, perhaps you should give the New England Prep Fall decor trend a try. Light colors, neutral tones, rustic elements, and autumnal touches combine to create this bright and airy decor style, perfect for welcoming the change of seasons. It’s the fall mashup of coastal grandma and Hamptons decor you didn’t know you needed.
Here are a few expert tips for incorporating this beachy and effortlessly luxurious fall decor style in your home this season.
Erin Kunkel
What Is the New England Prep Fall Decor Aesthetic?
The New England Prep Fall decor aesthetic is classic coastal chic with an autumnal twist. As an expert in coastal design, principal designer at One Coast Design Michelle Woolley Sauter discusses this aesthetic around the home.
“At One Coast Design, we love how the timeless aesthetics of Coastal Grandma and Hamptonscore are blending with fall decor this season… it’s the name of the game here!” says Sauter. “These styles bring a relaxed luxury ideal for the cooler months, infusing warmth into the airy, beachy vibes we know and love.”
How to Decorate in the New England Prep Style This Fall
This decorating trend is perfect for transitioning a coastal space into fall or embracing a lighter and airier side to the season. It’s characterized by subdued tones, natural textures, and seasonal touches like white pumpkins and dried grasses. Here are simple ways to incorporate this fall decor trend into your home, according to Sauter.
Joyelle West
Incorporate Autumnal Hues
Design styles such as Coastal Grandma and Hamptonscore are characterized by light, washed-out color palettes featuring sandy hues, plenty of white, and beachy pastel tones. When transitioning this look for fall, you’ll want to introduce warmer autumnal hues without losing that airy feel. Woolley-Sauter recommends subdued tones of sandy beige, rust, and terracotta. Embrace creamy off-white instead of stark white, where you can bring a cozier feeling to your space for the season. These small changes will give a soft nod to autumn without veering from the coastal palette.
Add Seasonal Touches
Adding seasonal touches is more than just throwing in a pumpkin here or there (although that never hurts). There are many ways to add a seasonal touch to your space without going overboard on gourds.
“Embrace natural materials like wicker, rattan, and driftwood, which evoke that beachy vibe but pair them with autumnal accents like dried foliage, wheat, or textured grasses,” says Sauter. “This harmonious blend keeps your space grounded in the coastal aesthetic while making it feel seasonally appropriate and timeless.”
Add Texture
Texture is a big part of coastal design and an interesting way to incorporate fall into any home. Classic coastal textures like seagrass can be updated with an autumnal twist to celebrate the change in seasons. For example, Sauter notes seagrass placemats paired with a white pumpkin and gourd centerpiece. Don’t forget to add some cozy textures throughout the space, too. Boucle throws, chunky knits, and soft throw pillows will make your space feel like a cozy hideaway.
Layers, Layers, Layers
Layering textiles is a classic fall decorating idea that works with any aesthetic. It’s a quick way to make your space feel extra cozy, perfect for the chilly fall and winter months ahead.
“Lightweight linens and cotton throws on the veranda or porch chairs, often associated with summer, can be given a fall feel when paired with chunky knit throws or woolen pillows.” says Sauter. This contrast brings a cozy vibe without losing the airiness that defines [this style].”
Feature Classic Patterns
Give traditionally coastal patterns like stripes, checks, and even coastal florals a fall makeover by choosing autumnal hues. Muted tones, warm neutrals, and moody colors fit the bill well. Incorporate these patterns throughout your space using textiles like throw pillows, blankets, and rugs and decor like art or pottery. Don’t be afraid to mix in some plaid as well. While plaid typically isn’t associated with coastal decor, in the right color palette (think neutral and muted), it’s the perfect bridge between airy and autumnal.