Our Top Home Maintenance Tips and Design Trends for Fall

As the days get shorter and the cool morning air moves in, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your home for fall. Whether you own one of our Elliott homes in our California or Arizona communities, fall is always the perfect transitional time to tackle maintenance tasks and incorporate fresh design ideas to make your space more inviting. Here are some of our top tips to help you get your home ready for the season.  

Essential fall home maintenance tips

1. Check your HVAC system: With cooler nights approaching, ensuring that your heating system is in top condition is critical this time of year, so it’s a great time to schedule a professional inspection to clean the filters and check for any issues before you need to rely on it fully. 
2. Inspect your roof and gutters: Fall means fallen leaves, and they can quickly clog your gutters, leading to potential water damage, so clean out any debris and inspect your gutters to ensure they’re free-flowing. This is also an ideal time to give your roof a quick check, and if you see any shingles that could be damaged, you’ll want to have a professional come and take a closer look.
3. Seal windows and doors: Prevent drafts from creeping into your home this season by checking the weather stripping around your windows and doors. A tight seal helps maintain your indoor temperature, making your home even more energy-efficient and comfortable as the temperature drops. 
4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Fall is a good time to test all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well. As you start using your heating system more frequently, it’s important to ensure that these safety devices are functioning properly to keep your home and your loved ones protected. 
5. Maintain your outdoor space: Even when you live in a warmer climate like Arizona or California, fall is still a good time to trim trees, clean up your landscaping, and prepare your yard for the cooler season. Consider cutting back plants and bushes, as well as storing outdoor furniture to keep it in good shape for next spring. 

Fall design trends to refresh your home

Once your home is prepared for the season in a practical sense, it’s time to turn your attention to design. Embrace the cozy, welcoming feeling of fall with these 2024 design trends that can help you transform your home into a seasonal retreat. 

1. Warm, earthy tones: While neutrals like beige and gray remain popular, fall 2024 is all about incorporating warm, earthy hues with deep terracotta, muted rust and browns. These colors can be introduced through accent pillows, throw blankets or even as feature walls to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. 
2. Layering textures: To make your space feel more inviting, try layering different textures throughout your home. Mix chunky knit blankets with plush velvet cushions or add a soft wool rug to your living room for extra warmth underfoot. Natural materials like wood and stone can also bring an organic, comforting feel to your spaces. 
3. Statement lighting: As the days grow shorter, proper lighting becomes even more essential, so in the fall, it’s a great time to consider upgrading your fixtures with statement lighting pieces. Whether it’s a bold chandelier in your dining room or sleek pendant lights in your kitchen, unique lighting can add both style and functionality. 
4. Sustainable decor: Sustainability is a major trend in home design, and it’s a perfect match for fall. Incorporate sustainable, eco-friendly materials into your decor, such as organic cotton textiles, reclaimed wood or decor made from recycled materials. Not only will you be helping the planet, but these materials often have a rich, textured look that fits seamlessly into a fall aesthetic. 
5. Nature-inspired accents: Bring the outdoors in with nature-inspired accents. Think about adding dried floral arrangements, rustic wooden furniture or decorative items like pine cones or acorns. These natural touches will help create a calming, organic vibe in your home that reflects the beauty of the fall season. 

Celebrate the season in your new home

Fall is the perfect time to give your home some extra attention, both inside and out, and by tackling the essential maintenance tasks and embracing current design trends, you can create a home that’s ready for the cooler months ahead. 

At Elliott Homes, we pride ourselves on creating homes that are not only functional but also beautiful, and we hope that these tips help you make the most of the season. If you’re looking for a new home this fall, explore our communities in California and Arizona to see how an Elliott home can provide the perfect foundation for your future, and give us a call at (866) 984-1300 or fill out our online form today to take the next step.