For many folks in the Midwest, fall is the favorite time of year. The climate becomes “just right” with no bugs, no humidity and no scorching heat.

As the weather turns cooler, we also feel the urge to nest and to make our homes “just right” for the change of season. No matter your budget or decorating style, you can make simple alterations that cozy up your favorite rooms for fall.

AMY J. CORRENTI | RRSTAR.COM
Cindy Molosz is the owner of Interiors on East State Street in Rockford.

Family room
The shift of season finds us spending more time in the family room, with our loved ones and friends. Make it cozy, comfortable and conversational. 

“Rugs amazingly cozy up any space,” says Cindy Molosz of Interiors (5950 E. State St., Rockford, 815-227-9290). “Especially in living or entertaining areas of the home, rugs (over hard surfaces or layered over carpet) can really create more inviting areas.”

And never underestimate the power of paint.

“Paint color can make a huge and immediate impact on how your rooms can feel,” Molosz says. “Warm, rich golden and spice colors are very popular, and area residents are becoming bolder with darker colors when it comes to cozying up a room.”

Bedroom
What beckons more on a chilly evening than curling up with a good book in bed (or snuggling with your honey)? Cozy up the bedroom by trading the light summer bedspread for a fall quilt. Splurge on soft, luxurious sheets.

Consider switching the window treatments for a dramatic effect.

“We are getting back to the beauty of more fabric at the window,” Molosz says. “Texture, softness and color can assist in giving a room a more comfortable appeal.”

Don’t worry about have a perfectly matched bedroom “set.” Family heirloom furniture mixed with store-bought pieces work well together. Woods do not have to be same, and according to Molosz, wood preferences are leaning toward the darker these days.

Dining room
When you think dining room, think fabric, flowers and food. After a summer spent dining on the deck, you want fall meals to have that same comfortable ambience, albeit indoors.

The fare you serve will be slightly heavier, so swap out the light and airy tablecloth for a fall fabric, or use woven place mats. Decorate the table with autumn colors.

Cheryl Walker of Forgotten Treasures (4610 E. State St., Rockford, 815-229-0005) suggests floral arrangements in golds, oranges and reds. Creating small vignettes with pumpkins, gourds, twigs and berries bring the season inside.

“Fall is great for muted colors,” she says. “Using lighted twig branches in florals makes it impressive.”

Her advice for cozy is to keep it simple and light candles.

Three-season porch
Fall is the ideal porch season. Again, adding a rug makes a room instantly warm and welcoming.

Most people think of wicker when they think porch furnishings, but metal and wrought iron can be beautiful as well as homey and relaxed. 

“We have seen metallic finishes move from the cool chromes and nickel to bronzes and coppers, which can add rich touches in not only hardware, but accessories of all sorts,” Molosz says.

Throws — pillows and afghans — make for instant snug appeal, friendly and informal.

To cozy up a space, Molosz knows the secret is the details — color, texture, pattern and tone. Her most important tip:

“Make it interesting. Add what makes you feel good!”

Basement/rec room
The lower level of the house can be cozied up, too. Becky Hahnel, furniture design consultant at Benson Stone (1100 11th St., Rockford, 815-227-2000), says, “If the floor is concrete, paint it — solid, faux finish, a pattern — and put an area rug down. You can easily install a floor as well and add an area rug.

“A cool new rug over existing carpet, too, livens up the place. Paint the walls and add some lamps (not fluorescent overhead lights). Go with fun and funky — furry lampshades with dangling balls or animal prints. Choose casual, comfy furniture. Pictures and posters or wall art add a nice touch.”

To make any room cozy, just add ...
* Candles. The scents and soft glow are the ultimate cozy mood creator.

* Lighting. Add heavier lampshades and more lamps. You need more lighting as the days darken.

* Throws, pillows, blankets — anything you can curl up in within an arm’s reach.

* Texture. Add mats on tables under lamps and candlesticks, and rugs on wood floors or already-carpeted spaces.

* Color. Muted, warm, spice shades are perfect for fall.