As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to settle into the comfort of your home and enjoy a cozy autumn day. This is the season for cozy evenings, warm drinks, and hearty meals, all while adding little touches of autumn around the house.
Today, I’m inviting you into my home as we embark on a relaxing autumn day together. From cleaning the kitchen to adding warm fall decor and preparing comforting dishes, it’s the perfect day to slow down and fully embrace the season.
Whether you’re looking for cleaning motivation, home decor ideas, or some new fall recipes, I hope this cozy routine will inspire you to create your own peaceful autumn retreat.
Welcome to My Cozy Autumn Day
Fall is a time for resetting, recharging, and making your home a sanctuary. Today, I’m sharing my favorite ways to get into the autumn spirit. From cleaning to decorating, and cooking a delicious fall meal, let’s enjoy this season together.
Whether you’re planning to follow along with me or just looking for some cozy fall inspiration, I hope this day brings a sense of peace and contentment to your home. So grab your favorite fall drink—whether it’s a hot apple cider or a spiced latte—and let’s begin our cozy autumn day!
Cleaning the Kitchen: Setting the Tone for a Relaxing Day
There’s something incredibly calming about starting the day with a clean, organized space. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and when it’s tidy and fresh, it sets the perfect tone for a peaceful day.
I begin by clearing off the countertops, wiping down surfaces, and organizing any clutter. It’s amazing how a quick clean-up can transform the energy of a space. The scent of a fall-scented cleaner—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—adds an extra layer of coziness to the task.
One of my favorite cleaning hacks is to use warm water with a few drops of essential oil, such as sweet orange or lavender, to make the kitchen smell inviting and fresh. Once everything is in place, I take a moment to light a candle with a fall fragrance, like pumpkin spice or vanilla chai, setting a relaxing ambiance for the rest of the day.
Cleaning doesn’t have to be stressful. When you approach it mindfully, it becomes a grounding ritual, clearing away not just the physical clutter but also the mental one. By creating an environment that is clean and peaceful, you set the stage for a truly cozy autumn day.
Adding Autumn Decor Touches to the Living Room: Cozy Fall Vibes
After the kitchen is clean and glowing, it’s time to focus on decorating the living room. The living room is where I spend the most time during the cooler months, so I love making it feel extra warm and inviting during fall.
For me, autumn decor is all about texture and color. I start by swapping out lighter summer throws and pillows for rich, warm fabrics like wool, chenille, or velvet. Deep tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and cranberry red instantly create that cozy fall aesthetic.
Adding a few decorative pieces to your space can completely change the mood. For instance, I love incorporating pumpkins, gourds, and autumnal floral arrangements to my decor. You can scatter small white and orange pumpkins on coffee tables, bookshelves, or even window sills. A simple vase filled with dried leaves, pine cones, or rustic flowers brings the outdoors in, making your living space feel even more connected to nature.
One quick and easy tip: If you have a fireplace, add a basket filled with firewood or pinecones to the hearth, even if you don’t plan on lighting a fire. It gives the room that traditional fall look. Another fun touch is hanging a seasonal wreath on your front door or a wall inside the living room.
Once my decor is set, I love playing a fall-themed YouTube video or ambient fireplace loop on the TV, filling the room with soft crackling sounds and the warm glow of a fire. It’s these little details that turn an ordinary space into a cozy autumn retreat.
Making a Lentil and Squash Cream: A Comforting Fall Recipe
Now that my home feels warm and inviting, it’s time to make one of my favorite comforting fall recipes: lentil and squash cream. This dish is hearty, healthy, and packed with the flavors of autumn. It’s perfect for a chilly day and can easily be made ahead of time for meal prep.
Walking Around the Garden: A Peaceful Stroll in Nature
After cooking up a storm, it’s nice to step outside and take in the crisp autumn air. Walking around the garden is one of my favorite ways to clear my mind and soak in the beauty of the season.
Fall has a magical way of transforming nature into a canvas of colors—crimson reds, golden yellows, and earthy browns. As I walk, I like to listen to the rustle of leaves underfoot and breathe in the refreshing, cool air. It’s a quiet moment to reflect, unwind, and simply be present.
If you have a garden or nearby park, take a few moments to enjoy the changing season. Even a short walk can have a profound effect on your mood and energy levels, especially when the world around you is putting on such a beautiful display.
Consider collecting some fall foliage, pine cones, or acorns during your walk. You can use these natural elements to add an extra layer of seasonal decor when you return home.
Making a Quick Salad: Light and Refreshing
After our peaceful garden walk, it’s time to prepare a simple, light salad to balance out the creamy lentil and squash dish. A refreshing salad with crisp, seasonal ingredients is the perfect accompaniment to a warm fall meal.
Enjoying the Meal: Savoring Autumn Flavors
Now it’s time to sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor. There’s nothing quite like savoring a homemade meal, especially one filled with the flavors of fall. I love setting the table with a few seasonal touches—maybe some candles or a vase filled with dried flowers—to make the experience even more special.
As I take that first spoonful of creamy lentil and squash, I can feel the warmth of the meal spreading through me. The richness of the soup, combined with the fresh, crisp salad, makes for a perfect autumn lunch or dinner.
This is the moment where everything comes together—the clean home, the cozy decor, the warm meal