1. UPDATE YOUR PLANTERS
To make sure that your backyard is a pleasant space to relax in, swapping out your summer flowers for autumn-friendly perennials when container gardening.
'By the end of summer, the heat has stressed all your plants making them look rather scraggly - so most likely your planters could be looking better,' says Marci Bonner
Once the temperature officially starts to cool off, swap out your summer annuals with cool weather annuals and perennials such as ornamental cabbage, ivy, pansies and mums.
2. INSTALL A FIRE PIT
'Adding a firepit to an outdoor space can dramatically transform its usability throughout the year,' says Ryan Saghian, principal of Ryan Saghian Interiors. 'This versatile addition serves multiple purposes, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.'
'Firstly, a fire pit creates an inviting ambiance perfect for gathering around. The mesmerizing dance of flames adds a sexy allure that makes the space inherently more appealing. Moreover, the practical advantages of a fire pit are noteworthy; during chilly winter nights, it provides much-needed warmth allowing people to comfortably enjoy the outdoors even in colder temperatures.'
3. INVEST IN OUTDOOR HEATERS
The best outdoor heaters are an excellent way to ensure you can enjoy your backyard come fall.
'The most important issue to tackle when transitioning your backyard from summer to fall is addressing the lower temperatures,' says Victoria Holly
4. INTRODUCE A FALL COLOR PALETTE
When your outdoor living room reflects the seasons it becomes a more enticing and comfortable space to relax in. get your backyard ready for spending time in this fall, try creating a cozy vibe with a fall-friendly color palette. Swap your summer cushions out for new pillows in rich hues like chocolate brown, rust, terracotta, chestnut and ochre to channel the falling leaves and warming mugs of hot cocoa.
5. BUNDLE UP ON BLANKETS
Feeling warm and cozy is one of the most important elements of being able to enjoy your backyard in fall. It's a good idea to have a collection of blankets to make sure you and your guests can sit outside comfortably. Choose throws in warming hues to add to the atmospheric fall feel and invest in blanket storage so you don't make your space feel cluttered.
6. SET UP A 'CAMPING PICNIC' IN THE GARDEN
'Enjoying a little outdoor picnic even in your own backyard is a nice way to honor the change in seasons,' says Amy Hovis, Principal of Eden Garden Designs. 'You can simply pack up dinner in a basket with your nice plates and glasses for a change of pace. Take time to be outside and witness all the ornamental fall grasses in bloom.'
7. OPT FOR A CHIMINEA
There are plenty of options when it comes to heating a patio, including different kinds of outdoor fireplaces and portable patio heaters. A chiminea is a small, fireplace-like heat source with freestanding legs and an upright chimney. They're more compact than other types of outdoor heating, making them a great space-saving option for a small patio. They come in a variety of materials, such as cast iron, steel, clay, aluminium, and concrete.
8. HANG LANTERNS AND FESTOON LIGHTS FOR A COZY AMBIANCE
Getting the garden lighting ideas right is a key step to creating a cozy atmosphere for fall evenings outdoors. Hanging lanterns are a gorgeous way to create an inviting ambiance, while festoon lights are always a design winner. Try combining the two, as seen in the beautiful backyard above, for layered lighting that gives off a soft-focus, warm glow.
9. CREATE A 'HARVEST' SCENE FOR A RUSTIC AESTHETIC
From fall foliage bundles, wreaths and baskets to pretty piles of pumpkins, create a cozy harvest scene for an easy backyard update for fall with rustic appeal. Jess Martin, decoration expert at Ginger Ray, says: 'Simple but super effective, arrange a variety of real or fake pumpkins in different sizes, shapes, and colors along your fence or by your outdoor sofa. Mix up the type of gourds and squashes for added variety and color.
10. GIVE YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE A PAINT REFRESH
Give your outdoor furniture a freshen up ready for fall, and protect it from incoming inclement weather at the same time. 'With autumn just around the corner, what better time to give your garden a boost ahead of the colder months by creating a cozy space?' says Helen Shaw, a color expert for Benjamin Moore.