Top Tips to Cozy up your Space this Autumn

The weather at Elon has finally chilled out. As the autumn breeze radiates through the oak trees covered in golden leaves, there’s no surprise why Elon was rated one of the prettiest college campuses in America. Whether you’re practicing soccer on the intramural fields right before sunset, or walking beneath the ivy-covered brick archways in Historic Neighborhood, the illuminating presence of fall is undeniable.

Something about this time of year makes me want to snuggle in a knit blanket, listen to some James Taylor or spend the afternoon in the home decor section of Anthropologie. Despite the realities of living on a college campus and having a tiny budget to work with, there are numerous simple and affordable ways to cozy up your apartment or dorm just in time for fall.

Tip one: Create a fall harvest centerpiece with seasonal flowers and plants

If color schemes and table arrangements are your thing, there are endless DIY’s out there that incorporate all of the wonderful scents and foliage that come with autumn. My personal favorite DIY only requires a  vase. Fill it with pine cones, add some sunflowers, lilies, orange roses and finish it off with a few eucalyptus leaves to add a rustic feel. Don’t want to deal with the mess of nature? Michaels has an amazing selection of autumn inspired fake flowers and décor, perfect for creating a seasonal table arrangement.

Tip two: Invest in some warm white twinkly lights

This might sound far too particular, but warm white twinkly lights will change your life. Now you might be thinking, ‘Twinkly lights are twinkly lights, why does it matter what color they are?’ Trust me on this one. The warm tone will instantly add a sense of comfort to whatever room you string them in, not to mention an insanely relaxing atmosphere. My personal favorite are MineTom string lights sold on Amazon. (do you have these in your room? Can you take a pic?)

Tip three: Fill the room with comforting smells from an oil diffuser

I am a huge advocate for aromatherapy essential oil diffusers, and I promise you will not be disappointed with this investment. Some of my favorite scents for the fall months include:

Thieves: a spicy combo of clove, rosemary, cinnamon bark, and eucalyptus

Black Spruce: rich, woodsy and invigorating

Ginger: brings about a warm and energizing aroma

If you don’t want to purchase a diffuser, you can always sprinkle a few drops of the oil on your bed sheets, furniture or simply on the inside of your wrists as an easy way to unwind.

Tip Four: Follow these playlists on Spotify

Whether you’re cooking dinner or working on homework late in the evening, these playlists are filled with songs ranging from calming acoustics, lush beats and chilled pop perfect for darker days and cozy nights.

Search these Playlist names on Spotify to get into the groove:

1. Autumn Acoustic–soft, calming, indie

2. Fall Feels–mellow, electronic, atmospheric

3. Pumpkin Spice Latte–relaxing pop/ pop-coffee house

Tip five: Get out the chunky knit blankets & throws:

There is no better feeling than wrapping yourself up in a oversized blanket and sipping on some tea during a cold fall day. Simply throwing a knit blanket–or really any soft blanket–at the foot of your bed or over a couch will instantly add a comforting vibe to any room. Plus, a comfy blanket will never be more than an arm’s length away.

Tip six: Layer rugs and pillows:

Something about a plush rug under bare feet is extremely comforting, and adding another one to the mix takes coziness to the next level. Mixing up patterns, textures, and materials creates a homey look that incorporates style trends without looking too composed. Additionally, adding a few throw pillows to a bed or a couch can be a game changer. Not only can adding pillows rich in color, texture, and material add contrast, but it will also add an element of sophistication to your college apartment.