Many dread the first chilly night that signals fall’s approach, but the seasonal shift also can be a welcome relief.

Anticipating crisp days and a nice pot of soup on the stove helps shake off the summer doldrums. And this fall, we’re seeing the homey charm of cottages, farmhouses and woodsy cabins as a trend among shelter retailers.

This style partners handmade elements with vintage fabric prints and wicker, wire and wood to give interest and texture to rooms. Think afghans, embroidered pillows, felted wool and quilts. Patterns range from quaint florals to craftwork graphics, in colors both vibrant and gently faded.

Garnet Hill offers hooked wool pillows and rugs with images of buttons, mittens and roosters. Flannel and percale bedding is printed with folk art stencil motifs and autumn fruits.

Martha Stewart’s collection for Macy’s features soft knit throws, and pillows and bedding in richly toned plaids, gentle monochromatics and Chantilly prints.

Pottery Barn references the early homesteads with antique wooden dough bowls, grain sack pillow covers, and a selection of serveware crafted from rattan and chicken wire.

Patchwork quilts and lace curtains, and designer Mina Javid’s clever “wrought iron” headboard decal, look retro yet fresh at Urban Outfitters.

Anthropologie has pretty lampshades wrapped in calico print ruffles. Find here too some great cast-brass hooks shaped like old keys, crewelwork drapery, candle holders inspired by vintage thread spools, and wonderful ceramic knobs topped with tiny floral tea saucers. Grandma would approve.

Target has stoneware canisters and wicker basketry for style-centric storage; rustic pig and hen figurals are inexpensive and fun accents.

While it’s easy to do a feminine room with many of these style elements, that’s not the only option. With plaids, stripes and bold graphics, or just the infusion of autumn’s rich, dark colors – plum, apple, persimmon, gunmetal, teal and mustard – the look swings more toward cabin than cottage. Plaids such as tartan and buffalo are holding strong in fall fashion; we’ll see upholstery, rugs and other soft furnishings carry the trend home.

The iconic striped Hudson’s Bay blanket can be found at Woolrich; there’s a lovely fringed pillow sham in the collection, too. And red and black buffalo-check bath accessories add a great lodge look.

It’s easy to go too kitschy with this style, so be prudent. Keep the ducks and baskets to a minimum; you’ll have rooms that look cozy, yet current.

 

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