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Preparing Your Norfolk Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips and Design Trends

October 7, 2024

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint the landscape and cooler temperatures roll in, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the changing season, and at Norfolk Homes, we believe that a well-maintained and stylish home is the key to a comfortable fall. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your investment for many years to come or you simply want to refresh your space for the season, we’ve compiled essential home maintenance tips and top design trends to help you make the most of autumn in your Norfolk home. 

Fall home maintenance tips

Maintaining your home during the fall ensures that it stays in top shape throughout the colder months, preventing larger issues from arising further down the road. Even if you’ve recently purchased a new home in the Ann Arbor area, taking steps with preventative maintenance is always a smart choice, so use these tips to keep your home in great condition before winter weather moves into the Greater Ann Arbor area: 

• Seal out the cold: Before winter arrives, give the exterior of your home a thorough check. If your home is older, you’ll especially want to keep an eye out for small cracks or gaps around your windows and doors. Adding weather stripping or exterior caulk can prevent drafts and moisture from building up—reducing additional heating costs and keeping your home warm. 
• Tend to your landscaping: Pay close attention to the health of your trees this season, and if you see any dead branches or discolored leaves, have them pruned or removed to avoid potential damage during winter storms. 
• Clean out your gutters: Clogged gutters have the potential to cause significant damage to your home, so once the leaves have fallen, clean out any debris to ensure proper drainage. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or hire a professional for the job. 
• Organize the garage: After the busy summer season, your garage may be due for some extra attention. This could be the perfect time to install additional shelving or hooks to keep things organized and make space for winter storage. 

Top design trends for fall 2024

Once your home is prepped for cooler weather, why not give the interior a seasonal refresh as well? Fall is synonymous with warmth and comfort, and the current design trends reflect just that. Here are some of the top interior trends to try in your new home this fall season:

• Earthy tones and warm neutrals: This season, warm, earthy tones are leading the way in home décor. Rich terracotta, deep brown, burnt orange and soft beige bring the warmth of nature into any room in the house and pair perfectly with wooden accents and soft textiles, such as throws and area rugs. 
• Layered textures: Create a welcoming, inviting atmosphere by layering different textures throughout your home. Combine soft blankets, knit pillows, wool rugs and textured wall art to add depth, and by using materials like velvet, faux fur and chunky knits—you’ll add even more comfort and style to any space.  
• Statement lighting: As the days grow shorter, lighting becomes even more important, and this fall, statement lighting fixtures are in high demand. Oversized pendant lights, chic chandeliers and even modern lanterns can bring a dramatic yet homey feel to any space. For the perfect finish, look for warm-toned bulbs to cast a soft, ambient glow in your living areas. 
• Cozy nooks: One trend making a big impact this season is the cozy nook. Whether it’s a window seat adorned with plush pillows or a quiet reading corner with a soft chair and blanket, carving out small spaces in your home for relaxation is a must. Use these spaces to disconnect after a long day, enjoy a book or sip on your favorite hot beverage as the temperatures drop. 

Find your new home this fall season

By taking care of essential maintenance tasks and incorporating cozy design elements throughout your home, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything autumn has to offer. If you’re interested in finding your new home this season, our team at Norfolk Homes is always here to help. With new homes available in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Marshall and Jackson, you’ll easily be able to find the perfect one for you and your loved ones. Give us a call at (734) 336-1912 or contact us online today to learn more.