Erin Napier's end-of-summer living room decor bridges the gap between seasons with ease

The interior designer and HGTV star is ready for summer to end, but her summer-meets-fall living room design scheme is a lesson in transitioning between the seasons

Designer Erin Napier wearing denim sitting in a vintage chair in a room with floral wallpaper
(Image credit: York Wallcoverings)

Summer's not over yet, but fall is quickly approaching. While many of us are savoring the last days of warm weather before September starts to sweep them away, others – like interior designer and HGTV star Erin Napier – are ready for the heat to let up.

Living in Mississippi, Erin says she's done with the season's unbearable heat. But her living room embraces end-of-summer decorating masterfully. With the morning August sun beating in and natural inspiration at every turn, the designer's home is decked out with summer-meets-fall style that perfectly captures the seasonal transition.

And we're not alone in admiring the look – other designers agree that the fall decor design scheme fits the bill. 'Erin Napier’s decor masterfully captures the essence of late summer, blending vibrant colors with cozy textures, and creating a space that is both timeless and refreshingly vibrant,' says Nina Lichtenstein, interior designer and founder of her eponymous firm. Here, we take a closer look at Erin's space, admiring every fall decor detail that makes the switch to autumn a bit more enticing.

Erin describes the end-of-summer sun in Mississippi as overwhelming in the evening, but 'magical and glowy' first thing in the morning. And we see the second look on full display in this snap of her living room. The space's gorgeous wood-paned windows let in plenty of light (and natural scenery), illuminating the rest of the considered, chic home decor.

Nina shares that the bright, inviting couch 'introduces a bold yet cozy element to the room,' and its zebra-clad throw pillows 'add a whimsical touch.' The gray couch on the other side of the room 'balances the palette, decorated with throw pillows in burnt orange and blue patterns that echo the floral arrangement at the forefront.'

Organic wood furniture (plus an elegant, restored fireplace to match) pulls the whole look together, but the small, curated details really make the room shine. A blue and white porcelain vase, lamp, and sculpture are scattered throughout the room, bringing a bit of summer freshness into the space. In between the vase and lamp sits a rustic wooden bowl with moss-covered decorations, which 'adds a natural texture' and 'artfully ties the elements together,' says Nina.

'A bookshelf filled with books and a wooden end table featuring a single book offer a nod to relaxation and reflection,' she says. 'Above the mantel, a simple orange-toned artwork ties into the soft glow from the lamp on the opposite side of the room. The soft light streaming through the wood-trimmed windows bathes the room in a warm, inviting glow, enhancing the serene, lived-in feel, as though someone has just stepped out from a peaceful reading session.'

Shop the look


Warm color schemes are a great way to bridge the gap between summer and fall, picking up on summer's bright allure and autumn's rich falling leaves. With bold pieces like the yellow sofa and pared-back accents like the cut flowers and throw pillows, Erin has successfully curated a cohesive color story (and fall-ready decor scheme) here.

Abby Wilson
Interior Design News Editor

I am an Interior Design News Editor at Homes & Gardens. Most recently, I worked with Better Homes & Gardens, where I wrote and edited content about home decor, gardening tips, food news, and more. Before that, I studied Journalism and English Literature at New York University. I’ve moved around quite a bit in the last several years, most recently making the trip to London, and love transforming each new space into a comfortable retreat that feels like home. When it comes to decor, I’m most drawn to unique vintage finds and calming colors.