Summer may be the most popular season to spend time outside, but many agree that fall is just as enjoyable – if not more. Who doesn't love to sit around the fire in a cozy sweater and enjoy a hot seasonal beverage?

There's no doubt that you're still wrapped up in the summer sun, embracing the warm weather in all its glory, but now's a great time to start thinking about making that transition to fall. You don't have to neglect your patio once the temperatures start to drop; instead, consider these tips to extend your backyard space into autumn:

Take advantage of seasonal accents
One of the most beautiful aspects of fall is all of the gorgeous colors that accompany it. Changing fall foliage is a prime example of what Mother Nature has to offer during this transition, making outdoor spaces equally vibrant and cozy.  Franchise owner Shelley Rodner recommended mirroring these colors through accents along the patio.

"One simple cost-effective way is to add outdoor fabric accent pillows in warmer tones that reflect Autumn colors," Rodner said. "It's easy to take our cues from nature. These same colors can also be interpreted through art pieces, floor covering and other accents suitable to outdoors."

Use multifunctional furniture
Fall offers an opportunity to get comfortable outside, so make sure your outdoor furniture embraces this vibe. Invest in pieces that encourage your guests to come together and socialize. You can also benefit from pieces that are multifunctional – coffee tables, credenzas and other items that offer storage allow you to store accent pillows and cushions at night when the climate is less predictable.

Don't forget the fall decor
Using seasonal accent colors throughout the space isn't the only way to show your love for the new season. Consider taking a trip to your local market to grab a few decorations as well. Cornstalks, pumpkins and seasonal flowers are among the pieces that can transform your space with ease. You can also find pieces that make it easy to transition into Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Go beyond the patio
Your patio should be the main focal point of your backyard. But that doesn't mean you should neglect the surrounding space. Rodner recommended taking advantage of natural elements to extend the look beyond the deck.

"My clients are looking to surround themselves with architectural elements and interesting materials that extend beyond outside their backdoor and patio or deck," Rodner shared. "This may be accomplished by adding plant materials with great texture and form – such as tall grasses – in addition to combining other visual interest such as an outdoor sculpture or a separate seating area."

Making the transition from summer to fall on the patio can be a little intimidating, especially if you've never made any significant adjustments in the past. If you need assistance during this time, a personal decorator from Decorating Den Interiors can help. One of our professionals will come to your space for a free consultation to evaluate your outdoor living space and provide style tips based on the layout, current trends, your personal preferences and more. Once you have a plan in place, you can easily transition furniture and decor when the temperatures start to drop.

It might feel like summer just started, but autumn is right around the corner. Are you ready to get cozy around the fall foliage? Contact your local design consultant from Decorating Den Interiors today.