Pull out your pumpkin spice-scented candles—autumn is upon us! With shorter days and cooler temps shooing us indoors for bake nights with friends and spooky movie marathons, we’ve turned our attention to transitioning our homes for fall festivities. If your living space is only fit for the living dead, fear not! We’ve rounded up the top tricks for a homier home.

Creating a serene space in which you can relax begins with organization. Organizing may not be the most thrilling step in preparing your place for fall, but it should be the first. “When your home is clutter-free, and everything has a designated place, you'll find it much easier to maintain that cozy atmosphere. Decluttering is the secret ingredient to a simpler and more enjoyable day-to-day life,” says Cathy Tonks, founder of Designs With You in Mind (designswithyouinmind.net).

ACHIEVE THE LOOK: Start with purging! Tonks recommends dedicating 20 minutes a day to purging and organizing one section of your home. Breaking up the mammoth task of decluttering into 20 minutes daily keeps it from overwhelming you but is still incredibly effective. “Before you know it, you'll have cleared out unnecessary belongings and created a clean canvas for your cozy haven.” Moving forward, Tonks recommends making a habit of removing two items for every new item you bring into your home. “Trust me—this little practice will go a long way in preserving the cozy vibe you desire,” she says.

“Creating a cozy nook in your living room provides a comfortable corner where you can sink into the embrace of an armchair and indulge in a good book,” says Christina Lisetsky, designer at Curated Spaces and Skyline Build & Design (skylinebuildinc.com). If your house is fresh out of alcoves to accommodate a reading nook, create a designated area within a larger space by carefully arranging furniture and strategically placing rugs to maximize the use of available space.

ACHIEVE THE LOOK: According to Lisetsky, “the key to successfully implementing this technique is to consider the flow of movement within your home and the natural divisions that exist.” Decide on the distinct zones you wish to create with this information in mind, then define them with rugs. “Incorporating rugs in each zone not only adds comfort underfoot but also helps in visually separating the spaces while tying the overall design together,” says Lisetsky.

According to Jenny Levitsky, owner of Ultimate Designs & Kitchen Goods (ultimatedesignkitchens.com), “The right lighting is essential to create cozy environments.” It can even help you unwind after a busy day.

ACHIEVE THE LOOK: “Use quality dimmable lighting with floor and table lamps rather than all ceiling lighting. Multiple sources let you use different types throughout the day and can help illuminate separate areas where you want to get cozy without lighting up the whole space,” advises Levitsky. She also recommends utilizing candles and your fireplace to cast a soft glow upon a room.

Build a cozy ambiance through the art of layering. “A stark sofa with no layered pillows is not as inviting as one with soft textures added,” says Levitsky, “Having a comfy throw nearby says, ‘come get cozy!’” Be careful to strike the right balance when layering, though, cautions Tonks; you don’t want to overcrowd a space.

ACHIEVE THE LOOK: At the heart of layering is texture. Decorative pillows and blankets with diverse textures not only create visual interest but evoke comfort through touch. “When envisioning coziness, one often imagines snuggling under a soft blanket with a couple of plush pillows,” says Lisetsky. Some textures to play with in your home this fall are boucle, chunky cable knits, woven plaids, jacquard, and plush faux mink.

Love is what makes a house a home. Don’t get so caught up in executing a picture-perfect design that your home feels staged. Instead, incorporate mementos of sentimental value and cherished family pieces. “Remember, creating a cozy home is about more than just aesthetics. It's about creating a nurturing environment that makes you feel truly at ease,” reminds Tonks. Don’t just do what you see on TV design shows, advises Levitsky. “Bring your own personal touches to add elements of love that make a space feel warm and cozy.”

ACHIEVE THE LOOK: “Add family photographs or art from your favorite travels,” Levitsky recommends. She also encourages mixing in hand-me-down furnishings from a favorite relative. As a bonus, sentimental pieces fill your home with stories that make great dinner conversation.