Of all the seasonal changes to your home, the transition from summer into fall is one of the most beautiful. As nature changes its palette from summery greens and golds to harvest-ready oranges and reds, your furnishings and finishes change to ready your home for autumn's crisp days and cool nights. Before fall arrives, Ethan Allen-Boise Interior Design consultant, Wendy Wallace has some tips to help you discover window treatments, pillows, throws and upholstered pieces that let you welcome the season.

"This season, texture is as important as color," Wallace notes. "Leather and leather-look finishes are especially on point for fall. If you're ready to invest in a leather sofa or leather detailing on seats for your dining room furniture, you'll get the jump on fall home design trends. If you're building your home furnishings slowly and want a gradual change rather than an all-over transformation for fall, use leather in accent pieces such as throw pillows. Books are another outstanding way to bring leather into a space; they complement family room furniture and living room furniture beautifully."

Nubby weaves are another popular fall trend that plays up texture. "Some fabrics have a natural irregularity in the weave called slubs, and slubbed fabrics work well in rooms with an organic design aesthetic. Bedroom furniture that has dupioni silk window treatments or bedding retains some of summer's lightness but with the more substantial feel that says Fall," says Wallace. "Hunter Douglas features a range of fabrics in fall hues that make windows a focal point," she adds.

"Softer textures make dressing your home for fall a pleasure this season. Chenille, velveteen, corduroy, micro-suede and even plush textures feel as luxurious as they look. For a bedroom, a faux-fur throw makes a visual statement, but it serves a practical purpose too. Fall nights in Boise can get a little cold for comfort, but wrapping up in a velveteen duvet chases away any chill."

Color can also create visual warmth. A tartan throw in autumnal hues or a leaf design on wallpaper borders let you bring fall into your home. "When we see warm colors, we feel cheerful. As days get shorter in the fall, getting a mood boost from your interior design is a good idea," says Wallace. She recommends adding a few prints to the mix too. "You don't have to be literal when looking for autumn prints. Leaves look lovely on a comforter or table runner, but you can also go with squash blossom designs, fruit or wheat-stalk motifs for a novel view on fall fabrics."

Wallace suggests getting advice on fabric and furniture care from an interior decorator. "Before you pick a gorgeous new fabric for your upholstered pieces, find out if your choice is friendly for kids and pets. Do you plan on entertaining in this room, or will it see only light use? Do you want to convey elegance or casual chic? A free consultation before you make your picks will give you what you need to know to enjoy your fall fabrics for years to come."