At Olthof Homes, we believe in inspiring better living, not only through the new homes we build in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Northwest Indiana—but also through the care and upkeep of your home throughout the seasons. As a trusted, family-owned home builder since 1961, we’ve helped countless families transition their homes through Indiana’s beautiful seasons. With fall just around the corner, it’s time to focus on preparing your home for the cooler months while also embracing the warmth and coziness that autumn can bring indoors. Here’s our guide to essential fall home maintenance tips and some of the season’s top design trends to inspire your space.

Home maintenance checklist for fall

Your new Olthof home is designed to be low-maintenance, with modern materials and construction techniques that keep things running smoothly year-round. However, as the seasons change, a few simple tasks can help ensure your home continues to perform at its best. By taking small preventative measures now, you can enjoy greater comfort and efficiency throughout the colder months ahead.

• Exterior inspection: As we move into fall, it’s wise to give the exterior of your home a quick once-over as temperatures cool. Check the siding, windows and doors for any settling or minor gaps. While our new homes in Indiana are built to be energy efficient, ensuring seals are tight will help maximize performance and comfort through the colder months. 
• Gutter cleaning and drainage: Falling leaves are a hallmark of the season, but they can wreak havoc on your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof, siding or even the foundation of your home. Clean them thoroughly and ensure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.
• HVAC system check: Even if your HVAC system is brand new, it’s important to keep up with seasonal maintenance. Fall is the ideal time to change your filters and ensure everything is running smoothly before the colder months hit. This helps to maintain efficiency and keeps your home comfortable all season long. Newer systems tend to have advanced technology, but scheduling a professional tune-up will ensure everything continues to run optimally.
• Window and door insulation: With newly installed windows and doors, your home is already well-equipped for energy efficiency. However, it’s always good to check weather stripping and seals as a quick preventative measure. Ensuring everything remains tightly sealed will help you maintain a consistent temperature throughout the colder months and minimize any energy waste.

Fall interior design trends

At Olthof Homes, we understand that your home is a reflection of your personal style. As fall approaches, it’s a wonderful time to introduce seasonal design elements that bring warmth and comfort indoors. Here are a few top trends to inspire your space:

• Earthy tones and layered textures: This fall, embrace the natural beauty of the season with earthy tones like warm browns, burnt oranges and deep greens. These colors create a calming atmosphere and can be easily integrated through accent pieces like throw blankets, cushions or rugs. Combine these tones with layered textures such as woven baskets, soft knits and wood accents to create a cozy, inviting environment perfect for fall.
• Statement lighting: Shorter days call for creative lighting solutions. Update your home’s lighting with statement pieces that add character and warmth. Think of pendant lights in rustic finishes, floor lamps with a vintage touch or modern lights that bring in a bit of drama. Lighting can transform your space and highlight the best features of your home’s design, especially during the darker months—and you'll have much to choose from with the on-trend, stylish statement lighting options that Olthof Home offers.
• Seasonal decor with a natural touch: Fall is all about bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside. Use natural materials such as pumpkins, pinecones and dried florals to add an autumnal feel to your decor. You can also incorporate scents like cinnamon, clove or cedar to enhance the fall ambiance.
• Warm and cozy living spaces: As the weather cools, comfort becomes even more important. Create spaces in your home that invite relaxation by adding plush throws, oversized pillows and textured rugs to your living areas. If your new Olthof home includes a fireplace, fall is the perfect time to make it the focal point of your room. A beautifully decorated mantel paired with seasonal accents will make your living room the ideal spot for gatherings.

Embrace the fall season with Olthof Homes

At Olthof Homes, we believe that your home is not just where you live—but where you thrive. As you prepare for the fall season, following these simple maintenance tips will keep your new home in prime condition. Pair that with warm, inviting interior design choices—and your new home in Indiana will be a welcoming retreat all autumn long. To make the most of this fall season with a new Olthof home, browse through our new construction homes in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Northwest Indiana and give us a call at (219) 327-4770 or fill out our online form today.