Leaves changing to warm oranges and reds, air so crisp your chest feels clear, snuggling up in extra layers – just a few reasons why 1 in 4 Brits1 consider autumn their favourite season. As we slowly see summer draw to a close, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to transition your home into the perfect autumnal haven to retreat to after a cold, rainy day.
To do this, design experts from 247 Curtains, ValueLights, Getting Personal and Ginger Ray have shared their top interior design tricks to transform your home.
Look at layering
Adding layers doesn’t have to be just for jumpers and scarves, it’s also the best way to add to your current interiors for the colder months. Amy Wilson, interior designer for 247 Blinds and 247 Curtains suggests:
“The key to Autumn styling for me is layering – it is the best thing about the season changing and is a quick and easy way of cosying up your home. By layering up accessories and textures you can really transform your room and give it a new and inviting scheme for conker season.
“Consider using multiple textures by introducing sheepskins, faux fur or boucle in the form of blankets, cushions and rugs. At your windows consider a second layer too – a roman blind behind existing curtains will help keep the warmth inside and make your room feel more luxurious and stylish.
“With lighting, you should consider dark corners and any surfaces that present an opportunity for illumination. Don’t neglect window sills for a lamp – if you have wooden or roman blinds a lamp can really soften the window area and add depth.”
Prepare for hosting in your home
Are you in your hosting era? The start of autumn brings with it hosting in our homes. To prepare for cosy evenings in with friends and family, make your partywear a focal point and you’ll be the host with the most. Tara Butler, homeware buyer at Getting Personal suggests:
“Make all the goodies you save for hosting like glassware and cheeseboards the focus of attention rather than hiding it away in your kitchen. Display beautiful wooden chopping boards on shelves or arrange some candles on top as a tray as a great way to incorporate some warm natural textures for the new season.
“Barcarts are the perfect autumn addition to display pretty champagne glasses or whisky tumblers. Or arrange them on a shelf in your living room for a similar effect. Softer lighting will look beautiful twinking through the glass really adding to the atmosphere. Not only will glassware on display add to the accommodating feel of your interiors but it will remind you to use what you have rather than saving it for special occasions.”
Add seasonal touches
The leaves are beginning to change, the nights are drawing in and your favourite pumpkin spice latte is back on the menu! Welcome in the new season with some new decorative touches in your home. Jess Martin, decoration expert at Ginger Ray says:
“Let the style updates for autumn begin within your home by embracing gorgeous seasonal tones, and natural touches into your home.
“Is it really autumn without pumpkins? Whether you opt for real or fake pumpkins, add a pop of colour and seasonality by dotting some pumpkins around your home. A few arranged next to the front door, on a shelf or windowsill work perfectly- remember odd numbers look best together. Faux pumpkins are a great option for decorations you can use year after year, try adding some in a cosy fabric like boucle for textural interest.
“Bring the warmth and beautiful colours of autumn to your home with foliage. Adorn your mantlepiece or stairs with leaf foliage garland and pampas grass decorations. Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas, an autumn foliage wreath makes a fabulous seasonal addition to any front door.”
Make it snug with warm lighting
As daylight hours dwindle, lighting is one of the most valuable tools in your interior arsenal for keeping your home feeling warm and comforting. To make the transition into autumn, Marlena Kaminska, designer at ValueLights, advises:
“A really simple switch you can make to get your home ready for cosy season is switching any white lights for warm-toned LED bulbs. While you may already have these bulbs installed in your living room and bedrooms, why not try this look in the other rooms in your house too? We love how warm light bulbs in your kitchen bathe the room in a yellow hue, giving it a charming cottage-core look which will brighten up any gloomy, autumn morning.”
“Crafting a cosy nook is an essential interior addition for those evenings when all you want to do is curl up with a good book – and an arc floor lamp is the ideal choice for illuminating dark living room corners. Position the lamp behind your favourite armchair or sofa, dim your ceiling lights and cocoon yourself under it’s cosy glow.”
