Autumn is here. Mornings are crisper, logs sit neatly stacked by the fire and the pumpkin spice latte just celebrated its 20th birthday. But how do we translate this change in the seasons into our home interiors? Megan Doherty from our interior design partners, Edward Thomas Interiors shares some simple styling tips to swap spring/summer chic for autumn/winter comforts…
Colour Coordination
One of the most straightforward changes is to swap your accent colours. This doesn’t involve a complete redecoration, so is easy to manage, but can have a big impact. Consider switching cushion covers, lampshades, throws, bedroom blankets, even picture frames to create a cosy and welcoming aesthetic. Warming shades such as burnt orange, deep red, ochre, chocolate, caramel and olive green will all provide a timeless autumnal feel while a strong mix of blues, greys, silver and black adds a wintry illusion. Don’t forget about your lighting here too - switch out bright white lights for warmer yellow-ish hues.
Layer Up
One of the emerging trends in the second half of this year has been ‘comfort core’, where comfort precedes style. Layering is a superb way to create richness and that hygge vibe. Throws and blankets are a given, but you could also introduce deeper fabrics such as velvet, tweed and wool by reupholstering. Don’t neglect underfoot either, a sumptuous fluffy or deep pile rug ensures cosy toes! Lastly, bring in seasonal greenery such as dried flowers, ferns, moss, eucalyptus, winter berries and pine cones.
Switch Scents
Home fragrances can have a strong impact, so in the cooler months pick candles, room sprays and reed diffusers with a spiced scent such as cinnamon, wild pine, vanilla, cedarwood or musk to generate feelings of warmth and security.
What About Colour?
There’s much psychology behind the use of colour in workspaces, especially how it can affect mood and productivity. Bright, vibrant colours are energising, cool palettes are more calming and relaxing while muted or softer tones can help focus and concentration.
Throughout 2023, we’ve seen plenty of personalisation too, whether that’s a bold wallpaper, artwork that tells a story, or objects collected from travels – your Zoom background will have never looked so good!
Be Inspired by Hobbies
Part of the ‘comfortcore’ trend is all about creating a sense of nostalgia, and indulging in simpler activities such as reading, listening to a podcast or crocheting. Find a corner in your home where you can switch off the screen, curl up and escape; perhaps a ‘forgotten’ space like a landing or hallway. Add a cosy chair, side table, some task lighting and it’s almost like you have a new room.
For many people, the change in seasons also brings a renewed connection with nature and the outdoors. Rambling at the weekend, country hikes, fell walking, skiing and snowboarding can all provide excellent inspiration for décor – add patterned wallpapers, artwork and accessories to build a theme or provide motivation!
