7 Easy Ways to Update Your Interiors for the Autumn

There’s a definite drop in temperature, the airs feel crisper, and the leaves on the trees are turning wondrous shades of gold, amber and russet - autumn is without a doubt one of our favourite times of the year.

The earthy colours;  rich, luxurious textures; and moody lighting that we reach for at this time of year are all centred towards a cosy night in, retreating from the outside and making your home somewhere you really don’t want to have to leave!

The changes you make don’t need to be expensive or dramatic - just think comfort, candlelight, and more subtle textural and tonal changes to make your home ready for the autumn. Let the next season slowly take its place within your home, just add in small touches here and there.

It can be as simple as changing a fragrance; adding in a seasonal decoration to a coffee table tray; layering with a rich, textured throw; or making sure you have candlelight scattered around your rooms.

Swap in Heavier, Richer Textures

Swap out your linen and cotton cushions and throws and bring in richer, more tactile textures such as boucle, velvet and wool.  Layer these different textures together to add real visual warmth to the room.   Layer a heavier blanket or bedspread at the base of your bed to make the room feel instantly more “snug”.  Placing a few rugs and sheepskins on the floors also makes the rooms feel much more inviting to snuggle up.  Rattan baskets scattered around also add a natural texture - and come in handy for the blankets too.

Create Cosy Snugs within Rooms

Over the summer we prefer larger, open spaces to maximise and enjoy natural daylight.  In the autumn you can bring smaller groups of seating together to create intimate, cosy areas within rooms.  It can be as simple as moving an armchair into a quieter corner with a side table, and a table lamp or candlelight nearby.

Add in Candlelight, and Softer Lighting

Create a natural warm and cosy glow with real or LED candles,  Single or groups of candles flickering on window sills, coffee tables and side tables create a wonderful atmosphere.  Lanterns placed on consoles or shelves also work really well this time of year.  Avoid using overhead lights whenever you can and opt for table lamps with a softer glow, add fairy lights to glass or bottle vases, or drape along the fireplace or around a mirror.

Introduce Warmer Colours

Think warm ochres, chocolate browns, deep olives, pale golds, and russet colours.  You could swap in different cushions, layer a throw or add in a vase or decorative accessory with these colour tones.

Using candles in these warm, autumnal colours can also make a real impact to updating your space ready for the new season.

Build up your colours little by little to ensure you don’t feel too overwhelmed - moderation is key to keep the space feeling calm and reflective of the natural earthy tones of nature at this time of year.

Refresh your Dining Space

These autumn months mean more time can be spent lingering at the dining table in the evenings.  Add in textures and colours to your table settings reflective of the season.  Whether it is a change in napkins and ensuring you have plenty of candles to light, or adding some autumn inspired decorations - pumpkins, pinecones, foraged leaves and twigs for example.

Update Floral Arrangements

Refresh your faux flower displays with autumn-toned eucalyptus, berries, dark cream hydrangeas, wild blackberries, russet and caramel coloured delphiniums, and eucalyptus pods or pussy willow - all seasonal favourites.  Add in foraged twigs and branches.

Opt for Warming Room Fragrances

Choose a diffuser or candle that evokes this time of year - smoky oud and cedar wood, warm amber and tonka bean and black pomegranate all have comforting, rich and warming scents.

For those of you that have met us in store you will know how much we value homes feeling warm and inviting, not perfectly polished. Homes should always feel lived in and welcoming. Layering a few new pieces alongside foraged finds, or vintage pieces, ensures your home has both character and style. 

Never feel you have to refresh everything in one go.  Style small spaces around the home.

• Update your coffee table/tray with a few new pieces;
• Place a vase with some seasonal foliage on the kitchen worktop;
• Add some lanterns to your console or a candlestick on a side table to create a warm, evening glow;
• Layer some heavier cushions on the bed or sofa in richer colours.

Add things slowly as the season gets going,  We do the same in store - we start to add autumnal foliage in late August but will keep adding pieces every week to transition the store right through September.  Above all, keep the space calm and cosy,  and enjoy!

For more inspiration, take a look at our Autumn Home Interiors Edit.

Kara and Mark