As we transition from summer to the colder months, autumnal home design is just around the corner, and it’s one of those special times when you can unleash your creativity on multiple levels. Not only does the season bring a stunning palette of rich, earthy colours to play with, but it also invites us to cosy up and make our homes feel warm and welcoming as the days grow shorter.
Autumn design is all about creating comfort, whether that’s layering woven textiles, adding plush throws, or introducing soft lighting to set the mood. And of course, those all-important accent pieces – from rustic décor to seasonal centrepieces – help tie everything together, transforming your home into the perfect retreat for the colder months. Here are some handy seasonal suggestions to inspire your space.
Choosing the Right Curtains
The right curtains can make or break a room and there are some design rules, such as never using short curtains, that can help make a room feel larger. But what about cosiness? Autumn is probably the cosiest time of year, and made-to-measure curtains can tie the room together. Of course, you also need the right style, and Sewing House has some stunning florals and leaves drapery that offer a rustic and autumnal feel. Plus, heavier fabrics will help keep you warm, yay!
Autumnal Home Design with Woven Textiles
Some surveys reveal that around 72% of people believe the feel of a material is just as important as the look. Woven textiles offer something unique as they go beyond the usual aesthetic appeal and offer actual warmth and comfort, which you may need in the autumn:
- There’s nothing quite like the feel of a soft and comfy chunky knit as the leaves fall!
- Cooler cotton and linens can gleefully be replaced with softer faux furs and wool.
- How about a new rug on the floor to keep your tootsies warm and snug in the morning?
Embracing Autumn Colours
As the leaves fall, we are blessed with a stunning array of colours when the season changes. There’s nothing quite like the feel of the summer-to-autumn transition to make you feel warm and cosy. And this can be translated pretty easily into the home. Embracing the fall colours will help your space become much warmer and inviting. If in doubt, you can’t really go wrong with rustic charm and appealing hues such as reds, browns, and, of course, plenty of orange.
Using Light for Cosiness
As if autumn isn’t cosy enough, even the power of the sunlight is affected! Have you ever noticed that seasonal light is a bit different each time of the year? Light is filtered, bounces and reflects. So, when the leaves are brown, the overall palette of nature and sunlight seems to be warm, and this can be one of the most stunning parts of the season. Of course, it also gets dark earlier, but layered lighting with dim and warm hues can carry the feeling of fall light forward.
Autumnal Home Design with Natural Elements
A study by the University of Exeter found that the feeling of well-being in a space at home or at the office can be boosted by up to 47% by natural elements. Beyond wooden blinds and made-to-measure curtains, your autumnal home design can be boosted by specific elements.
The plants of autumn
Each season brings with it some delightful plants, so how about going green this year? Crotons are a perfect match for any fall scheme, with their vibrant green, orange and brown leaves.
Foraging for seasonal décor
Of course, there is no harm in bringing nature inside. If you don’t mind grubby hands, the possibility of bugs, pine cones, acorns, and even autumn leaves makes stunning arrangements.
Faux fall flowers
Like plants, there are also some wonderful flowers that can add to the autumn charm at home. Faux flowers like orange rice, hydrangeas, and autumn peony add rustic charm to any fall space.
The Appeal of Autumnal Aromas
So, how many senses do you have? You don’t just have one, so why stop at décor and colour? Each season offers more than one way to please you, and taking advantage of these will elevate your seasonal styling to another level. There’s nothing quite like the scent of fresh pumpkins, apple cider and even golden wheat fields to remind you of fall. You can bring aromatic natural elements inside, or even use diffusers, essential oils and of course, candles.
Coffee Table and Shelf Dressing
Throughout autumn, it can get tougher to get through the day as the weather, light, and feeling drastically change. Some people even experience seasonal affective disorder due to a lack of sunlight. However, the small things can cheer you up and remind you that seasonal change should be celebrated. Dressing tables and shelves with autumnal items like related art books, candles, and decorative items can help tie a room together and enhance the feeling of warmth.
Accent Pieces for Autumnal Home Design
Where would designers be without the practical power of accent pieces? When you are stuck for ideas, these can really help bring a room together with minimal effort. There are some classics that never fail, so consider some of these when you want autumn comfort at home:
- Want the cosy feel of fall while enjoying a book? How about a burnt orange armchair?
- Is there anything more appealing and stylish than wooden trunks and wicker baskets?
- Go with glamour this season by adding a vintage mirror with an ornate golden frame.
Finding Comfort in Layers
Okay, so you’ve heard the phrase “layer up” a million times to stay warm in cold weather. While this typically relates to what you wear, it can also be extended to the design of a home. Throughout autumn, the weather and temperature can change dramatically, from being warm and sunny one day to freezing the next. Layers in home décor mean varying the size and shape of cushions, and arranging fabrics such as light and thin alongside comfy chunky weaves.
Summary
You may not even think about drapery for autumnal home design this season, but sheers and thermal made-to-measure curtains can help you control the light as well as the temperature. Of course, you can bring nature inside by gathering fall items like pinecones and leaves, which can add to the comfort level alongside layered fabrics like blankets and cushion covers.