The sparkle of Christmas may be just around the corner, but ahead of that is autumn, a season that provides a chance to cosy up our spaces for the colder, darker months. Less stressful than decorating for the festive period, autumn is when we spend more time indoors and start to entertain friends and family at home, making it a perfect opportunity to layer up and add comfort. Here, we round-up easy ways to get that autumn aesthetic (not a pumpkin or wreath in sight).
1 Layer on velvet
Whether in fashion or furniture, nothing looks and feels more appropriately autumnal than velvet, that irresistibly luxurious and tactile fabric.
If you’re looking to invest in a new sofa ahead of the festive season, the time really is now, so get inspired by the likes of Devon – characterised by its scroll-armed profile and high-cushioned back – or Flora, comprising soft, undulating curves and sumptuous, plump cushioning. Choose upholstery in dark, warm hues like mulberry, rust, espresso or cognac to complete the look. All available to order and get delivered to your home in time for Christmas.
For a simple update, add a smattering of velvet scatter cushions in ochre, green or claret to your existing sofa, or a velvet quilt in blue, terracotta or grey.
2 Just add flowers
While flowers may seem more appropriate to spring or summer, seasonal varieties can add autumnal style in an instant, particularly when a generous bunch is displayed somewhere prominent such as a dining table, sideboard or fireplace mantel.
We love the foraged and wild aesthetic of the faux blooms from Abigail Ahern – particularly these wintery pine branch stems – paired with the rustic Massin vase.
Add further elements of the forestcore trend, which takes inspiration from nature, with the Still Life 01 print of yellow drumstick flowers, the Faunacation cushion featuring a jungle print in green and black, and Serax’s Pure Seagreen dinnerware with its unique hues.
3 Bring on bronze
Gleaming metallics and shimmering surfaces can add much-needed glamour to your home, but bronze and copper are your friends when it comes to warming up spaces for autumn, from furniture to lighting and accessories.
These warm hues really cosy things up for the season, so consider pieces such as the Flash side table by self-taught British designer Tom Dixon, our Ryde table lamp, and these simple photo frames for adding a personal touch.
Opulent and sumptuous.
4 Layer your rugs
Nothing helps to make your home more comfortable during the cooler months than a textural rug underfoot, so why not layer different styles for added warmth, depth and interest?
For maximum impact, layer a colourful, patterned or textured rug over a simple neutral style, such as the New Zealand curly sheepskin or Heal’s + LF Markey rug on the Astral Spiral rug or Mae cream rug.
5 Get light right
Mixing and matching different lighting can also help to achieve an autumn aesthetic, providing much-needed illumination throughout the home as it gets darker and the luxurious look of a boutique hotel at home, so read our guide to layering your light here. Remember, white LED bulbs provide a bright light that’s crisp and cool, while yellow LED bulbs wash the walls with a warm glow that’s just right for autumn.
Browse our furniture, lighting, accessories and textiles to get inspired for your autumn aesthetic.