1 Go brown (yes, really!)
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Brown is having a design moment. Chocolate, caramel and espresso shades are popping up on everything from rugs to tiles and walls. As striking (and practical for homes with kids or pets) as a brown sofa can be, it’s best to start small with a vase or cushion and build from there – sostrenegrene.com has a wide range of brown textiles and furnishings to help you test out the trend. Another option is to refresh walls or furniture with a coat of brown paint. This will pair beautifully with other autumnal tones such as rust, ochre and forest green, while also grounding softer neutrals such as cream and blush. Painting an internal door, skirting boards, a bookshelf or even a wall will quickly dial up the cosiness factor. Try the ganache-inspired Affogato from littlegreene.com or the soft cinnamon-brown Hidden Valley from benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk.
The new four-seater Pleat sofa from johnlewis.com is one of the season’s standout pieces, thanks to its elegant art-deco silhouette and chocolate-brown chenille upholstery. At £3,299 it’s a serious investment, but you can capture the mood on a smaller scale with a velvet cushion, a sculptural vase or ganache-coloured paint on your walls or skirting boards.
2 Warm up with bulbs and lamps
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to get your home autumn-ready – and the best part is, you don’t need to buy new fittings or call an electrician to enjoy the glow. Simply swap your existing bulbs or LEDs for amber-toned versions to create a warm atmosphere. B&Q (diy.com) sells a good selection. Replacing lampshades for ones in warm materials, such as brass or wicker, is another easy win – try next.co.uk for stylish and affordable options.
3 Try a designer dupe
This season, it’s easier than ever to channel designer style without the hefty price tag. Some of our favourite high-street finds include lakeland.co.uk’s colourful 8-in-1 Only Pan, £60, which is a dead-ringer for the iconic Our Place Always Pan, £125. The Otto duvet cover set by made.com (£50 for a king size) is strikingly like the Kemptown Stripe from Piglet in Bed, £199), and George’s navy Bobbin lamp, £15, direct.asda.com, is a budget-friendly option that channels the look of Pooky’s £72 design.
4 Block out the draught stylishly
Insulating and draught-proofing your external doors is crucial as the weather gets cooler. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. This season, many high-street stores are offering plush and patterned draught excluders. Among our favourites are the Ollin, £25, from perchandparrow.com, and dunelm.com’s Linford Stripe, £16.
Here, a trio of brass pendant lights (£325 each, pooky.com) cast inviting pools of light over the kitchen sink – practical for washing up while casting a soft glow around the room. For budget-friendlier options, try lightsandlamps.com.
5 Bring nature indoors
A touch of the outdoors can make a big difference to the look and feel of your home – and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Instead of splurging on fresh flowers, fill vases with branches for a sculptural centrepiece, or use dark foliage such as eucalyptus parvifolia and Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ to create an instant focal point. You can find these at most local florists, while retailers such as layeredlounge.com offer a convincing faux selection. Cheaper and no one will notice.
6 Get cosy with textiles
Swapping lightweight linens and cottons for velvet, wool and chunky knits is an easy way to prep your home for autumn. A throw draped over the arm of a sofa, cushions or a bedspread in earthy tones can instantly transform a space at low cost – hm.com and zarahome.com have a wide selection. Instead of buying new cushions, consider investing in covers. They are easy to store away when spring rolls back around.
7 Spice up your room scents
Change breezy summer florals for warm notes such as cinnamon, clove and sandalwood. Room diffusers and sprays often last longer than candles and are just as decorative. Rituals.com has recently launched a limited-edition reed diffuser, Intuitia, £37.90, with notes of saffron and vanilla that linger for up to three months. For a DIY approach, try making your own seasonal scent. Simply simmer sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks in plenty of water on the hob to give your kitchen an instant aromatic boost that can last for hours.
8 Dress the dining table
Autumn marks the start of the gathering season, and the dining table is the perfect spot for a quick refresh. Instead of a white tablecloth, go for linens in soft tones such as dusty pink or biscuit. Then add woven placemats, and mix- and-match your existing tableware for added character. For inspiration, check out the new Deliciously Ella x John Lewis homeware collaboration, with prices starting from just £6, johnlewis.com.
