Easy autumn updates for the home

It’s getting darker and colder by the day, but I have to admit I love this time of year. There’s something special about these first weeks of autumn: the hint of crispness in the air, the misty mornings, the tinges of gold in the trees… I always enjoy watching the natural world change around me, and it’s a great excuse to make a few updates inside the home, too.

Now is the time to up the cosiness in anticipation of the chilly months ahead, and over the years I’ve built up a collection of soft furnishings and accessories that I can swap in and out according to the seasons. So, here’s a look at how I’m dressing my interiors for autumn, illustrated with photos of my newly autumn-ready bedroom…

Introducing autumn colours

I love the rich hues that paint the landscape at this time of year, but I like introducing them into my home in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the neutral, calming vibe. So, my take on autumn colour is soft and muted, with a mix of sage greens, earthy pinks and deep reddish browns. Incorporated through cushions, throws and ceramics, they add a subtle touch of warmth to the existing white and beige scheme without overpowering it.

Displaying seasonal foliage

I also like to echo the changes happening outside the window by bringing seasonal foliage into the house. It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate – just a handful of grasses snipped from the garden, or a sculptural branch foraged from the woods. I arrange them in vases throughout the house and let them slowly dry out, turning from green to golden to red as they do. They look just as beautiful as fresh flowers but they’re much cheaper, and they last for ages.

Adding lots of texture 

Texture is key to creating a cosy feeling, and at this time of year I swap breezy summer textiles for snugglier options such as wool and heavy textured linen. Nothing beats curling up under a blanket with a cup of coffee and a good book so I make sure there’s always one to hand, draping them over chairs and sofas everywhere. I also have a couple of sheepskins which I use later in autumn once the weather turns really cold, although they tend to be instantly commandeered by the cat!

Layering my bedding 

As summer shifts to autumn a lot of people replace their summer duvets with warmer winter-tog options, but they often make me too hot at night – especially in September and October, when the weather can be surprisingly balmy. I therefore stick with a low-tog one (read about my favourite here) but add a large bedspread over the top of it. It’s another way to introduce more texture, and there’s something about the heaviness of it that makes my bed seem wonderfully comfortable and cocooning.

Creating cosiness with candles 

Finally, autumn wouldn’t seem right without the soft, comforting glow of candlelight. It makes the darker evenings a lot more bearable – enjoyable, even – and it’s the perfect antidote to days spent staring at the harsh blue light of a phone or computer screen. If you choose a scented candle, it’s also an excellent way to introduce some seasonal scents into the home. Woody, smoky and spicy notes always help me get into an autumnal mood and appreciate the little joys to be found at this time of year, and you can see my pick of the best here.

How about you? How do you alter your home for different seasons? 

All photography by Abi Dare