Six strong autumn trends for updating your home
1. Candy colours
Bubblegum pink, lime green, sherbert yellow: you might not have any of these colours in your home yet, but accents in candy shades are everywhere right now. So if you’re not ready for pastel pink walls, you might choose a bonbon-coloured vase, a bright picture frame or a single turquoise stool – and it’ll certainly add a touch of joy as autumn continues.
Photo credit: www.yescolours.com
2. Cosy textures
Creating a cosy, inviting environment is all about textures. Think thick woven blankets and soft woollen throws, plus boucle upholstery, knotted rugs and big cushions. Layering contrasting textures adds depth to a room scheme, and contributes to a sense of warmth and homeliness. Start by choosing some comforting blankets to bring in the new season, and look for sofas and armchairs with rugged textures, a move away from smooth velvets and linens.
3. Craftsmanship and sustainability
Quality is key, and we’re looking for well-made pieces in organic materials. Wood has a calming and grounding effect, and solid, beautifully made lamp bases, chair frames and tables that are built to last are not only an enduring trend but also a long-term investment. Classic shapes with clever details and individual touches are very much of the moment.
4. 1970s style
Think 1970s - but make it tasteful. Think outsize statement lighting with a retrofuturist feel, squashy and curvy sofas, coloured glass vases and a decadent lounge vibe. Add shagpile rugs if you want to maximise the look – or geometric wallpaper – but the trick is not to take it too far. You’re looking for hints of the 1970s rather than a full time warp effect. So add some lava-style ceramics, but be careful with swirly carpets.
5. Work spaces
Yes, people are still working from home and sales of desks continue to rise. There’s been a surge in smart designs, such as slim desks with a small footprint that still incorporate a clever storage drawer. Squeeze one onto a landing, slot it into an alcove or fit it under stairs and – hey presto – you have a home office.
Photo credit: www.johnlewis.com
6. Stoves
Stoves are a great way of adding a cosy focal point to living spaces, and the right design can lift a room scheme – especially as you can choose from bold colours, and streamlined modern or elegant traditional models. There's a stove to suit just about any space and you don't even need a fireplace for many designs, just a suitable outside wall or roof space to accommodate the flue system. And there's another good reason to consider investing in a new stove this autumn – bills. An efficient, modern design will ramp up the cosiness and potentially offer a way of saving on other energy costs.
Photo credit: www.charnwood.com