Autumn is a good time for a slight shift, interiors wise. After summer’s bright rays and fun colours, the change in season marks a move towards a new look and a cosier, richer feel, as we feel ourselves drawn to evenings at home.
Cushions and throws suddenly seem appealing as evenings get darker and cooler, and a new palette beckons.
Shades of russet, ochre and brown are always relevant in autumn and for 2023 we’re looking at sofas in rich brown or mustard corduroy fabrics, along with heavy curtains and drapes in dark orange or rust-coloured velvet. Soft, tactile fabrics are very on trend, as are natural shades and textures, with earthy details and organic finishes: so think wooden surfaces and wool rugs, plus lots of houseplants.
Ercol’s new pieces for John Lewis combine a chic look with a rustic feel, while decorative accessories such as Donna Wilson’s adorable earthenware figures complete the look, along with vintage ceramics such as Hornsea Pottery storage jars and midcentury German fat lava vases.
Alongside all this, there’s a revived interest in florals for curtains and upholstery – but not delicate, insipid ones. Big, blousy patterns with lots of colour and detail are leading the way with a look that’s not afraid to be chintzy. Wallpaper with tropical flora and exotic fauna pairs with contrasting curtains and colourful carpet to create a modern bohemian look that’s a world away from the greys and beiges that everyone’s so tired of. Alongside the autumnal shades there’s a lot of pink to be found too, ranging from plaster shades to brights.
Walls are bold too, with new paint colours ranging from berry and damson shades to muted greens, and neutrals in earthy and mushroomy hues. Beyond walls we’re seeing colourful accessories too, as kitchen equipment co-ordinates or contrasts with cupboards, and glassware and crockery departs from traditional clear and white to become colourful and patterned. Coloured glass is everywhere, from bright wine glasses with contrast stems at Anthropologie to bright glass candle holders at Hay and statement Murano bowls and vases at Matches.
Getting the lighting right is more important than ever as lamps and candlelight replace ceiling lights. Creating atmosphere is key, and rechargable, cordless table lamps are a huge trend, providing flexibility and decoration too. Positioning lamps at different levels around a room can set a mood and generate a sense of warmth and cosiness which is key this season. In the run up to Christmas, our homes become havens of comfort and visual interest, and adding just a few key new pieces can transform a tired space into a contemporary sanctuary.