Autumn is coming, isn’t it? We keep getting the colder, darker yet somewhat glowier evenings interspersed with lashings of the last of the summer heat. I think that’s when you know it’s on its way. It’s time to dust off your jackets, boots and cosy knit jumpers and time to get ready to turn the clocks back and dive under a blanket with a cuppa of something warm.
I sometimes wonder which season is my favourite. I think I love them all equally; there’s something to get excited about with every single one that comes. For me autumn brings out the colour palette of the whole year and it looks gorgeous inside the home. I’m here with 6 things you can do right now to bring the autumn season indoors.
A Cosy Blanket
Whether you live alone or you’ve got family at home try and get the biggest, cosiest blanket you can find. Whether it’s fleece, velvet or wool find something you’ll want to hibernate under all season long. Make sure it’s big enough for more than one of you to fit under – in my case I need something that fits the whole width of the sofa, and then some, because you can guarantee all my boys will want to come for a snuggle once I’m sat down.
Jamie bought me a really lovely one a couple of years ago from Marks & Spencer, but I don’t think you can ever have too many. I’m after a faux fur one this year, or even one with pom poms. They look great slung over the back of a sofa when you’re not cuddled up under it.
Cushions
If there ever was an easy way to switch up the accessories in your home, it’s cushions. If you’ve already got cushions with a cover then you’ll only need to pick up a new colour cushion cover and ‘Hey Presto!’. Pick something that goes with the colour scheme in your room already – autumn has so many options; oranges, reds, dark greens, teals and even browns can look good.
If you want to keep it simple, then opt for blocks of colour and go for plain covers. If you want to bring a bit of texture, then by all means mix it up with some patterns or prints. Don’t forget different shapes and size of cushions can bring that extra dimension to a room, just make sure there’s enough room for you to still sit down.
A Basket Full of Logs
Whether you’ve got an open fire, a log burner or even if you rely on the central heating, a big basket of logs can go a long way when it comes to the aesthetics. If you’re actually going to burn them, they look stunning set up in a basket next to the fire, or maybe they’ll fit the corner you’ve been looking to fill. If you’re not going to burn them then you can place a string of fairy lights on them to give off that cosy glow. My top tip would be to find that fireplace channel on the TV and put that on too.
Super cosy, right?
Candles and Lighting
I can’t deny that I love a good candle. They bring a warmth, glow and homeliness to a room that only a candle really can. They don’t have to be scented but perhaps you’d like to fill your rooms with the smell of ‘Pumpkin Spice’. I tend to have them on in the evening for a bit of mood lighting at this time of year.
Likewise, just changing a bit of the lighting can have a huge effect. Whether you decide to change the lampshade or the type of lightbulb you’re using, it all makes a difference. I spotted a lovely ceiling pendant light on Jack Stonehouse the other day in a gorgeous green/copper combo which I thought would look gorgeous,
Leaf, Pine Cone and Pumpkin Displays
Free (mostly), simple and beautifully cheerful. If you’re a dab hand at arranging things in a nice bowl or vase then head down to the local park, forest or any outdoor area and get picking things up! This is where you can even get the kids involved so you only have to do half the work.
A vase filled with pine cones, a few colourful leaves and some twigs can transform an empty looking shelf. You could even make your own pine cone and leaf garland if you’re feeling a bit crafty.
The other thing you’ll start spotting this time of year is pumpkins! You’ll find smaller, decorative ones in some supermarkets, at pumpkin patches if that’s your kind of thing and if there’s a field nearby, you could always pop down and see what’s been discarded after picking. Just bring them back to use as a centrepiece for the table or even a cute little trio on the mantlepiece.
Art and Prints
Lastly, one of the easiest things to change is any art you might have. Find art or prints that have bold lashings of the autumnal colour palette and switch them over for the season. It really is that simple.
What do you like to change on the inside ahead of autumn? Is there anything you like to do during the autumn?
*This is a collaborative post.