Get your home ready for autumn with these simple styling tips
12 ways to autumn-scape your home for the new season
There’s something about this time of year that makes us want to hit refresh.
Perhaps it stems from that back-to-school feeling that hits as soon as September approaches.
Or maybe it’s simply the shift in the weather as long, lazy days start to give way to cooler, darker evenings.
Whatever the reason, Autumn always seems to spark a desire to rework our homes for the season ahead.
Designers call it ‘autumn-scaping’ – those small, mood-shifting changes that make a big difference: swapping out breezy summer linens for tactile wools, layering throws over sofas, dotting candles around to bring a soft glow, or pulling out richer, earthier tones to warm up the palette.
“There is something about the shift into autumn that stirs our instinct to reset our surroundings,” explains Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors.
“The air feels crisper, the light changes, and that back-to-school energy makes us crave order, comfort and a sense of warmth.
“It’s a natural moment to refresh, to prepare the home as a cocoon for the months ahead.”
It’s less about a total overhaul and more about leaning into comfort, creating rooms that invite you to hunker down with a book or gather round the table for hearty suppers.
Think of it as giving your home a gentle seasonal reset – a stylish tweak to carry you through the darker months.
From embracing autumnal hues, to layering up and creating a comfy space to get cosy, we spoke to the interior design experts for their tips on autumn-scaping your home.
Layer in autumn hues
Introducing autumnal hues is the quickest way to shift the mood at home.
Rich russets, deep greens and golden ochres instantly add warmth, creating a space that feels in tune with the season.
Kunal says colour does the heavy lifting when it comes to autumn-scaping and suggests swapping out airy summer shades for earthy neutrals to refresh your rooms with barely any effort.
“A few cushions or a textured throw can transform the mood without a complete overhaul,” he adds.
If you’re looking for an autumn palette that’s a little different, Claudia Kampmann, Europe brand manager at Ruggable suggests opting for serene colours that emulate nature.
“Calming palettes of sage, teal, and cream are timeless classics that seem to dominate trend forecasts year after year,” she explains.
Despite not being the typical seasonal scheme, with the right styling Claudia says you can still create a warm and inviting autumnal feel in your home.
“To achieve this look in your dining area, when choosing your tablecloth, opt for cream or warm beige, then pair it with sage or teal tablemats to add contrast while keeping the look cohesive,” she explains.
“Don’t be afraid to add decorative accents like handmade ceramics or autumnal foliage like dried eucalyptus, pampas grass, or autumn leaves to create a stunning focal point for your table.”
As we move further into autumn and approach the spooky season, she suggests refreshing the look by incorporating wooden trays filled with decorated mini pumpkins for some festive fun.
Elevate your entrance
First impressions count, and the arrival of a new season is the perfect excuse to give the front of your home a little lift.
A fresh coat of paint in a rich, welcoming shade, a cluster of lanterns or potted evergreens, and perhaps a simple wreath can instantly set a cosy, autumn-ready tone.
Simon Browne, product expert at Luxaflex suggests giving the front of your house an inviting autumn vibe with a seasonal door wreath made from dried leaves, berries, and pinecones.
Kunal says a freshly painted front door in a rich, earthy hue sets gives a hint of the new season before you even step inside.
“Add lanterns with pillar candles for an inviting glow,” he adds.
Switch-up your seasonal patterns
While summer interiors thrived on dainty floral and playful fruit prints, autumn brings with it a softer, more refined take on pattern.
Think gingham checks in warm, earthy tones, classic stripes that feel timeless rather than seaside-bright, and delicate motifs inspired by nature.
These subtler designs have a cosy, heritage feel that sits beautifully alongside textured fabrics and richer colours.
They add interest without overwhelming a space – the perfect backdrop for the season’s shift towards comfort and calm.
“Stripes are not only versatile but can work in every room,” explains Claudia.
“Think decorative accents like table lamps, decorative pillows, or even swapping your existing rug for a striped one. Rugs are a simple way to add both texture and style to a space.”
While stripes might be overwhelming for some, Claudia says they can also be soft and subtle.
“For a more on-trend approach, opt for stripes in calming shades like sage and teal to create a neutral yet playful aesthetic this season,” she adds.
Another pattern trend set to take centre stage this autumn is geometrics.
“This refers to designs that use shapes like triangles, squares, hexagons, and other repeating patterns and will certainly add visual interest to your space,” Claudia explains.
According to the design expert geometric patterns work well on natural textures like wood and jute, as the neutral base allows the pattern to pop whilst still creating a harmonious and balanced look.
Checks are another easy way into the autumn pattern upgrade.
“This timeless design is super versatile and even works well with other patterns,” Claudia continues.
“Using checks with three tones of the same colour also gives you more versatility, enabling them to be brought into a range of different interior styles really easily.”
Accessorise with intention
One of the simplest ways to refresh your home this autumn is to give your accessories a seasonal switch-up.
By swapping out a few key pieces – lightweight summer linens for cosy velvets, or pale ceramics for richer, seasonal tones – you can shift the whole atmosphere of a room without a major redesign
“Swap light linens for velvets, boucle or wool,” advises Kunal.
“Even small accents like ceramic vases in seasonal tones or darker tableware create a sense of transition.”
Simon recommends adding decorative elements like pumpkins and rustic lanterns to your living areas for a touch of autumnal charm.
Give your bedroom a lift
As the weather becomes much cooler during autumn, you’ll find yourself wanting to spend more time indoors, where you can stay warm so it’s important to create a space that is both snug and inviting, particularly in the bedroom.
“Introduce heavier textures at the foot of the bed, layer sheets with a quilted coverlet, and switch to warmer lighting for a cocooning atmosphere,” Kunal advises.
Simon suggests adding a plush rug to keep your feet warm on chilly mornings and create a cosy atmosphere.
Scent the season
Scent is just as powerful as colour when it comes to setting a seasonal mood.
As summer’s fresh florals and citrus notes fade, it’s time to embrace fragrances that feel richer and more evocative – think spiced woods, smoky ambers, soft leather or even the warmth of vanilla.
A well-chosen candle or diffuser instantly signals the shift in season and makes a space feel more inviting.
“Introduce candles and diffusers with cedarwood, amber, oud or spiced fig to create a grounding scent for the season,” Kunal advises.
Bathroom refresh
Bathrooms often get overlooked when it comes to seasonal updates, but a few simple switches can make them feel instantly autumn-ready.
“Think plush towels in richer tones, natural stone accessories, and foliage arranged in simple glass vessels.,” says Kunal.
“It’s an easy way to bring warmth and a little luxury to a space you use every day.”
Tablescape with a seasonal edge
Autumn is the perfect excuse to rethink your table dressing, whether for everyday meals or weekend gatherings.
Layer in natural textures like linen runners, rustic ceramics and wooden boards, then add depth with candlelight and seasonal foliage.
Richer tones and tactile details bring warmth to the setting, turning even a simple supper into a celebration of the season.
Kunal suggests styling dining or coffee tables with sculptural bowls filled with gourds, figs, or even branches with autumnal foliage for a refined nod to the cosier times ahead.
Dress your windows
Updating your window dressings is a simple yet transformative way to reflect the cosy charm of autumn indoors.
Swapping out light summer sheers for rich textured fabrics like velvet or heavy linen in warm, earthy tones adds depth and warmth to a space.
“Swap sheer curtains for heavier drapes that frame the windows and create a sense of warmth and privacy as nights draw in,” Kunal suggests.
Layering with curtains or adding roman blinds not only enhances insulation as temperatures dip, but also invites a softer, cocooning feel that’s perfect for this time of year.
“Consider switching to thermal blinds in earthy colours to keep the warmth in and give your windows a seasonal touch,” Simon adds.
Introduce statement greenery
Bringing warmth and texture into your home doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul – sometimes, all it takes is a touch of statement greenery – oversized branches of eucalyptus, richly coloured foliage, or sculptural indoor plants in earthy-toned pots.
These bold botanical choices not only echo the changing landscape outside but also add depth and drama to your interiors, effortlessly capturing the essence of the season with a natural, grounding presence.
“Replace lighter florals with dramatic arrangements of pampas, eucalyptus, or branches with berries, think natural sculptures that feels modern and seasonal,” Kunal adds.
Carve out a cosy corner
Autumn is the perfect time to carve out a cosy corner, a quiet little nook that invites you to slow down and savour the season.
Whether it’s a window seat dressed with plush cushions and a chunky knit throw, or a tucked-away armchair paired with a reading lamp and a stack of well-loved books, these thoughtful touches turn overlooked spaces into comforting retreats.
“Create a reading nook with a chair draped in a tactile throw and a side table dressed with a candle and seasonal stem; a retreat within your home,” Kunal adds.
Embrace mood lighting
As the evenings draw in, lighting becomes the secret ingredient to embracing autumn’s cosy charm.
Swap out brighter bulbs for warm, ambient tones and layer your lighting with table lamps, wall sconces, and flickering candles to create a soft, inviting glow.
“Bring in floor lamps with soft shades or use dimmers to adjust the ambience; layering light sources is essential for autumn evenings,” Kunal adds.
You could also consider adding fairy lights or lanterns for a subtle touch of seasonal magic, perfect for winding down after dusk.
Thoughtful lighting not only warms up your space but also enhances that snug, cocooned feeling we all crave as the nights grow longer.
Get kitchen-ready for autumn
Getting your kitchen autumn-ready is all about embracing warmth, texture, and seasonal touches that make the heart of the home feel even more inviting.
Introduce rich-toned textiles like linen tea towels or a rust-hued table runner, and display wooden boards, copper accents, or ceramic bowls filled with autumnal produce.
“Swap out your tableware for pieces in autumnal shades,” suggests Simon.
“Add a centrepiece of seasonal fruits or a bowl of pinecones to your dining table.
“Consider baking autumn treats like apple pies or pumpkin bread to fill your kitchen with delicious aromas.”
Looking for more interiors inspiration? Take a look at Obsessed with Wednesday? 13 Whimsy Goth ideas for your home or 9 style lessons we can learn from And Just Like That…
READ MORE: