Autumn Colours in Interior Design
In my most recent blog I shared simple additions you could bring into your home as we embrace the changing seasons. Approaching November the leaves are now showing their rich colours and the sun hangs lower in the sky giving such beautiful light, so in this blog, with signs at every corner I thought I’d delve into the colour palette, the psychology of colours and some of my favourite options from common paint suppliers.
Let’s explore how to bring the essence of autumn indoors by using these rich tones throughout your home.
The Appeal of Autumn Colours and Their Psychological Effects
Autumn colours have a psychological impact that can transform the atmosphere of a room. The warm tones of red, orange, and deep green create a sense of grounding and relaxation, encouraging a cosy and welcoming environment. These colours evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, helping guests and homeowners alike feel more at ease. Using autumn hues strategically in your design can not only elevate the aesthetic appeal but also enhance emotional warmth.
Red: power, passion, courage and strength.
Orange: energy, creativity, rejuvenation and positivity.
Deep green: balance, stability and growth.
Yellow: happiness, cosiness, joy and comfort.
Colour Palettes Inspired by Autumn
Autumn offers a unique palette that feels both timeless and versatile. Here are some key colours that capture the season’s charm:
Warm Reds: Think burnt sienna and cranberry—colours that bring a touch of warmth and can serve as an accent colour.
Oranges: Muted rusts and pumpkin tones add a lively yet subtle pop of colour.
Deep Greens: Inspired by the evergreen foliage, deep greens such as olive or forest green evoke tranquillity and balance in a room.
Earthy Neutrals: Shades like brown, tan, taupe, and beige act as grounding tones that help balance the bolder autumn colours.
Where to Use Autumn Colours – Walls, Furnishings, or Accents?
Choosing where to incorporate autumn colours is just as important as selecting the hues themselves. Here are some ideas on how to use these colours effectively:
Walls: For an impressive transformation, consider painting walls in a warm terracotta or deep olive green (recommendations coming up). Equally using a warm taupe is a subtle backdrop to layer in the rest of the autumn palette of dreams.
Furnishings: Upholstered furniture in shades like rust or burgundy adds elegance and can easily be updated with accessories. Consider armchairs, sofas, or even headboards to introduce these hues.
Accents: If you’re aiming for a more flexible, seasonal change, use autumn colours in accents such as cushions, throws, and area rugs. These smaller items allow for an easy transition between seasons - as suggested in my last blog with cushion covers, an easy win!
Mixing Autumn Colours with Other Hues
While autumn colours are naturally warm and inviting, pairing them with other seasonal tones can create a balanced look that flows well throughout the year. Here’s how to blend them:
Neutrals for Contrast: Pair bold autumn colours with neutrals like ivory or warm grey to prevent the space from feeling overly warm. This also enhances the visual balance and allows the autumn tones to stand out.
Touches of Cool Blues: For an unexpected twist, introduce a cool blue or muted navy as a complementary colour to rich greens and rusty reds. This mix adds depth and interest while balancing out the warmth, the same applies with anthracite.
Metallic Accents: Gold, bronze, or brass accents pair beautifully with autumn colours, creating an added layer of elegance and warmth. These metallics catch the light and lend a touch of luxury without overpowering the space, easy to do with candle holders, frames on art and mirrors.
Colour Combination Ideas
Burgundy and Beige: A classic combination that adds depth without overwhelming the senses. Burgundy accents in cushions, rugs, or wall art, paired with beige upholstered furniture creates a luxurious style.
Olive Green and Gold: Perfect for creating atmosphere, olive green walls or curtains paired with gold accents (think lamps or picture frames) add sophistication to any room.
Rust and Navy: A bolder pairing, rust and navy offer a stylish contrast that feels warm yet dynamic. Use this combination in social spaces or bedrooms to create a memorable, distinctive design. Take care with navy in north facing rooms if this is your paint choice.
Pumpkin and Taupe: For a softer, subtler scheme, combine pumpkin accents with taupe upholstered furniture. This understated look feels especially warm and inviting for living rooms.
Below I’ve created a downloadable sheet of my recommended autumn colours from four paint brands - I’d love to know if you use any in your projects.
Featured image in Blog main page is the Yarrow Bunch by Abigail Ahern - just beautiful and one item linked in my Autumn Additions download.