Tasteful Autumn Interior Accessories
Image: Featuring Hammered Antique Brass Candlesticks from Greige
Why Autumn Is the Perfect Time to Refresh Interiors?
As the seasons change and cooler weather settles in, autumn presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your home’s décor. The rich colours, cosy textures, and natural elements that define autumn provide the ideal inspiration to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Stepping outside for a walk during October is a reminder of how these beautiful colours easily sit side by side. Whether you're preparing your home for seasonal guests or enhancing a holiday retreat, incorporating tasteful autumn décor can elevate the space and make it feel like the perfect place to hunker down and rest (note ‘tasteful’, I will not be recommending any cushions that have BOO written on them). Let’s explore how to bring the beauty of autumn indoors with stylish, seasonal touches that will charm homeowners and holiday visitors alike. I’ve trawled some of my favourite places to shop and included a handy download with links to lots of beautiful pieces you can add to your home.
Key Principles of Autumn Décor
Autumn décor is all about creating warmth and cosiness while embracing the natural beauty of the season. To achieve a tasteful look, it’s important to focus on the following elements:
Warm Tones: Think rich, earthy shades like deep oranges, mustard yellows, and burgundy. These colors evoke a sense of comfort and hibernation.
Natural Materials: Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating organic elements like wood, woven textures, and natural fibers. Items such as wicker baskets, wooden trays, or linen pillows create a grounded, rustic vibe. A well-crafted autumn wreath made of dried leaves, twigs, and berries can enhance both indoor and outdoor spaces. Hang one on the door or over a fireplace for a charming seasonal touch.
Layering Textures: Plush throws, soft rugs, and velvet cushions add layers of comfort, making any space feel snug and inviting. Mix and match different textures for depth and interest, linen and velvet are a great combination! Opt for chunky knit throws, faux fur blankets, or velvet cushions in deep, warm colors. These items not only look luxurious but add texture and comfort.
Seasonal Accessories: Small touches, like seasonal candles, autumnal wreaths, and dried flowers, can instantly transform your space without the need for a complete overhaul. Whilst pumpkins are now available in the supermarkets, I always get a heavy feeling when I see them used as décor, it seems wasteful to use food when sadly people are starving. Maybe you can use them short term and cook them before these intriguing vegetables pass their best.
Practical Décor Tips
When decorating homes or holiday properties, it's important to strike the right balance between comfort and style. Here are some practical tips for creating a cosy autumnal atmosphere:
Living Rooms: Add autumnal colors through textiles like cushions and throws. A statement rug with warm tones can also enhance the seasonal feel.
Bedrooms: Swap out lighter bedding for richer, cosier fabrics. Layering a soft woollen blanket at the foot of the bed creates an inviting look for colder nights.
Dining Spaces: Create an autumnal table with rustic tableware, natural linens, and a centrepiece made from seasonal foliage or pumpkins (if real use as a short term statement and place on a tray). Scented candles in fragrances like cinnamon, vanilla, or spiced pumpkin instantly evoke the essence of autumn. Cluster them together in different heights on a tray for a cosy focal point.
Entryways: Make a great first impression by styling your entry with an autumn wreath, a console adorned with candles, or a vase filled with dried grasses or flowers.
Balancing Autumnal Décor with Year-Round Functionality
While it’s fun to embrace seasonal décor, it’s essential to ensure that the space remains functional and stylish throughout the year. Here’s how to strike that balance:
Choose Versatile Pieces: Select furniture and accessories in neutral tones that can easily be adapted for different seasons. For example, a neutral-toned sofa or rug can be paired with autumnal cushion covers and throws in the colder months and swapped out for lighter hues in spring. Remember if you’re purchasing cushion covers separately you can re-use the inner pads, so you only need to store flat covers and pads should be a size bigger than the cover to get the perfect squish.
Limit Seasonal Items: Instead of overloading your space with too many seasonal decorations, choose a few key pieces that can be easily stored away after autumn. Items like seasonal candles, wreaths, or cushions are easy to swap in and out as needed.
Keep It Subtle: A few carefully chosen autumnal accents, like a well-placed vase of dried flowers or a cosy throw, can have just as much impact as more obvious seasonal décor without feeling overwhelming.
Browse through some of my favourite autumn additions in the attached ‘Chestnut Interiors Autumn Edit’ below.
Prices shown are full price retail, Renovation Room Members stay tuned for a member edit with exclusive prices and extra picks!