The signs of autumn are everywhere. The chill in the air, the golden leaves, the darkness descending earlier in the evening, and the welcoming open fires.
It is a time for nurturing our bodies and spirits, making time to rest and recuperate, surround ourselves with warmth and richness in terms of decor and furnishings, and prepare for winter.
It is particularly important at this time that our houses are cosy and inviting because we spend so much time in them. The fact that many people are working remotely and have reduced their social contact significantly means it is all the more necessary that our homes are not just places in which we lay our heads but are havens of tranquillity which boost our spirits and restore our lust for life.
Niamh O'Donovan, a local interior designer, says there are many easy, budget-friendly ways to transform our homes by adding seasonal updates to provide colour, cosiness, and appeal.
The transition from summer to winter is one of her favourite times of year. "It makes me very excited as it gives me the perfect opportunity to adjust my living space, add some more texture, and light my autumn scented candles."
This season gives people a perfect opportunity to bring the outdoors in, she says. "Make your home a place of family love, relaxation, and tranquillity. Create an environment full of textures and colours to reflect the rich variety of the natural world around us.
"Forget disposable decor and choose natural handmade quality products. Embrace textures such as rattan, weave, and rough timbers. An autumnal interior oozes a casual elegance of rich textures, red rusts mixed with pastel pinks, and contrasting olive."
Buzzwords for autumn
Warmth and texture are the buzzwords for autumn. Cable knits, large weaves, and fake furs continue to delight. Drape them over the back of the couch, the arm of the chair, or across a footstool or ottoman.
"Rugs are also a fantastic way of adding texture and cozying up a room for autumn. Choose a chenille finish or a lush high pile to create a more luxurious feel. Add colours like ink blue, kale, or forest green, terracotta, or a pop of mustard to bring that feeling of fire to your room."
Creating a workspace at home is a priority for many people at the moment. "Lockdown has opened our eyes to how we need our homes to work for us," she says. "With an uptake in remote work, there is a need to create a productive and functional workspace. A guest bedroom, a landing, or even under a stairs can double as an office. With the right storage, this space can look great, too."
Simplicity is the key to style, she believes. "Floating shelves and lidded boxes are a cheap way to achieve your look. Keep things simple and don't overthink it, is what I tell my clients. Fall in love with a piece of furniture, a piece of art, or simply a patterned cushion. Pull your room around this one piece of inspiration.
"For those who don't fancy colour, keeping things neutral and natural is simply fine. However create a focal point that your eye is drawn to, such as a large pendant light or an elegant ceramic lamp. Use your natural tones with a mix of rust for a cosy feel and choose a pale wood coffee table to complete your look. Connect the metals in your room. Light fittings to furniture legs, door handles to framed artwork. Antique brass golds are trending strong this season."
Rattan and wicker are popular furniture choices for autumn. They offer a warmth and charm that can be used in modern transitional boho styles. "Whether taking on contemporary or more traditional shapes, having rattan pieces in your home invites organic elements that can be layered with other decor. This furniture also adds a casual and comfortable element to any space."
Blush and green are two highly popular colours this season which will see us through the gloomier months. Use them in the form of paint, wallpaper, or greenery in a vase or soft furnishings. Palm print wallpaper is also a hot trend.
Black is back and is gracing our kitchens, according to Niamh O'Donovan. 2020 has seen a lot of bold cabinetry which adds sophistication, drama, and depth to an area. "Dress this space with statement gold metals and well-positioned lights - essential to light up a dark scheme. It is all about balance. White walls and white ceiling with black cupboards will work wonderfully with white marble worktops and warm oak floors. Sometimes it is good to be brave."
If you are a little fainthearted but would like to embrace some of this season's hottest trends, aim to make small changes. Buy a few new plants and pots, a throw and cushions, or simply update your bedlinen. This is a simple and easy way to refresh your home.
Top tips for autumn styling
1. Introduce colour into your home in the form of earthy tones, rich reds, and olive greens
2. Natural elements of wood, metals, and rattan are popular this season
3. Lots of large, leafy green plants are always a winner
4. Be bold with dark kitchens and doors
5. Curvy shapes, rounded furniture, and wave pattern tiles are top trends
6. Breakfast nooks or dining nooks will save on space in your kitchen
7. Wallpaper adds texture and interest to a room and provides a wow factor
8. Match the old with the new. Introduce an antique piece of furniture or an accessory into your new contemporary space
9. Double up spaces to make your home functional
10. Create a focal point in your house
Must haves for autumn
• Gold metal or wooden planters
• High pile rugs
• Foxford woollen throws
• Greenery in ceramic vases
• Fancy storage boxes with lids
• Solid brass cabinet knobs
• Mirrored trays
• Autumnal scented candles
