Autumn is my favourite time of the year.
And not just because it’s the season my birthday falls in (April 22 for those of you playing at home). Autumn for me delivers the best of everything; leaves falling, the cold weather increasing, the chance to don scarves and gloves. And of course, the most amazing part of the season – changing up the decor!
Autumn for me is more than just pulling out an extra blanket to put on the bed. This is the time to rotate your homewares and bring a few more pieces into the mix. The change in weather, the increase in grey skies and the pitter patter of rain all call for a more subdued colour palette indoors. This year, I think it’s gone even more subdued than usual in terms of the colour story on offer. Which means it’s time to put away the high-velocity hue!
Last March, when I filmed my segment on The Morning Show, I showcased decor in red and orange tones against a charcoal grey backdrop. But in 2015 the bright colours are less prominent for the colder months. Sure, the soft greys are still there, but they’re being teamed with blacks, whites, beiges and browns – with the occasional hint of coral, mint, grape and metallic tones (copper, bronze etc). But always in small doses and in very pale shades.
It’s official: Autumn + Winter are all about neutrals.
The Dots Quilt Cover above (from AURA Home) and the Alik Cushions (from Country Road) are good examples of the neutral palette that’s going to reign supreme this season. Below, the gorgeous Alpaca Arctic throw rug (from Zanui) is a great inclusion in a subdued interior scheme, giving off just the right amount of colour and letting texture and pattern create the interest.
You’ll notice the pale, neutral colour story finding its way into furniture and lighting too. There’s a wonderful simplicity at play this year in terms of shapes and finishes. Nothing is too elaborate or over-embellished. Small details like frills, tassels and cable knit will shine in soft furnishings. A little button detailing here and there is a nice touch, like in the armchair you see here (from the Adairs lookbook), but everything else remains fairly streamlined.
You’ll notice wood becoming prominent too this season, as interior trends like Nordic Elk begin to play out. This allows interiors to become a little more rustic but there’s still a sense of simplicity. Below you’ll notice some gorgeous candle holders (from Norsu), which I think are absolute knockouts. We’ve been giving candles in glass a good go for a while now and I think it’s time to embrace a different form.
In short: Texture is King this season.
Above and below you’ll notice that kitchenware is becoming a lot calmer too. Above, the gorgeous details in these Unique Coffee Mugs (from Free Folding) create all the interest, leaving the subtle colours as the supporting players. Below, the simplistic nature of the plates and bowls (from Target) allow the rustic woods to shine. If you’re yet to explore rustic, mid-tone wood, now is your chance to do it. It looks like it’s here to stay a while!
Subtle Pattern is your friend, too.
There have been some crazy shapes on rugs over the warmer months with bright blues, greens and yellow colours dominating flooring. Bold, geometric patterns have been evident in rugs of all shapes and sizes too. That’s not to say that geometrics are out altogether, but they’re definitely going to be a lot calmer in terms of hue.
Autumn and winter decorating this year is all about evoking a sense of casual comfort and relaxed grandeur. The more plush your rug is underfoot – be it on carpet, tiles, floorboard or in your bathroom – the better.
Above, the Devore Silver Cowhide rug (from Two Girls and a Container) brings that sense of luxury without slapping you in the face. I find the shape of this one to be incredibly interesting and I’ve seen it layered on top of a square rattan rug to create a sumptuous vibe. For the bathroom, I’m in love with the Diamond Flat Weave bath mats above too (from West Elm). That pale grape tone is just gorgeous, don’t you think?
>>> How are you feeling about Autumn and Winter decor? What’s your fave piece from this forecast? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below 🙂
5 Responses
I love those diamond flat weave bath mats! We have a mini bathroom Reno going on in about 3 weeks- I think I might need to add this to the list!
These Autumn styles are just spot on