2020 has been quite a year, and it’s hard to believe we are already moving deep into Autumn. As it looks like most of us are going to be confined indoors for the foreseeable future, many people are starting to redecorate or spruce up their living spaces for the colder months. More than ever and emphasis on comfort, positivity and warmth are key components in interior design, and the trends coming in reflect this. Giving your home a seasonal makeover needn’t cost the earth, and there are many simple upgrades you can make to bring the best out of your interiors. Getting inspired to update your living space is also an excellent stay-at-home project that will get your creative juices flowing and add value to your property. Let’s take a look at the trends this Autumn / Winter.
Moody Autumnal colours
To create a rich, moody, but sensual feel choose colours such as blue, burnt orange, magenta and forest green. These will add a depth and mystery to your living space, and when combined with floral print on the walls or upholstery – or woven into a rug design – will create a lush atmosphere. Navy blue has been voted Sherwin-Williams colour of the year, and this regal tone is surprisingly versatile, adding formality or a relaxing mood depending on where it is utilised.
Natural layers
To create alluring textures, natural materials such as wood for flooring, furniture or ornaments gives a warm comforting feel to any room. Wood can work just as well in the bedroom or the kitchen as the living room, and is even more effective when offset with natural fabrics such as rugs, bed linen, curtains or blinds. Wood also doesn’t have to cost the earth, there are plenty of plywood solutions that still have enough grain and texture to be elegant, no matter where you place them in the home.
Visible lighting
For an intimate feel this Autumn / Winter it’s time to forget about recessed lighting and bring it out into the open. Ornamental lamps – be they elegant table lamps, free standing options or mounted on the ceiling – are in for the colder months. Retro or classically ornate, they can bring a room to life. Think rustic or brass instead of chrome, decorative over minimal – and don’t overlook the impact a lampshade can make. Muted blue or champagne colours add a touch of sophistication to your space.
Nooks
Winter is the perfect time to curl up on a comfy sofa, chair, or even beanbag and relax with a book and a cup of tea (or a glass of wine). A reading nook will help you unwind, especially if you’re working from home and need to get away from your computer for an hour or so. Muted colours such as champagne, charcoal or a deep green are perfect for relaxation. And make sure you’re near a window for natural light, and preferably a radiator for maximum cosiness.
Unmatched kitchenware
Forget that nordic style minimalist approach to crockery and other kitchenware. Unique items add a cottage like feel to your kitchen, and also allows you to collect whatever takes your fancy at the time. Store your unmatched pieces on natural wood shelves to complete the effect. Traditional arts and crafts, from pottery, to baking, to foraging to embroidery all came into vogue during lockdown, and all of these pursuits can be beautifully displayed in your kitchen. Tea cosies, home made cups and saucers, wooden rolling pins and other baking equipment all look great and add a warm, comforting feel to your home.
Glamorous patterns
I keep saying it – forget minimalism. Classic printed wallpaper with jewel toned shades and intricate, illustrative patterns can be offset by simpler furniture, and add a glamour that darts back and forth between the indulgent elegance of the 1920s and the glitzy 1970s. Of course, it’s not just wallpaper you can use. Textiles on the floors, posters and paintings on the walls, ornaments and lamps placed on tables and intricate and decorative pendant lamps from the ceiling will transform your home into an exhilarating and intimate space.
There is no better time to roll up your sleeves and redecorate than Autumn. Use the chilly months to set up your home for the festive season and beyond.
