1. Go Brown (Yes, Really!)
Chocolate, caramel, and espresso shades are popping up on everything from rugs to tiles and walls. As striking (and practical for homes with kids or pets) as a brown sofa can be, it’s best to start small with a vase or cushion and build from there. Sostrene Grene has a wide range of brown textiles and furnishings to help you test out the trend.
Another option is to refresh walls or furniture with a coat of brown paint. This will pair beautifully with other autumnal tones such as rust, ochre, and forest green, while also grounding softer neutrals like cream and blush. Painting an internal door, skirting boards, a bookshelf, or even a wall will quickly dial up the cosiness factor.
Try the ganache-inspired Affogato from Little Greene or the soft cinnamon-brown Hidden Valley from Benjamin Moore Paint.
2. Warm Up with Bulbs and Lamps
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to get your home autumn-ready, and the best part is, you don’t need to buy new fittings or call an electrician to enjoy the glow. Simply swap your existing bulbs or LEDs for amber-toned versions to create a warm atmosphere. B&Q sells a good selection.
Replacing lampshades with ones in warm materials such as brass or wicker is another easy win. Try Next for stylish and affordable options.
3. Try a Designer Dupe
This season, it’s easier than ever to channel designer style without the hefty price tag. Some of our favourite high-street finds include:
- Lakeland’s colourful 8-in-1 Only Pan (£60), a dead-ringer for the iconic Our Place Always Pan (£125).
- The Otto duvet cover set by Made.com (£50 for a king size), strikingly similar to the Kemptown Stripe from Piglet in Bed (£199).
- Georges navy Bobbin lamp (£15) from Asda Direct, a budget-friendly option that channels the look of Pooky’s £72 design.
4. Block Out the Draught Stylishly
Insulating and draught-proofing your external doors is crucial as the weather gets cooler. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. This season, many high-street stores are offering plush and patterned draught excluders.
Among our favourites are the Ollin (£25) from Perch & Sparrow, and Dunelm’s Linford Stripe (£16) from Dunelm.
5. Bring Nature Indoors
A touch of the outdoors can make a big difference to the look and feel of your home, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Instead of splurging on fresh flowers, fill vases with branches for a sculptural centrepiece, or use dark foliage such as eucalyptus parvifolia and Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ to create an instant focal point.
You can find these at most local florists, while retailers such as Layered Lounge offer a convincing faux selection — cheaper, and no one will notice.
6. Get Cosy with Textiles
Swapping lightweight linens and cottons for velvet, wool, and chunky knits is an easy way to prep your home for autumn. A throw draped over the arm of a sofa, cushions, or a bedspread in earthy tones can instantly transform a space at low cost.
H&M and Zara Home have a wide selection. Instead of buying new cushions, consider investing in covers — they are easy to store away when spring rolls back around.
7. Spice Up Your Room Scents
Change breezy summer florals for warm notes such as cinnamon, clove, and sandalwood. Room diffusers and sprays often last longer than candles and are just as decorative.
Rituals has recently launched a limited-edition reed diffuser, Intuitia (£37.90), with notes of saffron and vanilla that linger for up to three months.
For a DIY approach, try making your own seasonal scent. Simply simmer sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks in plenty of water on the hob to give your kitchen an instant aromatic boost that can last for hours.
8. Dress the Dining Table
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