It seems that summer has passed us by. Those long, balmy days that we thought would never end now seem like a distant memory. It was a summer we would expect in the depths of the Mediterranean – scorching temperatures followed by clement light-filled evenings. Afternoons at the beach or park after work, and weekends in the company of friends and family enjoying countless BBQs and impromptu picnics.
We go into autumn with a hint of a heavy heart then. One that pines for the warmth of sunshine over drizzle, and summer evenings over dark, misty mornings. And yet, this transitional season before the onset of winter can bring with it a surprising wealth of comfort and warmth too. It is a time for cosiness, for lighting fires and nourishing, home-cooked meals. For curling up on the sofa and reading a few pages of your book. We may lose a little of that glorious sunshine, but the soon-to-be golden leaves of autumn still bring light and a promise of what’s to come.
Traditionally, when the cooler weather arrives, we tend to stay within the comfort of our homes. We look forward to settling in, getting home and staying warm. With the patio doors closed, the curtains drawn and the heating on, there are many small tasks and seasonal rituals we can do to prepare the home for autumn. While it’s always a good idea to consider what’s happening outside too – checking the gutters, trimming back the bushes, stowing away the garden furniture and stocking up on firewood – it is the inside which will reward us with comfort and warmth when the cold weather appears.
#1 cosy textures
It wouldn’t be autumn without an abundance of cosy throws, soft cushions, crisp bedding, new PJs and soft rugs underfoot. We associate colder temperatures with rich, sumptuous textures like velvets and faux furs that we can wrap around us and rely on to keep us toasty and warm. From our beautiful sofas to our new upholstered beds – both handcrafted here in the UK – we’ve got those Sunday morning lay-ins and Friday film nights covered.
Velvet Matte Cushion | Rosalie Faux Fur Throw | Banan Round Woven Rug | Rosalie Faux Fur Cushion
Bundle high with luxurious throws and super soft cushions.
#2 natural tones
When we think of autumn, a rich and earthy colour palette comes to mind. Heavily inspired by the changing leaves and colourful landscape, the earthy hues of burnt oranges, deep reds and rusty tones conjure up this change in season perfectly. We’ve highlighted a few of our favourite darker Farrow & Ball shades below – perfect for painting kitchen cabinetry, the front door or a feature wall – if you fancy a striking seasonal refresh.
Hague Blue | Downpipe | Studio Green | Railings
From solid sideboards to country-inspired coffee tables, investing in a new piece of furniture will provide an instant revamp to any room. Turning a hallway into one that is homely, or a dining room into one that is welcoming and sociable. In addition to offering ample storage, they are also perfect for displaying autumnal accessories. We love the look of dried hydrangea stems in a clear vase, or, for something more seasonal, place clusters of small pumpkins together in a bowl. If you’re looking for a little inspiration when it comes to colour and paint cards, read our post all about Colours that go with oak furniture.
#3 scent
Autumn evokes an array of seasonal scents – from smoky wood fires to wild foraged flowers, steaming hot chocolate to spicy pumpkin soup or delicious Sunday roasts. Coming home to your favourite scent filling the hallway always gives a wonderful sense of being home. We have a variety of sweet-smelling candles and reed diffusers available exclusively to our Cotswold Co stores if you happen to be visiting or passing by.
#4 soft lighting
With the nights slowly drawing in, adjusting to the darker days that follow can take some getting used to. With our beautiful ceramic lamps in various neutral hues and sizes, you can create a warm and welcoming home to come back to and enjoy.
Piper Table Lamp | Axton Table Lamp | Agustina Table Lamp
Warm lighting can do wonders for combatting those inevitable misty mornings too so consider the addition of a lamp beside your bed, in the hallway or in the living room to make getting up early that little bit easier.
#5 embrace Hygge
This Danish way of living has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and continues to influence how many of us spend our lives. Focusing on the beauty of good company, it’s all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures and learning to be content. Nourishing food, reading beside the fire or even something as small as lighting your favourite candle when you get home; it encourages us to enjoy, indulge and make the most of each new season.
Rope Handled Storage Basket | Tova Throw | Large Coconut Rug | Bree Merryn Cushion
Be more hygge.
When the darker evenings arrive and the afternoons remain cold and blustery, resign yourself to settling in, getting cosy and learn to let go of those everyday stresses by spending more time doing what you enjoy.
Whether we are lucky enough to see an Indian summer, or the more seasonal weather is just around the corner, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy our homes as we prepare for the colder months ahead. So walk, forage, cook, bake, read, get cosy, make plans and settle in – it’ll be here before you know it.
