As the days grow shorter and the air takes on a crisper edge, what we need from our homes begins to change, gone are the light, hot, balmy days of summer and in come the chilly nights of winter – and with them a need for interiors that ease our cooler, darker days and provide the perfect setting for the hosting of party season.
Whether you’re updating your show home for prospective buyers or simply looking to cosy up your own space, here are 10 creative ideas inspired by current trends to ready your home for Autumn/Winter 2024.
Earth Tones
Autumn is the ideal time to embrace warming earthy tones like olive, ochre, rust and clay. These shades will bring a grounding energy to a room without drowning out design details. Go all in by taking these colours to the walls (maybe even the ceiling) or start small by bringing in terracotta vases, honey-coloured fringed cushions or forest green faux fur throws. This year’s trending palettes also include burnt oranges, spiced deep reds and laid-back coffee browns, all which perfectly complement winter textures like wool and boucle.
Colour Drenching for a Cocooning Effect
One of the most exciting trends for Winter 2024 is colour drenching. This involves painting walls, ceilings, and even furniture in a single shade to create an immersive and enveloping space. Dark hues like night sky navy or moody forest green are perfect for creating a soothing retreat-like atmosphere in bedrooms and living rooms—ideal for cocooning during those chilly evenings. Although this trend might seem a little daunting, it’s one of the most budget friendly ways to make maximum impact.
Soft Geometry
Curved, organic shapes in furniture have been key for 2024, where croissant-shaped sofas have become the epitome of style. This season, continue to embrace this trend, switching up angular corners with soft, rounded, cloud-like edges for increased comfort levels and a welcoming atmosphere that nurtures both relaxation and flowing conversation.
Pumpkin Spice
From real pumpkins trailing by your doorstep to fabric pumpkins used indoors, is it really Autumn if you don’t embrace this seasonal styling trend? There’s no need to stick to traditional orange varieties either, pumpkins in muted-tones or deep burgundy used as centrepieces in dining areas, along windowsills or fireplaces, and paired with eucalyptus create the perfect festive look. For a more subtle approach, we love a small gathering of boucle or knitted cream pumpkins placed in a discreet spot on shelving or side table.
Winter Layers
Layering is your seasonal best friend. Pile on soft throws, large knit blankets, and oversized cushions in sumptuous materials like velvet, faux fur, and chunky wool. Layering will create texture and depth, making any room feel instantly more intimate and lived-in. For a more Scandi-twist on winter layering add sheepskin rugs paired with plaid blankets to the backs of chairs and/or benches. We even love to add a sheepskin rug to the end of the bed for extra snug-worthy sleep.
Irregular Dining
We know this seems like an odd thing to suggest as a seasonal switch-up, but irregularly shaped dining furniture is really having a moment, so we suggest saying goodbye to the standard rectangular dining table and embracing irregularity this winter. These style tables not only provide a conversation starter but also encourage more dynamic interactions, perfect for hosting intimate winter dinners.
70s Revival with a Warm Twist
The 70s are back, but with a cosy upgrade. Think shag pile rugs, chenille fabrics, and colour combinations like purple, khaki green and burnt orange that bring retro vibes into a contemporary space. Lean into this design eras rich palette of textures and hues to create a vibrant yet cosy aesthetic ideal for colder months. Lava lamps are optional.
Evening Glow
Statement lighting is key for brightening up dark winter evenings at home. Opt for metallic shades or bold angular pendants to feature above dining tables to increase hosting aesthetics, invest in a sculptural floor lamp to illuminate dark corners, and use mushroom lamps in places that need an extra warming glow. For minimal effort, you can simply change bulbs from cool tones to warm or increase your candle collection – because who doesn’t love a candle.
Winter Scents
In come the seasonal fragrances – spiced apple, warm cedar, rich sandalwood and fresh pine – to create an ambient winter home that feels like a hug for the senses. However, scented diffusers have moved on from the generic bottle, our chosen scents will now be displayed in artisanal décor pieces in organic form or moulded glass design, combining both scent and style.
The Return of Velvet
Velvet continues to reign supreme in the world of interiors this season. Whether you decide to reupholster a statement armchair or introduce velvet cushions in jewel tones, this fabric will always add richness and depth to any room. We love this fabric for its ability to add a sense of opulence, particularly when paired with other winter favoured textures like boucle or faux fur.
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