Autumnal, and not a gourd in sight … Photograph: Getty View image in fullscreen Autumnal, and not a gourd in sight … Photograph: Getty Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
From tactile textures to softer lighting, these expert-approved updates bring all the warmth of autumn while steering clear of Sleepy Hollow vibes
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Prefer the Guardian on Google A fter a long, hot summer, the autumn chill is creeping in and, according to social media, that means one thing: cosy season. I’m all for a blanket, a candle and those gorgeous amber and russet shades, but I’m less convinced that welcoming autumn requires turning your home into Sleepy Hollow.
Pumpkins, faux foliage and Jack Skellington-shaped everything might be some people’s idea of heaven, but I’d rather bring in the season without needing to overhaul my lounge by December. As interior designer Lia Gold, winner of BBC’s Interior Design Masters, puts it: “There are so many ways to make your home feel cosier without it having to smell like pumpkin spice.”
So, with a little help from interior experts, I’ve hunted down pieces that feel suitably toasty for autumn, but will work just as well for the rest of the year.
The “easiest and most affordable way” to welcome autumn is to change the colours of your cushions and throws, says Gold. She also recommends leaning towards fabrics such as wool in a herringbone weave, which feels particularly cosy. This John Lewis blanket ticks all the boxes, especially in autumnal burnt orange.
View image in fullscreen John Lewis herringbone Shetland lamb’s wool throw
One of my favourite rituals when the weather turns is retreating to the sofa and cocooning in a blanket. I was given this Dunelm teddy fleece blanket one Christmas, and it’s so soft that, thanks to its versatile neutral shade, it’s stayed in my lounge year-round.
View image in fullscreen Dunelm teddy bear throw
For more, read our guide to the best heated throws and electric blankets
Colour is undoubtedly a defining part of the season. Tash Bradley, director of interior design at home decor brand Lick, describes autumn’s palette as “almost like opening your spice cupboard: saffron, turmeric, cinnamon and paprika”.
But don’t go overboard. “I think it’s important that an autumn palette doesn’t simply look like you’ve recreated an autumnal walk inside your house,” says Bradley. That’s where colours such as teal and blue can offer a welcome contrast. “They bring a different energy to those earthy shades,” she says, “evoking the sea, an open sky, a favourite coastal walk or somewhere they’ve travelled.”
Cushions are an easy way to introduce new tones, and I love M&S’s affordable velvet options in shades of spice, chestnut and caramel, alongside a pretty, dusty blue.
Mix cushion sizes and shapes, says Gold. “I recommend odd numbers, so think threes or fives. Start with a larger cushion at the back, like a 50cm by 50cm, then work towards the centre with smaller rectangles and a lumbar cushion to top it off.”
View image in fullscreen M&S velvet cushion
If you prefer a little more pattern, this art nouveau botanical cushion introduces rich colour with a subtle nod to changing foliage. The velvet and intricate print feel suitably sophisticated, rather than tipping into kitsch. Of course, at £195, it’s an investment, but this is the kind of cushion you can keep for years and…