My top interior design tips for creating a cosy home this autumn
Interior designer Abbie Lockett from Breathe Home Interiors lets us know her top tips for making your home a cosy sanctuary this autumn.
Hello everyone! Have you ever noticed how your home seems to change with you as the seasons come and go? Every year, I love seeing how the changing seasons can influence the way we style and enjoy our homes.
I don’t mean completely redecorating or following every new trend — sometimes, it’s the simple changes that make our homes feel just right for that particular moment. Now that the evenings are getting darker, I always find myself wanting to make things feel a little warmer, softer and more inviting by bringing in those cosy textures and warmer tones.
Think chunky throws, earthy florals, seasonal scents and little details that make you want to choose a cosy night in. Whether you’ve recently moved in or you’ve been settled in your home for a while, let’s get cosy together! I’m sharing my top five tips for creating a home that feels warm, welcoming and perfect for those cosy autumn evenings.
1. Layer up with texture
I think texture in interior design is so underrated. We often feel like we need to introduce colour to make a room feel interesting, but in my opinion, texture can do everything colour can — and sometimes even more.
As the seasons change, I love bringing in softer, warmer and more tactile textures. Adding a couple of chunky knitted throws to your bed, layering them with soft cushions, or introducing a cosy rug into your living space can instantly make a room feel more inviting.
My favourite textures at the moment are faux fur fabrics and natural woven materials — they add warmth and interest without having to change your whole colour scheme.
2. Create a warm glow with lighting
Any interior designer will tell you just how important lighting is within a home. It can completely transform the atmosphere of a room. As we head into autumn, why not have a little play around with the lighting in your home? You might be surprised at how much difference a few simple changes can make. Here are a couple of my favourite ways to create that cosy evening glow…
- Try not to rely on one main ceiling light. Instead, introduce different levels of lighting throughout the room. A table lamp on a sideboard, a floor lamp beside the sofa or even a wall light beside your bed can instantly make a space feel warmer, softer and more inviting.
- Warm white lighting can make such a difference in the evening, creating a beautiful, warm glow that feels much more inviting than cooler white light.
2. Create a warm glow with lighting
Any interior designer will tell you just how important lighting is within a home. It can completely transform the atmosphere of a room. As we head into autumn, why not have a little play around with the lighting in your home? You might be surprised at how much difference a few simple changes can make. Here are a couple of my favourite ways to create that cosy evening glow…
- Try not to rely on one main ceiling light. Instead, introduce different levels of lighting throughout the room. A table lamp on a sideboard, a floor lamp beside the sofa or even a wall light beside your bed can instantly make a space feel warmer, softer and more inviting.
- Warm white lighting can make such a difference in the evening, creating a beautiful, warm glow that feels much more inviting than cooler white light.
Watch Abbie in action as she talks about styling a home
3. Bring the outside in
“Bringing the outside in” is something I love to do in interiors, and I think it feels particularly fitting at this time of year. As the leaves begin to change colour and fall, there are so many beautiful natural tones, textures and shapes around us that can inspire our interiors.
You don’t need to go overboard with seasonal decorations. Instead, think about small, considered touches that bring that feeling of autumn indoors. Try adding earthy-toned cushions, autumnal flowers, or natural materials such as wood and woven baskets
4. Embrace seasonal scents
Of course, seasonal scents are one of my favourite finishing touches! Candles and diffusers with warm, comforting fragrances can instantly make a home feel more inviting, especially during the colder winter months.
One of my favourite things to do on a dark evening is to switch off the lights and light a few candles. I also love experimenting with different scents throughout my home, creating a subtle transition from downstairs to upstairs. I'm particularly drawn to amber fragrances, as I love their warm, rich tones and the cosy feel they bring to an interior.
When choosing a scent for your bedroom, opt for a fragrance you love and consider pairing it with a calming essential oil, such as lavender. Lavender can help create a peaceful atmosphere at the end of a busy day — something I think most of us could do with!
5. Create a cosy corner
There’s something really special about creating a little space that makes you want to stay in, slow down and enjoy your home. You don’t need a huge amount of space to create a corner that feels like somewhere you genuinely enjoy spending time.
It could be a cosy corner in your bedroom with a comfortable chair, or a little reading spot in the living room. Put all of the tips above into practice, and you’ve suddenly created a space you’ll actually want to sit back and enjoy.
I think this is particularly important when you’ve just moved into a new home. Don’t feel like every room needs to be finished immediately. Start by creating a few areas that you really love and build from there. Your home will naturally evolve with you over time.
Final words
For me, cosy season is all about slowing down, getting comfortable and enjoying the home you’ve created. Ultimately, creating a cosy home doesn’t have to mean making big changes.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference. So, light a candle, grab your favourite throw and enjoy making your home a little cosier this season!
Abbie x