Ahh, Autumn! It’s definitely our favourite season. From the explosion of colour as the leaves turn from green to gold, to that slight nip in the air tinged with the whiff of bonfires, it really is a season to enjoy. As the nights start to draw in and we begin spending more time at home again, it’s time to start thinking about making our home warm and cosy.
At So Just Be, we like to decorate and spruce up our homes for every season. With that in mind, in today’s blog, we’re going to look at some ways that we can welcome Autumn or Fall (as our American cousins call it) into our homes. It’s always fun to revamp our surroundings and taking advantage of the changing seasons to do this will also put you in a fresh state of mind for the months ahead.
The Final Cut
Before we head into the house, it’s time to start assessing your garden. Now is the time to start thinking about putting your lawnmower away for the season. Let your grass grow to a good length, give it a good trim and then let it go until spring.
If you enjoy spending a lot of time in your garden then start getting it Autumn-ready. String up some outdoor lights and invest in a traditional cheminiere or patio heater to create a cosy outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy. Plant some autumn pots with seasonal favourites such as Michaelmas Daisies or Dahlias. You can create some beautiful combinations with different varieties of alpine flowers that will be sure to make your garden feel lively and ready for the colder seasons.
Wreaths and Garlands
We have noticed that a lot more people are choosing to put seasonal wreaths and garlands on their front doors throughout the year, rather than just waiting for Christmas. We love them! There’s nothing like a pop of colour on a dull front door to brighten things up!
For Autumn, why not invest in a new front door decoration? There are some great wreaths available from places like Amazon and Argos that look lovely and won’t break the bank. You could even try making one yourself. There are plenty of ‘how-to’ articles online that will show you how to make a decorative treat such as this one from Hobbycraft.
Garlands also look fab when they’re used on the staircase, particularly with some sparkly fairy lights wrapped along them. They can also be used to brighten up your kitchen and make it feel more rustic and cosy. Whatever you choose to do with them, a bit of decor brings a lot of cheer to a home that you may have spent far too much time in over the past two years.
Candles and Autumn Scents
My partner often tells me I have too many candles but he has no idea what he’s talking about. ‘Use one up first before buying another one’ indeed! Does he not realise that they work best in a cluster? We don’t think you can ever have too many candles.
Candles bring a sense of calm and warmth to a room. The soft glow works so well in any area of the house. For Autumn, we recommend investing in some scented candles with smoky, spicy scents to mimic that ‘open log fire’ seasonal ambiance. Colours are important too – whites, ambers and reds and yellows can all work well positioned together and make a lovely display!
Another way to add autumnal scents to your home could be through the use of reed diffusers or that old classic, potpourri. The good thing about potpourri is that it can be decorative too and is available in a huge range of colours and scents. With the right bowl, it can provide a wonderful centerpiece on your coffee table as it fills your room with beautiful scents.
Textures and Patterns
With the temperature starting to drop, you can start adding textures and patterns to your home with some throws and blankets across you sofas and chairs. Using warm tones will enhance the sense of comfort you feel when cosying up after a long day. Consider investing in new cushion covers to add a splash of colour and additional texture to your lounge. Old timey patterns such as tweed or tartan can add a touch of that rustic vibe and are now available in a wide variety of colours to complement any living room.
In the bedroom, why not treat yourself to a new bedspread with a pattern incorporating seasonal shades such as mustard, copper or marsala. Faux fur rugs are quite fashionable again this year and can add an extra layer of warmth for chilly Autumn nights. Again, a few strings of fairy lights can create an additional cosy vibe to your room (and can be safer than candles in case you fall asleep).
Halloween Decor
Halloween is by far my favourite time of the year and is a wonderful excuse to hang creepy decorations inside and outside of the house. For those who are less enthused or just want to add a touch of the festivites to their autumn decor, there are many small things that you can add to your home to acknowledge the seasonal celebration.
Pumpkins are particularly versatile – carving them is a fun activity for the family and you get to make soup at the same time! But it doesn’t stop there. Nowadays you can find all kinds of pumpkin themed decor for your home from cute cushion covers to mugs to soap dispensers!
Another nod to the season can be had with adding some ornamental skulls or skull patterned fabrics to your home. They’re not for everyone but they are very fashionable and can be used all year round. The mexican sugar skull design is particularly popular and can be found on a wide range of homeware items in a multitude of colours. You could invest in a playful cookie jar or some funky wall art to add an adventurous twist to your home. Embrace your wild side and investigate adding a spooky element to your home this Autumn.
Autumn is such a colourful and cosy time of year and we hope that the above tips provide you with inspiration on how to welcome the season into your home. Decorating your home should be fun and adding a few fresh ideas can do wonders for your mental health as the nights begin to draw in. So get comfy, light a few candles, have a nice glass of wine and enjoy all of the elements of the season.
SJB
So Just Be 