I’m an interior expert – five tips to make your home cosy for autumn on a budget
SEPTEMBER has officially arrived, meaning most of us are now hunting out the cosy autumn decor.
With darker nights and colder temperatures looming, we’ll all be looking forward to being snug at home.
But it doesn’t need to cost a fortune to give your home an autumn glow-up, according to experts.
Interior designers have revealed their top five tips to get your home ready for the upcoming season without forking out a fortune.
Trends expert at Tapi Carpets and Floors, Johanna Constantinou has shared some inspiration on how to get through darker evenings.
From adding mood lighting to bringing in fan favourites, and pumpkin-spiced candles, there are some quick ways to add that cosy feeling without over splurging.
These easy tips will help you make your home feel welcoming and cosy, ready for colder days.
Johanna says: “With the autumnal months drawing in, many of us may be spending more time in our homes and craving the need to cosy up our space with the changing seasons.
“Try simply switching your cushion covers for more autumnal fabrics or add the pumpkin spice candle to your hallway for the real seasonal scents.
“There are plenty of ways to adapt your home this season on a budget.”
Place candles around your home
One easy way to make your home cosy is by putting candles around the room.
Johanna explains: “Placing candles around your home adds a warm light, perfect for rainy autumn days.
“There is a sheer abundance of inexpensive candles in all scents and colours.
“Choosing neutral tones will help in adding that extra cosiness to your home.
“Picking candles with earthy scents, such as sandalwood or lavender, can add a calming and luxurious feel to your home for those chilly evenings.”
Add mood lighting with fairy lights
Have you got a box of fairy lights kicking about somewhere? Well, you can now pull them out and use them to make your home autumn-ready.
Experts say: “Opt for fairy lights with warmer tones to add the perfect, warming feel to any room.
“Additionally, if they’re solar-powered, they can be recharged in the light near a window during the day.
“An inexpensive addition to your home!”
Mix up textiles
Having numerous blankets and cosy cushions around your home is the perfect way to turn it into a haven at this time of year.
Johanna advises: “Stocking up on blankets is a must!
“Adding textured cushions in warm, neutral tones provides an even more welcoming feel.
“If you’re on a budget, both cushions and blankets can often be purchased second-hand in charity shops – and you can often find unique pieces to suit your style.
“Also, keep an eye out for sale items you might like that match your current décor.”
Add lots of plants
One surprising way to make your home perfect for autumn is by having loads of plants in empty spaces.
The experts explain: “Sticking with natural decorations, plants are a must-have.
“Not only do they increase the quality of air in your home, but they also add a pop of greenery and homey feel to any space.
“Check for specific care instructions before buying, as some plants may prefer a shady spot whereas others require full sunshine.
“Texture is the key finishing touch if you want to achieve bringing the outdoors in. It connects the rough with the smooth, adds contrast to colours and builds visually pleasing layers throughout.
“Use a range of fabrics, work with wood, metal and tiles, and create accents with mood lighting and mirrors to complete the look.
“Layer your approach by using macramé hangers from the ceiling with pots of ferns, arching stems and then utilise any shelves to showcase a selection of pots and textures.
“This allows you to use all the space that you’ve got to fully immerse any room into the trend.”
Paint colours to avoid this autumn
NOW that autumn officially underway, homeowners may be looking to embrace the seasonal change with a fresh coat of paint.
But while some popular shades have stood the test of time, others have quickly fallen out of vogue.
Interior design expert Anne Haimes, design director and founder of Anne Haimes Interiors, shares the colours that have lost their magic and what to replace them with.
- Navy blue – Navy blue is one of those classic shades that will never fully disappear, but while it exudes sophistication it can lack warmth and homeliness. Try dark olive green instead.
- Bland grey – While it was once celebrated for the timeless and versatile appeal it oozed, trends have now evolved to more complex and intriguing colours and warmer tones are more favourable.
- Garish red – The bold primary red might be too harsh for interiors and a softer shade can look very modern. Try brown-toned reds like rust instead.
- Barbie pink – This is perfect for adding a feminine punch to interiors, but it can hard to live with. If you want to maintain the bright, electrifying tones you can try an electric coral instead.
- Typical teal – While teal tones were all the rage especially when combined with blue and green hues they have become somewhat overused and predictable. Instead, try earthy tones like terracotta and olive green or muted tones like sage and muted lavender.
Decorate your walls with pictures
If you’re staring at a blank wall when sitting on the sofa, then it is time for a change, Johanna says.
She suggests: “Add your own photos and paintings to your gallery. If you’re wanting to add picture frames, take a look at inexpensive wooden options.
“Or, you could mix-match your finds from a charity store.
“Another option is to teach yourself to macrame a boho-style wall hanger to add some dynamic decoration to your wall.
“You will find dozens of instructions videos online and could spend rainy days working on your new wall piece.”