'Autumn is on it’s way' by Anouska Lancaster

1 September 2016

The evenings are drawing in, and soon it will be time to update your home's decor ready for autumn. This transition doesn't have to cost a lot or require much effort. There are several quick and inexpensive ways to give your home a look that's warm, cosy, elegant and autumn-ready.

Home and Garden on Female First

1. Go for autumnal colours - oranges, browns and rich greens instantly shout 'autumn'. There are many ways in which you can introduce these warmer hues. As the cooler season draws near, the high street is full of seasonal inexpensive accessories such as tableware, cushions and throws. Why not introduce tartan and woodland patterns for an extra dose of autumn styling?

2. Change your bed linen - Remove any cool crisp whites or summer linens and replace with warmer, cosier fabrics such as flannel or wool. Changing your duvet to a higher tog will instantly make your bed feel cosy and autumn ready. Add luxurious fabrics such as velvets or faux fur to feel 'as snug as a bug in a rug' at bedtime.

3. Seasonal displays - Create pretty displays with seasonal fruit, decorative pumpkins or pine cones. Using natural resources, you can easily create warm and visually appealing displays. Combine candles with fruit, pumpkins, gourds or nuts and arrange them in wooden boxes and crates, plates, platters or trays and place them around your home. The warm glow created by the candle light will make any home feel comfortable and warm.

4. Purchase some seasonal plants or flowers such as hydrangea and place them in vases on your dining table. Alternatively, cut a few branches from trees in the garden to create a beautiful autumnal display at a fraction of the cost. I have huge jars in my house that I like to fill with autumn stems and fairy lights which radiate a cosy glow.

5. Cosy candlelight - Bundle candles together on a tray in assorted heights and sizes. Light them when the sun starts to set, which is getting earlier and earlier now. Candles are the perfect accessory and can be easily switched up to change with the seasons. Choose scents that are rich, ideally with 'woody' tones to create an autumnal atmosphere.

6. Layer rugs, cushions and blankets - A quick way to add warmth to your room without changing the furniture is to simply add some warmth and texture with a few faux fur throw blankets and thick pile rugs. Cosy up your living room sofas and armchairs with plush pillows in different shapes, sizes and patterns. Comfy accessories will add visual interest to your living room, plus they'll emit a warm and inviting vibe; perfect for the new season.

7. Don't give up on the outdoors yet - While the temperatures are certainly cooler, we may still enjoy warm evenings ahead of us. When the evening air begins to give your guests a chill, make warm blankets available for everyone to use. Consider entertaining near a fire-pit or outdoor fireplace to generate some warmth and make your night more memorable. If you have a gas heater outside then make sure you have gas at the ready, so that these can be fired up as the temperature drops.

8. Welcome in the new season - The easiest way to say "hello autumn!" is to have a seasonal welcome mat by your front door. I like to change my front door mat with each season. It's a cheap and easy way to update your interior scheme, and at the same time prevents muddy or wet boots coming into your home as the weather changes.

9. Go for gold - Add some metallics to your interior scheme. Copper, bronze and gold tones are warmer than the cooler silver and chrome tones for autumn. These metallics will also add some glitz and glamour to the festivities that lie ahead as we approach the Christmas season.

10. Prep the fireplace for the cooler weather - Nothing is more welcoming on a cool autumn evening than the inviting warmth and glow from a crackling fireplace. It's perhaps the most perfect statement as we move towards the colder months. A working fire offers a stunning visual aesthetic; and is the ultimate in comfort and warmth. Stack logs either side of the fireplace for an extra dose of autumnal styling.