As the sunny shades of summer transition to earthy autumnal tones, it’s time to switch the bright patterned cushions for warm knitted blankets and cosy throws. The changing of the seasons brings with it the chance to refresh your home interior, and this autumn you can dial-up the drama with dark colours and luxurious textures or create stunning mindful spaces with a botanical influence.
Autumn is the perfect season to dedicate time to the home improvement projects you’ve been planning but haven’t had the chance to get round to throughout the busy summer months. Anglian Home Improvements has come up with three top tips for style-conscious homeowners looking to update their home for the new season ahead.
GET RICH WITH COLOUR
The days will be getting shorter and nights will start drawing in, so there has been no better time to cosy up your home with warm autumnal shades.
While it is true that a neutral colour schemes provide a blank canvas, there is a lot to be said for introducing colour. Rich hues such as forest greens, intimate navy blues and luxurious greys look refined and elegant and continue to prove a popular choice for autumn.
If you aren’t feeling daring enough to paint an entire room, try painting a feature in the room such as an alcove or a wall of shelves. You could even incorporate a bold piece of furniture into the design of a room – such as a deep red sofa or armchair – to add colour and personality to your living space.
NATURE-INSPIRED STYLING
From working long hours to being increasingly absorbed by technology, the time we spend outdoors is becoming limited and we are missing out on the psychological and physiological benefits of our natural surroundings.
Defined as an innate connection between living things and nature, ‘biophilia’ not only connects us to the outside world – it is also believed to have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. It is therefore no surprise that interior trends are taking the lead from the outside world and no wonder it is proving such a hit with homeowners.
For those keen to continue to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors this autumn, keep your doors and windows open as much as possible, and introduce flowers and plants to provide a calmer and restorative environment. You can find top tips from Kew-trained botanist, broadcaster and author James Wong on biophilia at www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome.
ACCESSORISE WITH TEXTURE
Accessorising with soft furnishings and textiles can complete the overall ‘look’ of a room, and autumn is the perfect time to introduce texture. Adding key pieces such as statement cushions or a plush rug will go a long way, but combining multiple textural elements such as macramé and rattan or wood and fake fur will bring the space to life.
With texture sometimes less is more, so have fun experimenting but be sure not to overload the space with too many conflicting elements. Aim for a mix of rough, smooth, hard and soft materials and trial textures together before deciding what works best for your autumnal interior.
For more information about Anglian Home Improvements and its wide range of home improvement products, including double-glazed windows and doors, conservatories and orangeries, please visit www.anglianhome.co.uk