Time for an Autumn Reset?
After a truly record-breaking, long and hot summer, the evenings are finally beginning to draw in. The early mornings have brought a familiar autumnal fog to the M23 southbound towards Gatwick, and stepping outside now feels noticeably fresher.
For many of us, although the year is gradually drawing to a close, autumn brings with it a sense of a fresh beginning — an opportunity to pause, reset and turn the page. The children are settled back at school, routines have found their rhythm, and we haven’t yet reached the manic rush of the pre-Christmas build-up.
It feels like the perfect moment to give our homes an autumn reset.
In this journal, we explore a range of ideas, from small, simple changes to more considered projects, all designed to refresh your home and embrace the new season.
A reset doesn’t necessarily mean embarking on a complete renovation of the whole house, although for some, that may be exactly what is needed. Often, it is the smaller changes that can have the greatest impact — rearranging a room, introducing warmer textures and colours, editing what no longer serves us, or simply creating a little more calm and comfort.
Sometimes, all it takes is a few thoughtful changes to make a home feel renewed, as though we have turned the page and begun a new chapter.
Declutter
It sounds simple, but for many of us — and our clients — decluttering can be surprisingly difficult. A good place to start is with the obvious remnants of summer.
Clothes are an easy first step. Sort through anything you haven’t worn this summer and, unless it genuinely brings you joy or has a very definite future purpose, consider donating it to charity. Store the pieces you want to keep in vacuum-sealed bags ready for next year.
Outside, clean and cover barbecues and outdoor kitchens, and clean and store away outdoor furniture where possible.
Inside, clear surfaces and return rooms to their essentials. It is much easier to consider how a space could be refreshed or reinvented when it isn’t already overcrowded.
And don’t forget the ‘man drawer’. Clear out old batteries, cables and the assorted detritus that has accumulated over the year. Sometimes, a little editing is all it takes to make a home feel calmer and more considered.
Reconfigure the space
As the darker months arrive, the garden view and easy access to French or bifold doors become less important. It can be a good time to rethink your furniture arrangement and refresh a familiar room, helping us appreciate the home we are blessed with.
Make sure you think about pathways and traffic flow, though. Not every attractive arrangement is practical for everyday living! Sometimes a little experimentation is all it takes to discover a better use of the space.
Soft furnishings
As autumn draws in, it’s the perfect time to make our homes feel warm, cosy and inviting. Think soft velvets, chunky knits and layers of comforting texture.
I really like this basket-weave cushion from John Lewis in two of this season’s warmest, most uplifting shades: Ginger and Avocado.
Tactile throws bring a little touch of luxury to a room, while also appealing to that part of us that just wants to snuggle up and hibernate through the colder months.
I love this Sourdough and Latte faux-fur throw from French Bedroom — wonderfully soft, warm and inviting. Nice dog, too!
Colours of the Season
There’s something wonderfully comforting about this autumn colours. The palette is warm, rich and earthy, with deliciously spicy browns such as Ginger and Cinnamon bringing a cosy, enveloping feel.
We’re particularly fond of Marmelo and Red Earth from Farrow & Ball — warm, characterful shades that glow beautifully as the evenings draw in.
Reds are rich and sumptuous, from deep plummy tones to rusty brick, while greens are becoming warmer and more olive-toned, such as The Botanist from Paint & Paper Library.
Neutrals range from pale, buttery creams to deeper, pinkier taupes, creating soft and welcoming backdrops for all those lovely autumnal textures.
Together, these colours create a wonderfully warm and cocooning feel — perfect for making home a little more inviting as the colder months arrive.
Wallpapers
Wallpaper can bring wonderful depth and drama to a room, particularly when the pattern suggests texture or has a tactile quality of its own. Botanicals can be especially enchanting, drawing you into a hidden world of delicate leaves, flowers and little details.
I adore the Enchanted Gardens wallpaper by Woodchip & Magnolia. The layered neutrals of the Winter White (above, left) option are beautifully soft and sophisticated, but if you’re feeling braver, the same pattern comes in plenty of richer, bolder colourways, like Evergreen (above, right)
For something simpler, I also love Stag Toile (right) in Chocolat from the Révolution Papers collection — a warm, characterful pattern that brings plenty of charm without overwhelming the room.
Lighting
One of the loveliest ways to give your home a seasonal refresh is to rethink the lighting. Layered lighting — task, ambient, accent and decorative — is, to me, fundamental to good interior design and can completely transform the atmosphere of a room.
As the evenings draw in, we naturally want our homes to feel warmer, softer and more inviting. Introduce pools of gentle light with table and floor lamps, and look for tactile materials such as textured ceramics, warm metals or beautiful coloured glass.
There’s something wonderfully comforting about switching off the brighter overhead lights and creating a softer, more intimate glow. A few carefully chosen lamps can make even the most ordinary evening at home feel that little bit more special.
Top: John Lewis Annie Ceramic Table Lamp, Set of 2, Sienna
Below Left: Blob Lamp in Marmalade from Porta Romana
Below Right: Camber Amber Glass Shade Wall Light from the Wall Lighting Company
To be continued shortly… we have some autumn moodboards if you are thinking of a larger-scale home refurbishment…
Images from retailers mentioned, from Pexels and (of Sheffield Park) from Miles Smith.