The art of being cosy

Curtains closed, slippers on, plans to go outside firmly off ­– autumn has begun. The cosiest time of the year deserves inviting interiors to match, so we’ve gathered our top tips to help you hunker down at home this season. From tactile textures to soft lighting and, of course, plenty of plants, follow our lead to bring a cosy autumn feel to your space. 

Tactile textures

Autumn layers aren’t just for your wardrobe. Pairing different materials and textures together is an easy way to create a cosy and inviting home. The devil is in the detail, and in this case that's all about contrast. Think a wool blanket on a cotton duvet, linen cushions on a velvet sofa, or a woven basket against a wooden floorboard. Plant pots are a quick and simple way to update your home, adding texture and tone to shelves, cosy corners or side tables. Pair a shiny brushed metal design with a tactile basket, or pop a glossy ceramic style in a wooden plant stand for a satisfying contrast. 

Leafy greens

Naturally we’re advocates for those leafy greens, not just because they look great but they’re also nature’s mood-boosters. Injecting a little greenery into your home makes you feel calmer, happier and healthier, and as the leaves outside start to fall, autumn is the perfect time to bring the outdoors in. Plants are also an easy way to instantly change the look and feel of a room for a new season, whether that’s popping a trailing plant on a shelf, adding a touch of greenery to a sideboard or filling a lacklustre corner with something large and leafy. Bonus points if you can display your plants together – group them in odd numbers and choose a mix of heights and foliage to create a more interesting look.

Mood lighting

Step away from the big light. Nothing says cosy quite like a soft, warm glow. Along with plenty of table and floor lamps, adding lights to unexpected places is a clever way to bring warmth to your space. Pop LED lights into your plant pots to create ambient lighting – and cast dramatic leafy shadows – or, better still, use a grow light to benefit both you and your leafy friend during the moodier months. For coffee tables and dining tables, candles are instant mood setters, casting everything in a flattering, inviting light.

Autumn hues

Autumn is the most colourful season of the year, so it feels only right to borrow from nature’s palette. Russet browns, warm reds and golden yellows bring the season’s shades indoors. A wooden plant stand or woven basket will add a cosy touch of brown, while an ochre pot will bring warmth in autumn and sunshine come spring. Red plants nod to the changing foliage outside while looking good all year round – an easy way to inject a pop of colour to your home this season. Just add a cup of tea, a dressing gown and a binge-worthy series for instant cosy vibes.