How to create a cosy autumn home
Simple decor ideas for a seasonal update
Ah, autumn! I got a bit giddy last week reorganising my winter wardrobe, hanging up all my woolly jumpers, and putting the summer dresses away to rest. This has to be one of my favourite seasons because it’s all about change. The trees will shortly be turning from green into a blaze of glorious red, gold and burnt orange. Coupled with the crisp air and striking blue skies I love how the piercing autumn light scatters shards of light across the branches. The temperature is beginning to dip, and the days are getting shorter, so we naturally retreat inside our homes and cue the time to turn them into cosy little havens. Creating that inviting autumnal atmosphere goes beyond just pulling out a few blankets—it’s about layering softness, scent, and light to craft a space that wraps around you like a lovely warm hug.
Sofa: Custom Grace sofa from Love your Home upholstered in ‘Wonderland Floral’. Dylan Footstool upholstered in ‘Sherbert Stripe’, both from my collection: Sophie Robinson X Harlequin Selection of cushions from my collection with John Lewis. Basketweave Robe from my collection at John Lewis.
Scent the scene
Let’s start with one of the most underrated elements of cosy decor: scent. It’s amazing how a perfect fragrance can completely change the mood of a room. In autumn, you’ll want to lean into earthy, grounding scents—think smoky oud, warm amber, or a touch of spicy cinnamon.
Personally, I swear by SevenSeventeen’s Black Oud candle. It’s got this deep, woodsy aroma that instantly makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a snug mountain lodge! Place it in your hallway or living room to greet you with warmth the second you walk in.
And for something safer if you’ve got little ones or pets, essential oil diffusers are great. Try blending cedarwood with a bit of orange for a fresh yet cosy scent. Pop one in the bathroom or near the kitchen to spread the autumn vibe all over the house. Honestly, a few candles and diffusers can make your home feel like the ultimate autumn retreat.
The winning combination of Autumnal Foliage, a cented candle and a roaring fire. Oh Autumn how I love you! Credit: Kerry Lockwood on Instagram
Embrace cushions, throws & rugs
Nothing says autumn quite like layering up textures. Think of chunky knits, velvet cushions, and woolly throws—all of which make your space fabulously tactile. Swapping out your lighter summer fabrics for something thicker instantly changes the vibe of your room.
Add a few oversized cushions on your sofa and throw a cosy blanket over the armchair. I invested in an electric heated blanket last year and it’s heavenly! You’ll be ready for those dark nights in no time. If you’re feeling extra cosy, layer rugs underfoot—yes, layer them! It adds an extra sense of warmth, and there’s something about the feeling of stepping onto a plush rug that just screams “cosy.” I have heavier shaggier Moroccan rugs that I roll out in winter, that get replaced by lightweight kilims come summer.
Autumnal tones in Kate Watson Smyth’s Living Room. I love how Kate layers her Persian rugs to cover the entire living area floor in cosiness.
Experiment with layering pattern and texture to create a cosy and autumnal bedroom. Some knitted cushions and throws bought out this time of year is a simple but effective update. All items: Dunelm
Layer that Lighting
Autumn lighting is all about creating a soft, warm glow—perfect for snuggling up on those dark evenings. The bright overhead lights that felt fine in summer suddenly feel a bit too much, don’t they? Now’s the time to add in table lamps, fairy lights, and anything that gives off a gentle, cosy luminescence.
One of my favourite tricks is placing a lamp in dark corners or above artwork to create pools of light that draw you in. I even have lamps on my kitchen worktop and island. And yes, (in reply to an Instagram comment I recently received) fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas! Drape them along your mantlepiece or even string them around a mirror for a bit of twinkly magic.
Play with foliage styling and layered lighting for a warm and inviting interior. I love the warm colour palette and use of natural textures of Louise’s brand Sharland England. Credit: Louise Rowe Home
Switch up curtains, bedding & art
As the temperature drops, it is practical to switch to heavier fabrics. Replace those lightweight summer curtains with something more substantial, like velvet or thick interlined cotton fabric. You could even consider switching up the colour from pale to something richer like a deep autumnal russet red, forest green, or warm mustard yellow.
In the bedroom, swap out your light duvet for a higher tog one, and don’t forget to add an extra bed throw at the foot of the bed. Electric blankets are a dream if you really want to take the chill off! And if you’ve got the walls for it, why not switch up your artwork to reflect the season? Some botanical prints with autumn leaves or moody landscapes can make a space feel more seasonal in an instant.
Layer Bedding and even consider switching crisp white for a cosier colour as the seasons change. I love this mossy green palette in the home of Sandra Baker. Credit: The Idle Hands.
Bring Nature Inside: Foliage & Autumn Displays
Bringing the outdoors in is such a simple way to celebrate the season. I love to see displays of dried leaves, branches, or even berries. You can create a stunning tablescape or centrepiece for your dining table with pumpkins, conkers, pinecones, and dahlias—everything that embodies the beautiful colour palette of autumn.
You don’t even need to spend much; foraging in your garden or nearby woods can provide you with the most beautiful pieces of nature to decorate with. I once created a centrepiece using nothing but foraged leaves and some sprigs of wild berries—it looked stunning and cost absolutely nothing! My tip is to go oversized to create a really big statement.
Introducing seasonal flowers and foliage has to be my favourite way to honour the seasons. Love this Autumn wreath in the home of Gemma Mahabeer-Goldsmith. Credit: @my_midcenturymakeover
So while we say farewell to summer I’m ready to embrace the magic of Autumn, and the glorious change in colour that we see nature perform. I’m actually excited that my bath in the garden will soon be cold enough for my daily morning dips again! I think it’s all about getting ourselves in a positive mindset and by adding soft lighting, cosy textures, seasonal scents, and a few foraged autumnal accents, you can make your home both beautiful and practical for the colder months ahead.
What’s your favourite autumnal update? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear how you celebrate the changing season in your home!
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