Five ways to update your home for autumn

Style experts share their top tips to freshen up your interiors this season.

1. Colour

Nothing says autumn like a palette of seasonal shades.

“Sage, plum and burnt blush work beautifully together, as do peacock, mustard and terracotta,” says Perth style blogger and Adairs ambassador Tarina Lyell, who recently hosted a styling session at the launch of Adairs’ newest WA store in Cannington.

“These colours are easily introduced through scatter cushions or throws and can be restyled throughout the year.”

Sara James, director of property styling and staging company Perth Style Co, agrees that colour is key to creating a fresh new-season feel.

“As we transition into the autumn-winter season, it’s important to embrace moody hues and rich colour tones such as charcoal grey, forest green, midnight blue, rust reds and inky tones,” she says.

“Whilst these are somewhat dark and heavy, this rich colour palette can be easily broken up with touches of timber and textured soft furnishings to achieve a soft, relaxed feel for a soulful home.”

And Dulux spokeswoman Andrea Lucena-Orr’s pick for the hot hue of the season? “Expect to see soft grey-green — this season’s ‘new neutral’ — paired with shades of olive, dusty pink, and invigorating accents of rich, blue-green and ochre to create a sumptuous look that’s grounded in nature.”

2. Texture

“Texture is also a huge element of styling in autumn and winter,” Ms Lyell says.

This is particularly true in the bedroom. “If you’re wanting to style a plain linen quilt cover, you can always add texture by using a chunky throw or some fringed velvet cushions,” she says.

And it’s not only materials but prints, Ms Lucena-Orr says. “Think cosy knits, aged leather, velvets and block prints.”

3. Layers

After a long hot summer, autumn-winter is all about bringing warmth back into the home.

“Layering is key for autumn and winter styling,” Ms Lyell says. “By adding soft layers, you will create a cosy, inviting space that looks appropriate for the cooler seasons.”

She cites sheepskin rugs as a great layering tool: “They’re so easy to layer on top of a quilt or draped over a bedroom chair, and they instantly add warmth and texture to the room.”

Ms James agrees that luxe, tactile materials are an autumn must: “Winter is the season for snuggling up on the sofa so think indulgently and incorporate a range of layers throughout your home in luxurious fabric blends such as knits, felts, velvets and furs. When paired with your sofa or favourite lounge chair, you can achieve that perfect winter warmth with minimal effort and expense.”

4. Lighting

The days may be getting shorter but with the right lighting your home will never feel dark and gloomy.

“Switch up your overhead lights with some purposeful table lamps instead,” Ms James says.

“Not only are these lamps super practical, they’re also understatedly elegant and build on that winter ambient feel.”

5. Accessories

Updating your interiors needn’t mean completely replacing your decor. Simply adding a few new accessories can completely transform a space.

“Simply updating your cushions can change the entire look and feel of your room,” says Elaine Ellis, owner of Osborne Park-based retailer Henry & Oliver. “You can be brave and choose darker and warmer colours for the winter months.”

She also suggests mirrors: “We need all the light we can get in the colder darker months ahead” — rugs as well as small accessories.

“Bright florals such as orchids can be a lovely centrepiece.”

EXPERT TIP: “Set up a cosy corner,” Andrea Lucena-Orr says. “A comfortable armchair or a window seat with a few soft cushions is the perfect spot to spend an autumn’s afternoon with a good book.”