Autumnity
Styling ideas to carry you through to Christmas
The following are 7 of our favourite ideas from embracing the best “Autumniness” this change of season brings, from celebrating the riot of colour on display to cosying up for those longer darker days that hail winter. Try one, or all and enjoy the best Hygge season has to offer.
Pick Your Palette
The best way of starting to build your colour palette when styling for the seasons is to start with your base colour. Are you starting with a warm base like blue or terracotta, or something cool and neutral like grey or cream? From here you can begin to build your palette; warm colours compliment cool shades while tonal contrast will build on a bold base colour. Try these combinations for a beautifully cosy start to the hygge season;
Deep blue with terracotta (add warm cream and greys to compliment)
Russet and pink (great with touches of sage greens and soft browns)
Terracotta, plum and warm grey (subtle metallic accents add a luxe feel to this scheme)
Get Your Light Right
Light intensity plays a vital role in creating an inviting atmosphere. Blinds and sheer curtains diffuse the light and create softness. Candles and lamps create warmth and cosiness. Try varying the light levels to create a cosy atmosphere.
Setting candles and lamps at varied heights will help smaller spaces seem bigger and bring a large area more together.
Layer Up
Adding different fabric weights creates depth and creates a feeling of comfort. Try mixing different textures and surfaces; leather sofas with warm wool blankets or soft linen with corduroy. Cable knits and heavy weaves add weightiness whilst light wool and linen create softness. With the changeable weather having the option to add layers is a must.
Create a Table Scape or Centre Piece
Adding decorative elements to sideboards or table centre pieces is an easy way to update a colour palette. Try coloured candles, natural fabric table runners, stoneware jugs and mismatched candlesticks to add interest. Bowls of pumpkins, squashes, pine cones and holly are a simple way to reflect the changing seasons.
For a showstopper centre piece, show off your home made seasonal food stuffs on platters and raised dishes.
Add Seasonal Accessories
Use dried flowers to pull together colour schemes and create cohesion. If you’re feeling really adventurous, add in extras like pussy willow, dried grasses and feathers to vases for a wow factor. Wire flowers add a sculptural element. Chinese lanterns and pumpkins are an easy way to add warmth and a festive feel.
Mix It Up
Juxtapose natural fabrics like linens, hessians and wool with stoneware accessories and wooden or stone table tops. Mixing glassware, stone ware and ceramics create layers of visual interest and adding fabric napkins and tablecloths keeps it feeling soft.
Play with colours; pick two or three and work across your accessories to keep it cohesive or embrace the eclectic and mix and match colours and surfaces for a visually rich theme.
Don’t Forget Scent
Scent is one of our most powerful senses; reed diffusers, scented soy candles and incense sticks are all extremely easy ways to add an extra seasonal layer of cosiness. Woody and smoky scents like teakwood and tobacco or sandalwood are a rich autumnal option or spicy cinnamon, rich warming clove and fresh zesty orange add a more Christmassy feel.