Snuggling up, settling in, call it what you want, the arrival of autumn is our cue to find our comfort zone. Small seasonal updates to your sitting room can help transform it into a nurturing space that will make sheltering from the elements extra special.
The key to happy hibernating
Stoke the fire, it’s time to get cosy. As the HQ for hunkering down, you’ve got to start with your sofa. The centrepiece of any sitting room that is serious about getting cosy, it’s essential that your couch is comfy. For that dreamy ‘ahhhhh’ factor you need something with a sumptuous ‘sink-in’ feel. Similarly, in a room that’s dedicated to relaxing, you don’t want to have to worry about your furniture, you want to be able to put your feet up without getting precious about it!
A cosy configuration
As the seasons change and we feel the need to cuddle up, think about the layout of your room. Can you shift the furniture around to emphasise the intimacy of the space and use your sofa to create a feel-good focal point? You’re also going to want a place to put your hot chocolate so think about finding a low-level coffee table, or a nest of tables.
Layer up
Take the edge off autumn by swapping light Summer fabrics and layering on soft, heavier weight textiles. Think plush cushions (we love velvet for a touch of luxe), chunky woven throws and blankets for maximum cosiness. If you’ve got bare floorboards, use a rug to soften the space or treat your feet to a woollen fleece. This also looks great draped on the back of a chair , the arm of a sofa or a stylish blanket box.
Shades of autumn
A hard wearing tartan fabric is a great way to add some eye-catching seasonal style to your scheme and works wonderfully in a cosy spot by the fire, as seen on our Dexter accent chair.
As well as introducing texture think about using colours to warm things up too. Echoing nature, an earthy palette of rich autumnal shades are a popular choice. If russets, lichen greens, tweeds and checks aren’t your thing you can create a similarly cosy vibe by incorporating intense moody colours like dark greys, muted neutrals, a deep purple or navy. They all blend beautifully with wood and other authentic materials for a sophisticated, restful feel.
Let there be light
Use light and shade to create a cocooning space that’s soothing with our Helsinki Lamp
If you’ve been stockpiling tea lights or saving those scented candles “for best”, now’s the time to dig them out. Light plays an important part in the atmosphere of any scheme and we crave it even more during the darker, colder months. Strategically placing subtle lighting at different levels around the room creates warmth and drama. As well as casting a gorgeous glow, lamps made from natural materials are a striking way to introduce reflective or tactile elements to your space.
Bring the outside in
As we all know, the Scandinavians are experts at making even the most simple spaces feel like a sanctuary. Part of this is down to their deep connection to the outdoors and ensuring this same love is reflected in their homes too. Take a leaf out of their book and gather little pieces of nature you might find on a walk or in the woods to decorate a sideboard or a shelf.
Make space for tech-free time
Sometimes switching off means going without the TV and technology. Use a rainy afternoon as the perfect excuse ditch your mobile and get back to basics with a book or a board game. To remind you to unplug more often, keep them handy in a storage footstool: a great place to stow everything from magazines to Monopoly.
Looking for more ways to embrace the new season? Check out our blog post on embracing autumn colours in your home here.
If you’re getting your living room ready for autumn and styling your Oak Furnitureland pieces, we’d love to see your pictures – make sure to share them use #OakFurnitureland on Instagram and Twitter.
