Style your home for autumn impact with these three easy hacks. Budget beaters too
Bring the outside in
When you’re out rambling in the country side (walking the dog or just enjoying it!), look out for stuff you can forage – without upsetting farmers or landowners, or damaging plants. Interestingly shaped branches that have fallen and may be covered with lichen, for example.
Teasels are plentiful at this time of year, and can be sprayed (gold or silver maybe) or left to bleach on their own. Watch out if you gather a few in the wild – their stems are prickly and can stab you!
Ivy – I have masses growing in my garden in a living fence with my neighbour. Their flowers are really pretty, like clouds of pale green (bees and butterflies love them). And ivy lasts well inside, and is easily replaced when it’s looking a bit limp. It lasts even longer outside in a wreath. Spread it across your mantel. Tie a bunch together and stuff it into a tall vase to drape elegantly in a dim corner. The seed heads look stunning in a green wreath for your front door. I made one last year and it lasted until February when I regretfully took it down to make room for a spring one.
Pinecones – fill a bag as you ramble! Spread them across your mantel (in amongst the ivy?) or fill a tray or shallow basket to dress up your dining room or coffee table.
Switch your accessories
A wise friend of mine once said ‘Sue, you don’t need to redecorate – simply change your accessories to change the ambience of any room.’ And that’s what I do! (because I always pay attention to wise advice!)
Soft throws, blankets and cushions in colours to match or contrast with your room colours need only be bought once! Practical doesn’t mean boring!
Choose colours that add warmth, and accessories with interesting textures. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone a bit. You may surprise yourself – and if you don’t like the results, you can always make adjustments. Both Ikea and Dunelm have ranges to suit most budgets.
Or you may feel like splashing out as I did.
I wanted a change from neutral colours to warmth and style that would complement my African art pieces. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t break my budget.
Purchases I made
From rebelandashby.com – Gold convex mirror, medium gold pinecone, small gold pinecone, Eva and Ella candlesticks, Alice bronze candlestick.
From Dunelm: Grass woven vase
Dried foliage and faux wreaths
Dried grasses are available in all sorts of colours and can make a wonderful display. Try preserved eucalyptus (my new favourite!) – the scent is amazing and they hold their colour and perfume for over a year.
Faux wreaths of good quality (buy cheap and you may be disappointed) are worth investing in. Like your cosy throws and cushions, a faux wreath need only be bought once – and will last for several years. You add a pop of cheer and colour to your porch or hallway… and when the season is over, you simply pack it up and put it away until next year. A bit like Christmas decorations (I still have decorations from when I was a child. Haven’t the heart to throw them out!)
How will you style your home for autumn impact? I’d love to hear from you. Why not have a look at my Autumn Catalogue for inspiration!
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