A back-to-school vibe and a chill in the air? There’s no way back… autumn has arrived. Lazier types might look forward to less weeding and lawn mowing, and a bit more snuggling up by the fire. But then we recall the need for a new front door/to lag the loft/to clear the gutters. Oh dear!
Let that wait a while. Back to the fun stuff which, in my book, is decorating, rearranging and shopping - and I’m not talking toilet rolls. A handful of new items made in natural materials such as ceramics, glass, stone, wool and wood will give your home a warm and welcoming autumn feel, bringing the outside in and keeping it peaceful and relaxing.
The easy, versatile autumn accessory
Luxury woollen throws are decorative and useful everywhere - the sitting room for late nights in front of the TV; on the bed to keep your toes warm at night; in the car to help the children sleep on a long journey or keep them cosy on the way to school; and outdoors, for autumn cook-outs and bonfire night. In contemporary shades of pumpkin, blue, grey and navy, with fringing and subtly different weaves, Armadillo Sun throws (it’s autumn so we can call them blankets if we want to) are a simple way to bring autumn colour, texture and style into your home. Made in the UK, they are all-natural, woven from 100% lambswool and complement the earthy colour palette that is so on trend this season.
Light up your life
I’m already missing those long sunny evenings. The prospect of the clocks going back always gets me thinking about lighting. This year I’m on the lookout for unusual table lamps, and the ones from Sussex-based lighting company Olive and the Fox are simply stunning. Take a look at its recycled glass lamps in pink and smoked glass, which create beautiful pools of light and reflect the flickers of a log fire. Their organic design is rustic yet glamorous. I’m also drawn to the Milk Urn lamp with its base of textured plaster.
The perfect luxury bean bag chairs and loungers for autumn
We’re best known for our inside/out luxury beanbag furniture for adults, but did you know that our chairs and loungers also come in super-soft faux fur, perfect for curling up indoors? All our bean bag furniture is handmade in the UK in our Kent workshop. These touchy-feely autumn/winter versions come in Cream and Alaska Fox (a pale grey) and are suitable for children and grown-ups alike. They sit in any setting, from a games room to a bedroom to fireside and, unlike conventional furniture, you can move them quickly and easily from room to room. If you already own one of our luxury bean bag chairs or loungers, why not add one of our faux fur covers to give it a cosy autumn feel?
A big project - the inner courtyard
You may be considering more of a major makeover for your home – an extension or a revamp, perhaps to create space for working from home. Especially with older houses, adding or sub-dividing rooms can result in dark spaces with limited, gloomy outlooks. Consider incorporating an inner courtyard that will create a calm, green space in the centre of your home and maximise light all year round.
Introduce more craft in your home
Brighton-based designer-makers Ash & Plumb create the most exquisite sculptures and sustainable homewares in woods such as sweet chestnut, sycamore, beech and elm, including bud vases, pendant lighting and plates, all showcasing the natural beauty of wood. Unusual, hand-crafted pieces in your home are always a talking point and I love to support small independent businesses!
I’m always optimistic and this year I’m embracing autumn in a big way. I hope you also enjoy getting set for a new season.
Caroline x