Suffering autumn blues? It's official: dressing your home to suit the season improves wellbeing...

(Image credit: Homesense)

published 30 September 2019

As the weather turns and we prepare for a very rainy autumn, your bright and cheery summer-themed decorations start to look a little sad. Taunting, even. Your outdoor cushions are soaking wet from the most recent shower because you forgot to put them in storage, and your living room is longing for a candle or two – to add warmth, let's be honest, as much as ambience.

Scandinavian room ideas: get all the hygge vibes

The good news is that redecorating to welcome in the new season actually helps to cheer us up as we say goodbye to summer. A study by Homesense has revealed that 88 per cent of us make changes for the autumnal months, and nearly half of us (46 per cent) admit we do it to make us feel happier. A further 21 per cent try to reflect their personality through home makeovers, and 16 per cent change up their home to make their surroundings more inspiring.

Real Homes columnist and Insta influencer Lisa Dawson (take a nose around her beautiful house here – and in the pictures below) agrees that revamping your home for autumn can make you happier. 'Even the most minor updates to your home ahead of the autumnal months can make you feel brighter as the nights draw in,' she says. 'Your home should make you smile, it should make your heart lift when you walk through the front door. This is the perfect time to revamp your rooms and make this happen – not only is it aesthetically satisfying to refresh but it’s also a hugely therapeutic task!'

Feeling inspired? Lisa's shares her top tips for a house revamp exclusively for Homesense below. Read on to find out more...

1. Layer tons of texture for a welcoming feel

'The summer months are light and bright but as the clocks go back and the nights draw in, our natural instinct is to create a warm and cosy haven,' Lisa says. 'Shop your home for an inexpensive way to add a different feel and dimension to the room – accessories or furniture you’ve lost the love for in one room can completely transform the space in another. Experiment by placing your items in difference spaces or positions – this is a good way to start narrowing down your own individual style.'

'Look to your seasonal wardrobe for colour ideas and textures – you’ll be surprised at how similar the trends in both fashion and interiors can be. Think cosy woollens, burnished metals, velvety animal prints and warm corduroy, all of which work just as well within our home as in our style choices. '

'Earthy tones such as burnt orange, sage green and deep neutrals are colours that encourage relaxation whilst at the same time giving your room that all important autumnal glow. Add finishing touches such as knitted throws, wooden side tables and thick pile rugs, which will add that textural flourish whilst creating a cosy ambience.'

2. Make rooms feel welcoming

'As the nights draw in, we are far less inclined to venture out in the evenings and having friends and family over for a sociable meal or drinks is the perfect excuse to lay a seasonal dinner table. Spend some time thinking about your table plan – you want your efforts to make an impact when your guests arrive!'

'Go for a warm, tonal crockery scheme in your favourite colours, layering up the plates for effect and juxtapose your glassware by using several different types for an eclectic look. Echo the season by tying your napkins with natural twine and foliage and handwrite your guest names on each setting for the personal touch.'

'Finish your setting with brass toned cutlery that will reflect the candle light and fill contrasting serving bowls with delicious autumnal fare. Making the effort to ensure your table looks special will make both you and your guests happy.'

'Finally, take inspiration from the season and bring the outside in by mixing faux foliage or foraged branches with candles to create a winning table display that showcases your style, an economical and more interesting alternative to the traditional floral display. Be bold and adventurous with your ideas – styling the perfect table is a great opportunity to let your creativity run wild!'

3. Create a sanctuary in the bedroom

'We’re far less inclined to jump out of bed in the morning during the colder months and as a result, our bedrooms become our sanctuaries. Head to Instagram and Pinterest for ideas to inspire and create your perfect space, whether you are drawn to calm neutrals, bold monochrome or an autumnal woodland oasis.

'As with all the rooms in your home, think carefully about how you want the space to make you feel – the seasonal decisions that you make now will last for a good nine months so plan accordingly! Go for a higher tog duvet to combat the chilly nights and add the layers with woollen throws and cosy cushions.'

Scandinavian bedrooms: cosy schemes to copy

'The way that you light your bedroom is key and aesthetically, your ceiling light should look just as good off as it does on. It’s particularly important to make sure that you have bedside lighting which is suitable for purpose – task lighting is essential for bedtime reading. By using softer lighting in other areas of the room, you can change the mood with the click of a switch.'

'Your bedroom is your own personal space so equip your bedside table with all the essentials for a good nights sleep – a beautifully scented candle and the latest novel and you’re ready for bed.'

4. Don't neglect to decorate outdoors

'It’s perfectly feasible to transform our outdoor spaces, whatever size they may be, into sociable areas as long as the weather is dry – think of them as an extra room. Those clearer nights are perfect for snuggling down in a cosy chair with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate to watch the stars and there’s no reason why you can’t fire up the BBQ all year round.'

'Position your furniture around a central point and hang outdoor fairy lights to create a warm and welcoming space that’s perfect for entertaining your friends on an autumnal evening. Multi task and make the most of pieces that you already have – style it up with side tables rugs, cushions and throws that can be taken back in when the evening is finished.

'Candles are an essential addition and double up as a lighting source to create ambience. Or if you really want to get in the mood, bring out the projector and create an outdoor cinema for the ultimate in cool yet cosy entertaining.'

Formerly deputy editor of Real Homes magazine, Ellen has been lucky enough to spend most of her working life speaking to real people and writing about real homes, from extended Victorian terraces to modest apartments. She's recently bought her own home and has a special interest in sustainable living and clever storage.