12 October 2015

Fall for Autumn

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With the leaves turning and the countryside ablaze with fiery reds, burnt oranges and straw yellows, there couldn’t be a better time to spice up your space and introduce some warm accents and comfy chairs to ‘fall’ into.

Even a short ramble in the early autumn sunshine can inspire a shift in style. Cue a gorgeous array of furniture in rich hues and modern metallics, accented with splashes of rust and berries to capture the allure of the season’s richly-coloured foliage.

And with Dulux announcing Cherished Gold as the 2016 Colour of the Year, there couldn’t be a better time to reflect that golden glow.

Don’t be a Wallflower

“Light and airy, adding gold to your hallway in the colder months creates a glowing halo that welcomes guests,” says Paula Taylor, colour and trend specialist at Graham & Brown. “Our Quill Gold wallpaper looks fabulous in this part of the home in particular. The large-scale pattern elongates even the smallest of spaces, making it perfect for any sized home.”

For an extra hint of luxury, pair Quill’s beautiful swaying leaf print with golden accents on furnishings and subtle elements, such as metallic light fittings. You can also offset this metallic wallpaper with autumnal shades like rich browns.

Balancing light and shade will set the tone for when the clocks change, and you’re inviting friends and family in out of the darkness.

n Quill Gold Wallpaper, £20 per roll (grahambrown.com)

Cocooned in Comfort

Turning over a new leaf and making the living room warm and cosy is easier than you think, and doesn’t have to happen in one fell swoop.

“Don’t be afraid of experimenting with colour. Start by introducing splashes with accessories and textiles that are easily changed if you change your mind,” advises John Sims-Hilditch, managing director at Neptune.

“For the braver, choose one colour family and stick to it – blues and greys are great together. Our seasonal shades of Fox and Chestnut blend perfectly and look wonderful with the earthy colours of autumn.”

Indeed, one hero piece on the coffee table, such as a handcrafted woodland bird, scatter cushions on the sofa in tactile wool fabrics, or a wool throw, in a squash or pumpkin shade, strewn across an armchair, can make all the difference.

Not to mention a sideboard styled with colourful decanters, and set against a wall painted in a rich, russet shade, or a backdrop of floral printed curtains to add warmth and interest.

n Curtains in Mulberry Vintage Floral Fabric Antique Rose, £89 per metre; Albany Medium Sofa in Parton Check Natural, from £1,100; Timorous Beasties for John Lewis Thistle Cushion, £80; Linen Rose Cushion in Russet, £40; Mulberry Home Clan Chenille Cushion, £120, John Lewis (available mid-October, johnlewis.com)

  • Littala Bird by Toikka (left), Grouce Yellow, £249 (amara.com)
  • Eva Sofa in Fox fabric, from £1,975; Pouffe upholstered in Fox velvet, £40 per metre; selection of Camilla Cushions in Dark Rye and Fox fabric, £55 each (neptune.com)
  • Abigail Ahern/Edition Red Ram Bust Lamp, £85 (debenhams.com)
  • Waterford Rebel Collection Decanters (right), in Blush, Amber and Plum, £120 each (amara.com)

Metal Elements

Inspired by modern metallics, the new tableware range from Oliver Bonas contrasts soft textures with splashes of bold colour and metallic finishes, to bring a touch of rough luxe to table settings. Pair this with a dresser or larder stacked with copper cookware, earthenware and wooden chopping boards to add texture, and not only will it revamp your kitchen or dining area, but double up as a storage unit.

Copper Twist Candle Stick, £40; Mixed Metallic Tableware, from £10 to £45 (Tableware available mid-October; oliverbonas.com)

J by Jasper Conran Highballs, £18 for set of four; Tumblers, £16 for set of four; Tea Towels, £14 for set of three; Bowl, £20; Juicer, £18; Measuring Cups, £10; Copper Saucepans, from £20; Wadebridge Larder, £2,750 (available mid-October; debenhams.com)

Bedroom Bliss

“For an elegant and serene bedroom, try a palette of champagne, mink and taupe. Add layers of sumptuous bed linen, quilted and silk throws to create an inviting feel, while adding warmth, colour and texture,” says Kerry Nicholls, interior decor buyer at John Lewis. “Reflect the autumnal hues of the countryside with parquet flooring, and lay a warm, woody-toned rug for a little extra luxury and underfoot comfort.”

To warm things up, you can always style the room with a velvet chair in a sumptuous colour, light a scented candle, or do something as basic as changing the wattage in your light bulbs to create a warm, yellowy glow.

Charleston Bedstead, Double, £599; Boutique Hotel Silk Bedspread in Grey, from £175; Cushions upholstered in Hayden Furnishing Fabric in Steel, £35 per metre; Wilfred Tripod Table Lamps, £75 each (johnlewis.com)

  • Raj Kilim Rug, from £169 (marksandspencer.com)
  • Velvet Tub Chair (left), £445 (oliverbonas.com)
  • Scattered Fern Linen Cushion in Natural/Tumeric, £45 (clarissahulse.com)
  • Fornasetti Losanghe Scented Candle, £125 (selfridges.com)

View this article and more at the Belfast Telegraph