Once the clocks have gone back, our time spent in the living room increases dramatically. As a result, it’s a great time to make a few changes and inject some autumnal energy into your home. Once the nights draw in, we want our homes to be weightier and more luxurious than during the summer months. For that reason, adding texture is an easy way to give your home that extra layer of warmth. This addition doesn’t have to cost much either; think lofty scatter cushions or cosy throws for bedding down on cold evenings. Alternatively, you could hang woven wall hangings or tapestries for an instant textural difference.

There is nothing cosier than a living room that reflects the season – and autumn is all about rich, warm colours and texture. Sylvia James, interior designer at HomeHow has shared her tips for creating a cosy living room. She has listed the must-haves and provided ideas and inspiration to help you create your own autumnal haven.

1. Diffusers and candles

There is nothing more comforting than an autumn scent running through the air on a rainy evening. Deck your living room out with rich scents that create a cosy atmosphere. Trendy mason jar candles with scents of ginger, pumpkin pie, cinnamon, and cedar wood complete the ultimate autumn vibe.

2. Warm hues

To capture the autumnal feel, warm hues on walls and furniture can make a big difference to your colour palette. Fiery reds paired with comforting oranges will create a warm glow to your ambience whereas a gold trim on your fireplace will work well with dark flooring. Mirroring the colours outside, inside, will provide you with ultimate comfort.

3. Blankets and throws

Texture and patterns are key when it comes infusing autumn décor. Texture provides a bold contrast against warming hues of mustard and deep orange. Blankets and throws will keep you warm indoors, throw a thick blanket over the armchair on your sofa paired with decorative pillows to easily switch up the seasons in your living room. You could also stack them neatly in baskets. Thick texture provides the illusion of warmth, opt for earthy greens and muted red colours.

4. Low lighting

Autumn equals longer nights, which means it’s time to be strategic with lighting – keep your lighting low to create a calm feel. Change to warmer LED bulbs and place more floor and table lights around your living room. If you have a fireplace, make this your primary light source for cold evenings. If you have a small niche in your living room, you can transform it into a snug area. Insert a small bench, cover in throws and cushions, and add a mini pendant light.

5. Rattan

Rattan is a trend which doesn’t seem to be going anywhere! It was once seen as only garden furniture but now it can bring autumnal moods indoors. Woven natural furnishings have stormed popularity, the durable product can be bent into a wide variety of shapes and patterns. It can be used on furniture, lighting, or table top accessories for a comforting addition to your living room this autumn. You can even paint the material a warm hue for a contemporary look.