Autumn is Awesome

Like many I love this time of year for most of the same reasons, the natural vibrant colours of the leaves all around, the fresh mornings, the sunlight on a bright crisp day, going for a run on a bright crisp day, a return to hearty warming food, red is back in as the rosé has been drunk, the invite to embrace darker evenings, the joy that Halloween brings to my two little boys’ faces and birthday celebrations for Fox who rocked into our world on Thanksgiving nearly 6 years ago, and lastly the overall the sense of hunkering down and getting cosier in the home.

We are all familiar with the Spring clean but this time of year is ideal for a deep clean too both outside and inside, prepping for the months ahead! Nice when it’s all done, but is it ever all done, no I find and I’m ok with that.

This Autumn, our sun room got a new lick of paint which dramatically changed the space. Of course by doing that there was the knock on effect of other things that needed to be done, funny how that always seems to happen. First off, I asked when was the last time the rug was properly cleaned… oh it’s not that old anyway. The blinds and curtains in the adjoining room were last shown some respect…..oh I couldn’t possible answer that without you judging me! I found dust and spiders that were spookily hanging out for quite some time on the skirting boards, curtain poles, lampshades, picture frames and in other nooks that simply are never prioritised, yes, I admit more regular love required here…yawn! The list can be endless and the tasks mentioned scarily don’t get any sort of regular attention in our home so a change of season or a mini revamp was the perfect catalyst for getting ready for Autumn and Winter. Also, maybe quite sadly I knew I would feel great satisfaction when the deep cleanse was done and with the new paint colour the space already feels cosier and atmospheric and so all will be dandy until the next Spring clean!

Some other tips to ponder which will help to create a cosy and comforting home this Autumn:

• Try adding some layers for instant impact, example through soft furnishings add a nice throw to your sofa, adds some texture and nice to snuggle under watching tv. Switch up your cushion covers incorporating some autumnal colours, like yellows, oranges, deep reds and green, an easy way to add a new freshness. In your bedroom, update your bed linen and add a wool blanket to keep the chill out and look pretty.
• Through lighting make sure to choose LED bulbs that are warm in colour. Add table and floor lamps as layering your lighting adds so much ambience and helps to create cosy nooks for the longer darker nights.
• Use a rug to break up or define a floor space or use it to add warmth to a cold tile flooring, then enjoy the feel of stepping on to it!
• Add colour through accessories, a nice vase, ornaments, candle holders or flowers, they can make a big impact without you having to make big commitments. Also, it's an easy alternative to inject colour if you choose to keep your soft furnishings neutral.

Oh and finally, plant some spring bulbs in a pot, an old container, your garden wherever you can for a glorious display of colour in a few months’ time. You’ll never regret doing that.

Claire