As the crisp air of autumn rolls in, I start feeling that urge to embrace the season’s warmth and comfort within my home. Here in the countryside of Carlow, I’m surrounded by fields of hay bales, harvesting apples and plums from the garden, and watching the landscape turn from green to a kaleidoscope of reds and golds. 

 1. Layer Up with Textiles 

One of the easiest ways to bring warmth into your home is by layering textiles. Think throws, cushions and rugs. Swap out your light summer cushions and bedding for heavier materials like wool, velvet and bouclé. Draping a throw over the arm of your sofa instantly make your living room feel more inviting; my kids love snuggling up with me under a blanket for cuddles and family tv time. 

Layering up different textures works with any style of interior to add depth and cosiness – just keep your fabrics within the same visual palette (i.e. all luxurious textures, or all rustic, natural textures). 

 2. Warm Up Your Lighting 

As the days grow shorter, lighting becomes even more crucial for setting the mood. Good lighting is the difference between your home feeling miserable on a grey day, or feeling like a snug retreat from which you can appreciate the majesty of the weather in comfort! Lamps aren’t just for bedside tables, one of my favourite places for a table lamp is the kitchen worktop – it turns what can be a practical, clinical space into an inviting, elevated space. 

Don’t be afraid of adding low-light bulbs (i.e. 2-3 watts) simply to create a cosy vibe – light doesn’t have to be purely practical. I’m getting excited about all the rechargeable wall lights and picture lights coming onto the market. Candlelight is another fantastic way to introduce an inviting ambiance. Place them on your dining table, mantel piece, or coffee table to enjoy their soft flicker in the evening. 

 3. Introduce Autumnal Colours 

Autumn is all about rich, warm hues. Incorporate shades of burnt orange, deep reds, mustard yellows, and earthy browns into your decor. If you’re swapping a lightweight blanket in the bedroom for a thicker eiderdown, consider choosing a deeper version of the same colour for a cosier vibe. 

Adding autumnal colours doesn’t mean you need to repaint your walls; instead, look to consumable decor such as candles or flowers for an inexpensive way to change the vibe of a room. Autumn is a time of harvest and nature's abundance, so use this to your advantage by bringing natural elements into your home. A bowl of seasonal fruits like apples, figs, or pomegranates can serve as a beautiful, edible centrepiece. And of course there’s pumpkins...