October – the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. It’s time to hunker down and make your home cosy and comfortable for the winter months, and with fuel bills on the rise it’s more important than ever to create that feeling of warmth and relaxation. Whether you’re planning to redecorate or refresh your interior space, take inspiration from the new shades of autumn.

Seasonal style
Let nature take the lead by using new colour accents when the seasons change. Choose a warm neutral to anchor your scheme. Check out Edward Bulmer’s sustainable plant-based paint shades Clove and Clay. Then swap in accessories and lampshades in warm rich colours in textured fabrics – think velvet, corduroy and wool.

A rich colour palette
Autumn suits sumptuous hues like reds, oranges and shades of terracotta, so be inspired by the colours of autumn leaves. When I visit my daughter in America in the fall, I particularly love the colours of the maple trees. Use these deeper colours as accents on cushions, throws and rugs to give a cosy feel to your living room.
Small rooms look particularly good painted in strong shades which can really transform a small dark space. I am planning to paint my husband’s study a beautiful terracotta shade; I know he’ll love it when it’s done.

Natural earthy tones
Create a warm cosseting feeling with warm earthy browns, tobacco and ochre shades. Farrow and Ball’s mustardy India Yellow will warm up any kitchen or dining area. Sink into Soho Home’s Ashford sofa upholstered in a gorgeous rust coloured velvet.
It’s all in the details. Look for earth toned accessories – H&M’s smoky brown wavy glass vase or wavy cushions would add a contemporary touch to any living room.

A 70s vibe
Interiors follow fashion, and orange, brown and yellow shades are perfect for the on-trend 70s look. Pair with rattan, cane and macrame. Graham and Brown’s Bohemian Dream wallpaper in a geometric print of warm orange and burnt ochre would make a great statement wall. Search out mushroom-shaped lamps to complete the look. The key is not to go too retro – avoid the lime green, orange and purple combo of my teenage bedroom!

Perfect pairings
Add a pop of colour for interest. Red, orange and yellow are really effective as accents with the new warm neutrals. Try painting a small piece of furniture like a side table in a deep smoky aubergine such as Neptune’s Clove, and add an ochre yellow lamp from Pooky.

Annie Sloan’s bright Emperor’s Silk red paint on a console table would pop up a room painted in Lick’s Taupe. Add cushions and patterned lampshades in teal to liven up a brown scheme. Now you can settle down in front of a fire with a book and be ready for the winter months ahead.