Autumn is my favourite time of the year; the nights are drawing in and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about making your home extra warm and comfortable. Crackling wood fires, warm throws and rich welcoming colours perfectly complement the falling leaves and spicy seasonal scents. Here are my styling tips to help you create a cosy, inviting space ready for the cooler months ahead.

Embrace warm colours
It’s not too difficult or expensive to flip from a breezy summer space to a home with a welcoming autumn feel, simply by changing your colour palette. Be inspired by the changing season; think mossy greens, burnt oranges and deep mustards for curtains and accessories.

Neptune’s Emma Sims-Hilditch suggests using warm neutrals for walls and ceilings, enlivened with pops of rich earthy hues. I particularly love their Paprika paint colour, a rich orangey-red tone that would look great on a feature wall.

Layer up with texture
Updating soft furnishings is another easy and relatively inexpensive option. Texture is key to creating a cosy atmosphere. Introduce soft, heavier textured fabrics for throws and cushion covers, and add a thick plush rug.

Velvet always invokes a feeling of richness – I have lots of multicoloured velvet cushions, which I swap in and out as the seasons change. When I visit my daughter, I love sinking into her beautiful emerald green velvet sofa. Classic tartan or tweed always works on a footstool or easy chair. Check out British heritage brand Moon for interesting and unusual hues.

Bring the outside in
It’s the small changes that make a difference. Introduce natural elements with seasonal displays of foliage. Dried arrangements work well at this time of the year. For a faded antique look, I dry lavender and hydrangea heads from my garden. Pampas grass is always popular, or follow the latest Instagram trend and hang up bunches of dried alliums. Have fun creating an autumn tablescape using fresh dahlias with their lovely rich palette of purples and reds.

Scents of autumn
Seasonal scents are great for creating an instant ambience. For a cosy atmosphere, invest in candles with spicy aromas of clove, cinnamon and fig. My absolute favourite autumn/winter candle is Feu de Bois from French brand Diptique – it really does smell like logs crackling in the grate. Fig Leaf from Daylesford is another go-to for me. For a more cost-effective option, check out Calm from Marks and Spencer’s beautifully packaged Apothecary range.

A cosy nook
Create a cosy reading nook where you can unwind and relax. Make sure there is a comfortable chair, your favourite blanket and plenty of soft lighting. Now all you need to do is snuggle up with a good book and a warm cup of hot chocolate.

As the leaves fall and the temperature drops you will be feeling snug and warm, ready to enjoy the season from the comfort of your home.