Autumn is a wonderful time to embrace the changing season by bringing the outdoors in, making your home feel warm, welcoming, stylish and sustainable. Here’s a guide to preparing your home for the cooler months, while being mindful of your environmental impact.

1. Go for Natural Autumn Decor

This year, skip the synthetic decorations and turn to nature for inspiration. Incorporate natural elements like pine cones, dried leaves, and pumpkins—these look stunning in their raw form or as part of a crafted display.

If you’re a fan of garlands and wreaths, create your own —they can be used as focal points on mantels, over windows, or even as part of a larger table display. Create your own using foraged leaves, berries, and dried flowers or mix in felted animals and crocheted elements for a fun, handmade feel. This not only makes a beautiful seasonal statement but is also a fun activity that results in a completely unique piece

Crafts like these add warmth and texture without the environmental footprint of single-use plastic.

2. Opt for Warm, Cosy Textiles

As temperatures drop, swap out your lightweight summer fabrics for thicker, cosier options like wool, velvet, and chunky knit blankets. Autumn is all about layering textures—mix and match materials such as jute, linen, and velvet to create a visually rich space that feels warm and inviting.

Think rich, earthy tones like mustard, burgundy, and burnt orange to reflect the season.

3. Focus on Sustainable Lighting

Lighting is key to creating a cosy atmosphere. Swap out harsh overhead lights for table and floor lamps, which provide softer, more ambient lighting. Opt for LED bulbs—they’re not only energy-efficient but also come in warm tones that mimic the gentle glow of traditional bulbs. For an added cozy touch, place a few candles around the room to create that gorgeous warm glow.

If you have kids or pets and prefer to avoid open flames, consider using candle warmers or battery powered candles, which can safely create the same effect.

4. Create a Cosy Reading Nook

Transform a corner of your living room or bedroom into the perfect autumn hideaway. Start with a comfy armchair, layer it with plush cushions and thick throws, and place a small table nearby for your favourite hot drink. To really maximise the cosiness, add a thick, patterned rug underfoot

Consider using sustainable textiles like organic cotton or recycled fibres for a truly eco-friendly retreat.

5. Make an Autumnal Tablescape

For family meals or just to add a seasonal touch to your dining area, create a beautiful autumn-themed tablescape. Use pumpkins, dried flowers, and wooden accents to style your table, and experiment with different layers—think rustic hessian placemats, copper utensils, and warm-toned table runners

To up your sustainability game, use what you already have around the house or source second-hand items from charity shops.

6. Update Your Home Fragrance

Scent is an often-overlooked element of home styling that can instantly change the mood of a room. Opt for candles or diffusers in autumnal fragrances like wood smoke, spiced orange, or apple and cinnamon. For a completely eco-friendly option, choose soy or beeswax candles, which burn cleaner than paraffin and come in recyclable glass jars

7. Incorporate Vintage and Upcycled Decor

Vintage-inspired pieces are very much on trend this season and are a fantastic way to add character to your home sustainably. Look for second-hand ceramic vases, vintage lanterns, or pre-loved furniture that can be refreshed with a new coat of low-VOC paint. Upcycling old items and shopping at second-hand shops keeps your decor fresh without contributing to the demand for new products.