Depending on where you are in the world, autumn arrives at different times, but for everyone outside the tropics it’s a season of change. Nature takes a big sigh, pushes forth its final produce and girds itself for the onslaught of winter, producing some magnificent colors with dramatic changes in the landscape. The sun peaks lower and daylight becomes filtered through long skies. For some of us it’s the favorite time of year away from the summer heat, for others it marks the beginning of gloom until spring. Autumn is a time of change, and that includes the latest interior design trends. This year, we’re seeing the culmination of a focus on natural materials and sustainable practices, to create the cozy, inviting spaces of autumn. Here are a few of the latest interior design tips for autumn 2023:
1. Biophilic design - Bring some autumn indoors
Biophilic design is the art of bringing the outdoors in. It’s all about using the inspiration of nature to enrich any space in the home with full awareness of the materials involved. Forget plastic vines, think natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo, as well as real plants and flowers. Autumn is the perfect time to find inspiration for a biophilic interior, with nature displaying its full range of shades and shapes that can be borrowed to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in your home. With biophilic design you’re not stuck with modernism because it’s about the materials used and the feel, rather than any particular style. It works just as well with swirling neo-Gothic as rugged Schweizerstil or crisp minimalism.
2. Sustainable materials - Reflecting the season
Very much aligned with biophilic design is sustainability. Climate change has made it more important than ever to question what materials are used and where they originate. Luxurious effects no longer need to deplete valuable resources. Sustainability is a design trend born from necessity that will become increasingly important in life. Seek out furniture and accessories made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles or reclaimed wood – there are some really good designers creating unique pieces at the moment. Bamboo, for example, is plentiful and makes an excellent substitute for hardwood floors or paneling, and there’s a huge amount of choice in recycled stone and metal which can be used in many ways. Before you strike out sourcing across the internet, consider what’s available locally; you not only support the local economy but also greatly support sustainable businesses by buying from local artisans and designers. And locally sourced materials can add a naturally biophilic aspect by reflecting the immediate landscape.
3. Autumn cozy spaces
Autumn always associates itself with a comfortable chill, it’s the perfect time to bring warmth with a cozy living space in your home. You don’t need a major makeover to get a good feel of autumn. Simply adding soft throws and blankets to your living room sofas and chairs and lighting a few candles will create a warm and inviting glow. If you have the space, there’s nothing cozier than a real fire to add a beautiful focal point to the room. Adding small personal touches like family photos and artwork will make your room feel cozier. If you’re going for a full-on redecoration, try to get the best inspiration from nature’s designs by taking a walk in the countryside, or a local park.
4. Natural colors for autumn
Whether you love or hate the season, the natural, earthy tones of the color palette of autumn can be restful and invigorating at the same time. Vibrant golds, yellows, reds, purples and browns reside perfectly against a soothing palette of green. In autumn as the leaves fall, shapes of wood and rock emerge in the landscape showing nature in all its grandeur. Natural colors are a big trend for autumn 2023; think of earth tones, like browns, greens, and stone. These colors are perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere and can be complemented perfectly with hewn stone and woods of all types.
5. Curves: A prominent 2023 trend
Curves have been very prominent throughout 2023 interior design, and it looks like they will continue to dominate trends. Gentle curves are the perfect way to add a touch of softness and femininity to any space, or to create perspective where none existed before. A well-placed curving feature will lead the eye to reveal a vista, zone or objet d’art without the bullying of a straight line. It’s easy to introduce curves by looking for furniture, such as coffee tables or side tables, with rounded edges; adding tactile accessories like vases and sculptures; or placing organically shaped screens, to distract from straight edges. Nature is all about curves, that’s why it feels so restful.
Here are a few quick ideas to bring the spirit of autumn into your home:
a) Add plants and flowers: Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can still add a touch of nature to your home with a few plants or flowers. Place them on your coffee table, kitchen counter, or nightstand.
b) Use natural materials: When choosing flooring, furniture, and accessories, look for pieces made from natural materials like wood, stone, wool, and bamboo. These will add warmth and texture to your space.
c) Keep it cozy: Add soft throws and blankets to your sofas and chairs, and light some candles to create a warm and inviting glow. You can also add personal touches like family photos and artwork.
d) Use nature’s colors: Paint your walls a natural color, such as beige, brown, or green. Add natural colors to your décor with rugs, pillows, and throws.
e) Add curves: Look for furniture with rounded edges and curves, as well as accessories like vases and sculptures with organic shapes. Curves will add a touch of softness to your space.
With these tips, you can easily incorporate the latest autumn design trends into your own home- So get creative and have fun!