As summer begins to fade, it’s natural to want to squeeze the most out of every last drop of sunshine and enjoy all the time that you can outdoors. But now is also the prime time for preparing your home for autumn, and while it might feel like a task you’d rather put off a little longer, getting it done ahead of time can make the transition smoother and even more enjoyable.
With the days soon set to grow shorter and cooler nights to set in, the main goal should be to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel happy to be at home, and the good news is that there are plenty of simple ways to bring this vision to life. Autumn time is also still a lovely season to spend time in your garden, and with a few simple tweaks you can adapt it, as well as your indoor spaces, for the new season ahead to get more use out of it and enjoy it to the maximum until you have to pack everything away until next spring.
Here, we take a look at how to maximise your enjoyment of both indoors and outdoors during this season.
Create cosy outdoor spaces
Autumn is all about creating a sense of cosiness, but whilst the word most likely evokes thoughts of roaring fires and thick, warm blankets in the living room, it’s not a feeling that has to be limited to inside your home.
With a few small changes, you can transform your summer space into a cosy retreat. Just add some lanterns, blankets, and an outdoor rug to extend your time outside for the year – or, if you’re willing to embark on some minor renovation work then have a fire pit installed to create a warm and inviting social space where you can gather with family and friends over a bottle of wine in the evening. Elements like these require minimal work, but also help to create a magical ambiance for those crisp autumn evenings, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Bring nature indoors
As the weather cools and you spend more time inside, being immersed in the natural world is something that tends to diminish – but maintaining connection to nature has been shown to enhance our overall mental wellbeing. Bringing elements of it into your home could make all the difference this autumn and winter if you’re someone who suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SADs), but even if you don’t, it can offer a much-needed daily boost.
Incorporate natural elements into your décor, such as plants and flowers, and if you have late-flowering perennials, create a cosy indoor nook with a view of your garden. Place a comfortable rocking chair and a blanket near a large window or patio door, allowing you to watch chrysanthemums bloom and leaves change colour from the warmth of your home – and consider adding some houseplants that don’t require much sunlight to thrive throughout your home, such as snake plants, rubber plants, orchids and cacti.
Transition bedding and upholstery
There might be a chill in the air, but it doesn’t mean you need to close every window. Embrace the cooler weather by trading your summer sheets for warmer bedding and a heavy duvet for a warm and snuggly night’s sleep, and layer on the blankets to make the air feel less biting when you keep a window open a little later into the evening. This approach not only keeps you comfortable, but can also help you save on heating costs, and it’s another great excuse to embrace the cosy vibe the season is best known for.
Embrace autumn scents and colours
To fully immerse yourself in the spirit of autumn, swap out summer brights and pastel hues and instead, infuse your home with seasonal scents and colours. Light candles with fragrances like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice to evoke a thoroughly homely atmosphere that makes you want to stay at home all day with a good book and a cup of tea, and decorate with warm hues like deep oranges, rich browns, and golden yellows to reflect the changing landscape outside. These small touches can significantly enhance the autumnal feel of your home, making it a retreat from the brisk weather that you’ll be only too happy to spend your time in.
The bottom line
Though it might feel like too soon to even begin thinking about letting go of summer, a quick spruce up in late August can make all the difference when autumn finally arrives, and can help to ensure the transition goes a little more smoothly. With some simple preparations, your home can be easily transformed into a cosy, inviting haven that celebrates the beauty and charm of the new season to come, so embrace the change and make the most of this delightful season and all it has to offer.
