Season spotlight: Autumn
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to paint the world in shades of amber and gold, there’s an undeniable shift that happens within us. Autumn has always felt like a gentle invitation to slow down, wrap ourselves in warmth, and savour the simple pleasures of life. It’s that magical time of year when homes become sanctuaries, where comfort and cosiness reign supreme.
At Cigal Kaplan Interiors, autumn is one of our favourite seasons. There’s something deeply nostalgic about the way the light softens in the afternoons, and the simple joy of curling up with a hot cup of tea. In this blogpost, we want to share some of our favourite tips for making the most of autumn in your home!
I love to welcome in autumn with my collection of soft, woollen blankets, and drape them over every surface that allows for one. Chairs, armchairs, sofas, the end of the beds – the key to comfort can be in the layers. To recreate that cosy feeling in your own home, start by introducing plush throw blankets and cushions in rich, warm tones. Think deep burgundy, burnt orange, and mustard yellow – like the blanket pictured below! These colours not only evoke the essence of autumn but also add warmth and depth to your space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures – velvet, wool, and faux fur all contribute to that inviting, layered look.
One of the most exciting aspects of autumn is the beauty of nature. The vibrant colours of the leaves, the rustic appeal of pumpkins and gourds, and the earthy scent of pinecones and acorns. I love taking long walks with my girls, collecting leaves and pinecones to bring home. We love to scatter them across the mantlepiece, creating little autumn vignettes that bring the outdoors in. This method of home-decorating is also very green as it uses only natural elements and no plastics etc.!
You can do the same by incorporating natural elements into your home’s decor. Arrange branches of colourful leaves in a vase, create a centrepiece with pumpkins and gourds, or scatter acorns and pinecones in a decorative bowl. These simple touches not only add a seasonal flair but also help to connect your indoor space with the beauty of the outside world. It’s comforting to feel like, despite living in manmade homes amongst technology, we are still in sync with nature’s cycles!
Scents have a powerful ability to evoke memories and create atmosphere. For me, the smell of cinnamon, cloves, and baked apples immediately brings to mind cosy family gatherings and warm kitchens.
To infuse your home with the essence of autumn, consider using candles, essential oils, or even homemade potpourri. Scents like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and sandalwood are perfect for this time of year. You can also simmer a pot of water with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves on the stove to create a natural, inviting aroma that fills your entire home. Swap the water for red wine and you have the perfect mulled wine to enjoy by the fireplace!
As the days grow shorter, the importance of lighting in your home becomes even more pronounced. Swap out harsh, cool-toned bulbs for warm, soft lighting. Incorporate more table lamps, floor lamps, and candles to create a gentle, ambient glow. If you have a fireplace, this is the perfect time to light it up and enjoy the flickering warmth it provides. The goal is to create a space that feels like a warm hug, where the light is soft, comforting, and inviting.
Finally, don’t forget to have a little fun with your seasonal decor. Autumn is a time for celebration – of the harvest, of togetherness, of normality and routine following summer travel, and of the simple joys of life. It’s also great to get the kids excited for the start of the academic year and all the learning and growth it will bring!
Autumn is also a great time to start thinking about doing projects or work on the home as it can possible to have entertaining areas – like a new lounge or dining room – ready for the Christmas season. It’s also a good time to do building or restructuring work on a house as the weather is perfectly mild – making any necessary open roofs more tolerable! – and unlike summer, everyone is back-to-work and so things move quickly.
As you settle into the season, we hope these tips inspire you to create a space that feels like your own true sanctuary – a place where you can unwind, reconnect with loved ones, and savour all the simple pleasures that autumn brings. Please enjoy these ideas and may your home be filled with the warmth and beauty of the season!
