Last week I was in the sunny Hainan island, it was a great time to step back and relax from what have been some crazy intense weeks.
But ever since I came back in Shanghai I’m happy as a child on Christmas day; finally it’s AUTUMN! I truly can’t describe my excitment when I stepped out of the airport (still in a pair of shorts and t-shirt) and found out it was nice and chilly!
If that wasn’t clear enough 🙈 Autumn is my favorite season! I love the weather and wearing big oversized knits, and it’s the time of the year where I can drink red wine under a blanket, eat chestnuts, and prepare for winter.
Another great joy that the fall season brings me is that our home turns into the coziest nest with just a few simple decor tricks.
SWITCH THE COLOR PALETTE
LAYER UP THE TEXTILES
I always loved a good combination of different textiles. Go wild with blankets, cushions, rugs. Layered rugs are a must for the cold season, especially if you love to sit on the floor surrounded by pillows as I do! Throw some chunky knit blankets on armchairs and sofas. Add layers of cushions in neutral and earthy shades.
FAKE MESSY
To me nothing feels cozier than a home that looks lived-in. I never fold perfectly my blankets and throws, I ‘casually’ lay them on armchairs and the end of the bed. When I make the bed I leave it there a bit unfinished, I just pull a bit the duvet and throw the pillows. I don’t line up books and magazines.
Don’t go wild though… there’s a thin line between real mess and styled mess. No worries though, once you master the art or ‘fake messy’ it will become much more natural and will take you very little time and effort.
FALL PRODUCE AND FLORALS
What’s a better way to style your home than using seasonal produce and greenery? Ditch the fresh cut flowers, they’re expensive and die after like a day… Go for big leafy branches and greenery that will last for months, such as cotton branches, thistle, beautiful maple leaves, eucalyptus (when dried it stays green and slightly aromatic). Fruits and veggies can double up as excellent (and cheap!) decor items. Pumpkins, corn cobs, pomegranate, etc. take a much longer time to spoil so you don’t have to worry about it. If you want to go a little fancy you can spray them with a bit of gold or copper paint. You can also check my post on styling with dried florals.
DIM THE LIGHTS
Good lighting is always key to a well-designed environment. Lanterns and candles are great for creating that warm and cozy mood, but also table lamps and floor lamps. Avoid big bright lights, and stay away from cold fluorescents or LED lights. When you’re buying lamp bulbs check the light temperature, if you want a nice warm white you need to get something that is about 3000K or below (the lower the temperature, the warmer the light)
Lovely post. Your images are damn killer.
Blankets and pillows are my absolute favourite.With then you can easily accessorise and have that autumn cozy look
Great tips dear
I adore all of this so much!! Those thick blankets and gorgeous lighting all just looks so dreamy and inviting!
Ahh these images are so inspirational and I definitely love that messy and undone look in the bedroom! It looks so perfect for winter that you’ll never want to get out of bed!!
Helen xx
http://helenchik.com
Great ideas. I totally vouch for the fact that proper lighting can add so much impact to create the perfect look and ambience
these are such lovely looks for fall!
Autumn is my favorite season too! All the fall clothing is so cute and comfy. I really love the chunky knit blankets.
That looks so cozy. Autumn colors have always been my favorite. Your pictures give me the Autumn spirit.
I love the cozy feeling of fall. All the warm blankets and comfy pillows. There’s nothing better than cuddling in fall!
I love the colours of fall! The oranges, the yellows, the reds and the brown! It riot of all colours put together is beautiful.
http://www.nmdiaries.com