COSYING UP FOR FALL

Colours, textures for home decor

With the passing of another summer season, we see fall as a time to get cosy — the perfect time to swap out a few home accessories, switch up our decor, and prepare for some comfy (and stylish!) cocooning.

This autumn, home decor is all about refinement, with surprising colour choices as well as a chic array of materials and finishes.

“This season we are feeling sophisticated, and we’re using rich wood grains, carved wood designs and polished metals,” said Stacy Paris, an interior stylist with West Elm Maison.

“We’re seeing edgy profiles with dramatic angles, or sexy, curvy lines with a smoky warm palette. Our colour palettes are evolving and moving away from primary colours, and we’re adding in more interesting metallics and unexpected colours for fall.” Primary colours, however, still have their place in autumnal decor.

Manon Thibault, who oversees in-store design at Pottery Barn, agreed. She said despite previous fall seasons, where darker hues reigned supreme, this time around autumn is going for slightly nontraditional colours.

“This year, designers are using some light pink and getting a lot of inspiration from India in terms of colour,” she explained. That means gem-like tones that are not only dramatic but are also rich and warm. “Sparkly accents are popular, too, and silver and gold are always a big hit.”

Adding some simple accessories to your space can be an easy way to transition into the fall and winter seasons without completely changing your entire decor scheme.

Strong materials such as concrete or wood can be warmed up with touches of polished brass and soft velvets.

“A velvet accent in a rich colour will give a luxurious feel to any sofa or bed,” Paris said. Contrasting textures of chunky knit throws, faux fur pillows and metallic elements will warm up your space as well.

“Bring in some warm, rich colours to your neutral colour palette — like golden lime, navy blue or burgundy red — and then add some metallic scented candles to set the cosy mood. Contrast organic or natural textures with polished or jewelry-like metals, too,” she added.

Layering will also make for a cosy look in different spaces like the living or dining room, and especially in the bedroom, where Paris said that flannel sheets are a must on cold days.

Fall decor is all about ambience, and this can be created in simple ways. Scented candles, plush velvet cushions, a soft area rug underfoot, oversized bath towels, extra throw blankets, beautiful table settings — even a well-stocked bar cart — are all inviting details that won’t go unnoticed.

“With fall ... we spend more time inside compared to those summer months, and changing your decor inside is the perfect way to find simple delights,” Paris said.

“With a few warm textures and colours, we can make our home a space that we will want to cosy up in during those cold fall and winter months.”

... We’re adding in more interesting metallics and unexpected colours for fall.

With a few warm textures and colours, we can make our home a space that we will want to cosy up in ...

BARN PHOTOS (2): COURTESY OF POTTERY Colour palettes for fall home decor are trending toward more metallics and unusual shades, but a splash of primary colour still manages to perk up a room like this. Add a knitted throw and some cosy cushions to the brightly coloured couch and it...

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST ELM Polished metal touches like the coffee table and the brass monkey side table are a trendy part of this fall’s home decor, and the sofa with its hidden storage space provides an ideal spot for a cosy throw or blanket to use on days when the weather...

Rough-hewn wooden beams, barnwood frames for an arrangement of mirrors, and leather armchairs add some organic textures to a room that reflects a cosy fall decor.