Embrace autumn and create cosy corners to sit out coming winter

A mix of Scottish roots and Scandinavian style can help to make cold days and dark nights a time to enjoy rather than endure

TMcElhone. here’s no denying that autumn is upon us, but with the darker nights and cooler days come a whole host of opportunities for creating snug corners perfect for making the transition into winter, writes Nora

Don’t abandon the great outdoors

Autumn can be a stunning month and we don’t need to disappear indoors just yet.

If you are lucky enough to have a summer house or outdoor building of any sort, this is the time when it can really come into its own.

On sunny days, make the most of the shelter so that you can enjoy a cuppa or light lunch out of the breeze, while enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons.

Load up the space with cushions, throws and other cosy layers so that you can keep any seasonal chills at bay.

Add some candles for atmosphere if you are staying out after darkness falls.

Embrace your Scottish roots

Bring a Scottish theme into your home and you are bound to inject some warmth this autumn.

You don’t need to go for all-out tartan sofas and clashing carpets, but do have a bit of fun with this theme. Look out for cushions featuring that Scottish icon the stag or beautiful thistle prints and bring warm colour into your living room or bedroom with subtle grey checks lifted with soft furnishings in deep reds.

For a truly subtle Scottish scheme, add some locally-sourced accessories and feature local artists on your walls.

Create a reading nook

If your dream as the nights start to draw in is curling up with a good book, now is the time to embrace the cool Scandi concept of a dedicated reading nook.

This could be in any corner of your home, but the key is to create a spot where you can pick up a book and let it take you away from it all.

This might be a beautiful armchair in your bedroom, a cosy corner beside the living room fire, or even an unloved corner in the kitchen or landing.

Just make sure you have a comfortable chair or sofa that you can pile with cushions and a throw to keep any draughts at bay.

Any successful Scandi-scheme requires thoughtful lighting, and of course a candle or two will add to the relaxed vibe.

Be brave with colour

Beautiful schemes in deep hues of blue and green can make a stunning statement in your home.

Don’t be afraid of embracing these strong colours, which can be layered to create a warm, welcoming look in a living room or a stunning boutique style bedroom.

Rich fabrics such as silks and velvet will add an extra sense of luxury to this scheme, and you can add accessories in brass and copper tones for light and warmth.

Focus on clever lighting to create a truly beautiful space.

Install a wood burner

The ultimate household investment for the colder months ahead, a wood-burning stove is perfect for those evenings when there is a chill in the air but it isn’t quite cold enough for the central heating to go on.

Bringing a wood-burner into a room will instantly create a welcoming focal point and is a great way of taking the eye away from that other dominating feature, the TV.

Get advice from a local installer as to the best size of stove for your chosen spot and then have some fun choosing a model that fits with your personal style, there are an incredible range of options out there, from classic and rustic to sleek and modern.

Clockwise from top: cosy up with a Ludlow stove, add a feature chair to create a reading nook, cushions to keep out the chill, beautiful Inchyra Linens, deep hues from James Hare, cosy Scottish style by Dekoria.