Invite nature into your home with reach-out-and-touch textures, organic materials and plenty of earthy tones
-
The sight of rich, vibrant colours on a woodland walk, the feel of a woven wicker basket full of harvest fruit, the aroma of fresh rainfall – among other things, these sensory experiences are what bring us joy through the cooler months. So, this year, bridge the gap between out and in by embracing nature’s offerings in your home with an abundance of touchable textures, autumn colours and organic shapes.
Tactile textures and materials take centre stage in this scheme and should be as close to their raw, natural state as possible. Blend the smoothness of 100% cotton and the raised slubs of pure linen with undyed wool in the form of blankets, bedspreads, cushions and upholstery. Combine these with woven furnishings such as wicker, jute, cork, rattan and rush, as well as warm-coloured wood and textured terracotta ceramics.
Where possible, consider the eco-friendly element of the materials you choose – opt for recycled glass, organic fabric, waterbased paint, vegetable leather and reclaimed wood. Intersperse these finds with a few artisanal pieces, such as textured ornaments, sustainable candles and soft accessories. No two hand-crafted objects are ever exactly the same, and that’s the beauty of them. Items found in nature are rarely symmetrical, so there’s no need for the furnishings in this scheme to be either. Bring in homeware that makes a feature of perfectly imperfect forms, with organic shapes such as plates that aren’t completely circular, uneven lines and knotty wood grains.
This look also centres on a handful of earthy colours. Think forest pine and moss greens, russet and burnt oranges, parchment creams and a hint of warm, spice red. A beige base is the perfect neutral canvas for this gorgeous palette of autumn hues.
This collection of furnishings blends an array of natural tactile textures, including spongy cork, smooth bamboo, hardwearing jute and soft tufted fabric
The Edited Life tufted duvet cover set in Sandstone, £65; Pleated jute cushion, £15; Round bamboo tray, £15; Cork ceramic vase, £7, all Dunelm
Edo mug terracotta in Small, £16.95 for a set of two, Textured Lives
Small brick table lamp with raffia shade, £175,
Rose & Grey
Large woven market basket, £36.95, Oh Curio
Magni large leather handle, £16.99 each, Dowsing & Reynolds
Mix honeyed amber glassware with organically shaped bowls, woven jute, and linen certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard – an organisation that ensures the whole process, from field to fabric, has been environmentally and socially responsible Bubble jug in Amber, £18; Bubble tumbler in Amber, £16; GOTS organic linen napkins in Natural, £15 for a set of two; Plane 18-piece cutlery set and six place settings in Black, £60; Jute oval table centrepiece placemats in Natural, £14 for a set of two; Graphite rim small pasta bowl, £8, all John Lewis & Partners
Made from cotton and cactus silk (otherwise known as ‘sabra’) in Morocco, these cushions are woven on traditional wooden looms, then finished with a hand-stitched Berber pattern
Moroccan Sabra cactus silk cushions, £55 each, Artisans Du Maroc
This blanket box might be on the slightly more expensive side, but it’s worth the investment for its reclaimed wood that’s full of aged charm and character
Dulwich reclaimed wood blanket box, £339, Modish Living
Clockwise from bottom left: Tobacco dag throw, £59, So Cosy. RETREAT ombré textured cushion in Natural, £29, Amara. Olive green ceramic vase set, £38 for a set of two, Marquis & Dawe. Terracotta geo bamboo basket, £18, Sass & Belle
Clockwise from top left: Ludlow linen-effect designer chenille upholstery fabric in Cream Beige, £11.99 per m, Yorkshire Fabric Shop.
Moorland Green wood paint, £18 for 750ml,
Thorndown. Jackson wall clock, £159.99, Oak
Furnitureland. RETREAT Herringbone tumbler in
Smoke, £21 for a set of four, Amara
Mix together russet orange, mustard yellow and deep forest green to create your very own autumnal sanctuary in the bedroom
Cotton velvet linen mix cushion, £9; Plain fur cushion, £7; Diamond knit throw, £20; Tassel cushion, £7; Sunflowers duvet cover set, from £10; Jute rug, £45, all George Home
Bring natural textures and materials into your home with natural jute and undyed wool rugs
Jute triangles rug, from £75; Marl rug, from £129; Jute ombré rug, from £79; Undyed wool rug, £89, all Dunelm
This beautifully crafted, rustic table has a smooth, knotty surface that’s just right for this theme. It’s also made from 100% FSC Certified reclaimed wood, so it’s both sustainable and has plenty of character too
Derby reclaimed wood round table, £375, Modish Living
Bring a woodland scene to your coffee table with a log tray, moss-covered bowl and a glowing amber glass candle
Gold taper candle holder, £5; Wooden log-effect tray, £8; Moss bowl, £10;
Amber glass candle, £2; Jute rug, £45,
all George Home
Pallas cork desk lamp, £30, Habitat
Multicolour marble striped chopping board, £65, Cielshop
Grey Santana small bowl, £7.95, Rex London
Team a blend of linen and organic cotton fabric with a tan colourway for the ultimate cosy autumnal look and soft, textured feel
Mother of Pearl linen and organic cotton double duvet cover set in Tan, from £125, John Lewis & Partners