With Autumn in full swing, we are revelling in the visual spectacle as summer fades away in a breathtaking display of golden yellows, burnt oranges, and vibrant reds. With the cooler months approaching, this season offers the perfect opportunity to bring these rich hues and textures indoors, creating a cosy haven to retreat to as the days grow shorter.

Layering is certainly a key theme this season —not only as we gear our wardrobes up in preparation for winter, but also our home interiors. Autumn invites us to layer our homes with warmer palettes, adding texture, and depth to transform any space into a sanctuary that radiates comfort and style.

Join us as we explore the lush earth tones making a splash this season and discover ways to capture the beauty of autumn’s colours and textures in your home décor.

Cosy browns and warm terracotta

This season we are leaning into rich browns and natural wood tones for a bold, moodier aesthetic that’s perfect for creating a dramatic, cocoon-like atmosphere. Let’s be honest, there is nothing better than a dark room, lit by gentle lamp light on a cold autumn evening to get comfy in.

Psychologists suggest that earthy browns can foster a sense of security and calm, as these colours evoke grounding and comforting effects that help us feel more at ease. Inspired by nature’s most dependable elements—think of the strength of ancient trees, the richness of fertile soils, and the warmth of clay—these tones bring a deep sense of stability to any space.

In the snug at our Richmond project, we crafted an inviting retreat by complementing the traditional wall panelling with soft furnishings and accessories in accent colours drawn from nature. Cool ivory, gentle pistachio, and warm terracotta accents add layers of warmth and texture, creating a welcoming and luxurious ambience.

Embrace autumn’s soft neutrals

An elegant alternative to classic earthy hues and jewel tones found in nature lies in the soft neutrals and muted shades of taupe and salmon, creating a lighter, brighter but equally calm and tranquil atmosphere. These tones work beautifully all year round, making any room feel more open and spacious as natural light is easily reflected. Working with a lighter palette also creates the perfect neutral backdrop for special pieces of furniture or art to stand out against as the stars of the show.

While neutral might sometimes suggest bland or uninspiring, neutral palettes can be just as rich in depth and complexity as stronger hues. By choosing shades with subtle tonal variations, you can build layers of opulence and warmth into any space. Think off-whites, taupes, browns which hint at pink undertones and smoky salmon shades. Pairing these colors with natural, warm materials like wood, cashmere, wool, and suede enhances their richness, giving the space a sophisticated, sumptuous feel. Shades like mink and mushroom add depth and sit harmoniously alongside dusky pinks, blush or muted salmon and pair beautifully with blues, greys, and greens.

In our Harrogate project, we utilised this delicate mink and blush combination in the bedroom, complemented by a textured grasscloth wallcovering and a custom headboard crafted from wool satin and raffia weave. A bold animal-print fabric in blue adds a pop of contrast to the armchairs, balancing softness with a hint of daring style.

3 top tips for using earthy tones in your interior scheme:

1) Illumination is key

Warm, layered lighting brings the best out of earthy palettes so opt for warm-toned light bulbs to enhance the cosiness of your scheme. Layer your lighting with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lights to create depth and highlight colour choices. Dimmable lights allow you to adjust the mood and intensity of your colours throughout the day. Table lamps or wall sconces with golden or copper finishes can add warmth and complement the wider scheme beautifully.

2) Captivate with contrast

Introduce contrast with carefully selected accents – Work pops of bold colour against a background of clean neutrals and patterns for a striking yet harmonious contrast and added interest

3) Add objects of interest 

Use art, fabrics, and accessories to introduce new colors and textures into the overall scheme. This is a quick and cost-effective way to experiment with a color trend without committing to major changes.

Double Drenching

Building on the color-drenching trend, double drenching immerses a space in two or more complementary hues, covering walls, ceilings, and woodwork in related shades for a layered, cohesive look.

There’s no doubt about it—colour is a powerful tool which can entirely elevate the mood and ambience of a space, so be daring and experiment. For a structured, more restrained feel, you can add one or two accent colors. But to create a bolder, more dynamic space, experiment with multiple shades. Whether you prefer a darker, more dramatic palette or vibrant, uplifting tones, be confident with colour and enjoy the outcome.

In our Harrogate project, we offset the classic joinery by drenching the room in a deep grey-blue from floor to ceiling, using the same shade to colour-wash both woodwork and walls. The result is a striking, enveloping space that feels both bold and balanced.

For expert advice about interior design and interior architecture contact the team or give us a call on 0203 371 1779.