Getting cosy for Autumn

Our resident blogger Lucy Young @_Oceancityliving on where to find the best places to get your home ready for Autumn. 

There’s a nip in the air and the first crunch of leaves underfoot...it’s time to start hunkering down and getting cosy for Autumn. Much as I love the Summer months, the change of seasons as we slip into the hazy days of September is my favourite time of year. It signals the start of layering up with chunky knitwear, swapping back to the snugly duvet and enjoying the warm glow of candles of an evening.

I’ve always liked accessorising my home according to the seasons and September means switching up things like cushions and throws and ditching tropical Summer brights for a more Autumnal colour palette. The shops are full of great new homeware at this time of year too so I headed into town to check out the latest collections on the high street.

Department stores are a great place to look for home accessories. Many of them do some fantastic designer collaborations and offer up-to-the-minute interiors trends at more purse-friendly prices. And as the weather starts to become more unpredictable, what could be better than browsing different departments all under one roof?

I began my search for Autumn essentials at House of Fraser on Royal Parade. Its new season collections ranged from the rich jewel colours and luxurious Art Deco glamour offered by brands like Biba and Christy to the warm organic hues and earthy tones of Bloomingville and Dassie Artisan as well as the subtle powdery shades and ‘new neutrals’ of Gray and Willow and Linea.

Keen to add some depth and texture to the muted greys and soft pinks of my bedroom decor, I opted for a gorgeous Boho textured cushion from Gray and Willow and some pastel, organic shaped side plates from Dassie Artisan. Coupled with some brushed cotton bedding from Hotel Collection these new additions offer a Scandinavian ‘hygge’-type hug to that all important weekend lie-in.

Next up was TK Maxx, which famously offers ‘big brands at small prices’ and a wide range of stylish designer names with up to 60 per cent off or less. I have to confess I find it hard to come away from TK Maxx empty handed. Whether its clothing or gifts, accessories or shoes, I love to bag a bargain. But today I focussed on homeware to find some calming and cosy elements for my living room. And there was plenty to choose from. Literally stacks of fluffy sheepskin rugs and soft-to-the-touch throws as well as a rainbow assortment of squashy cushions to lounge on. I added some gorgeous scented candles and new chunky espresso coffee cups and can’t wait to curl up for an afternoon in front of the wood burner.

Last stop on my trip was Debenhams and I was really impressed with their newly revamped homeware department. The store has some longstanding collaborations with designers such as Matthew Williamson, Jasper Conran and Julien Macdonald, to name a few. But there are some new additions such as patterned table ware from print maker Lucy Tiffney, sumptuous bed linen and curtains from textile designer Clarissa Hulse and dark and dramatic accessories from Instagram fave Abigail Ahern.

With Autumn food being a firm favourite in my household I was instantly drawn to the kitchenware department. I found some fabulous raffia placemats from Debenhams own collection and a little faux terracotta pot plant, plus rustic, earthenware tapas pots by Jamie Oliver. I also added to our Denby wedding glassware (after a few Summer breakages!) and enjoyed poring over recipe books planning some new meals. Summer salads just don’t cut it anymore. The amazing produce on offer during Harvest time just cries out for lazy, slow cooker Sundays and hearty one-pot meals. Time to cosy up and embrace the season.

If you enjoyed this blog, you can find more on Shop4Plymouth

Funded by the Reopening High Street Safely Fund, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government