From tactile textures to softer lighting, these expert-approved updates bring all the warmth of autumn while steering clear of Sleepy Hollow vibes
• Professional organisers’ tips for a tidy home
After a long, hot summer, the autumn chill is creeping in and, according to social media, that means one thing: cosy season. I’m all for a blanket, a candle and those gorgeous amber and russet shades, but I’m less convinced that welcoming autumn requires turning your home into Sleepy Hollow.
Pumpkins, faux foliage and Jack Skellington-shaped everything might be some people’s idea of heaven, but I’d rather bring in the season without needing to overhaul my lounge by December. As interior designer Lia Gold, winner of BBC’s Interior Design Masters, puts it: “There are so many ways to make your home feel cosier without it having to smell like pumpkin spice.”