As days get cooler, nights get longer and summer fades into fall, visions of picking apples, turkey dinners and falling leaves begin to enter our minds. This shift in seasons is not only seen outdoors but is also accompanied by changing trends around the home. While summer was saturated with bright colours and bold patterns, the emphasis this autumn is on graphic prints, moody colours and natural elements.
Designs are favouring simplicity this season. Keeping décor minimal and patterns simple allows the natural elements of a room to stand alone. Formal rooms are no longer necessary with open floor plans that flow continuing to be the norm for homeowners.
Simple spaces that transition easily between day and night or fun and functional are growing in popularity. Uncomplicated décor allows homeowners to enjoy their space without worrying about keeping too many elements coordinated as the seasons and styles change.
The spring and summer seasons may have brought out the bright colours but it’s a trend that will be more subdued come autumn.
“Colours are moving away from the super bright to more saturated hues,” says Nicole Duff, owner and designer of Mood Design Studios. “Emerald green, Pantone’s 2013 Colour of the Year, is still trending as well as other greens, deeper blues and black.”
Brighter colours will be seen in more intense tones that will infuse simple interiors through accessories, art and accent walls, bringing a pop of colour and contrast to simple spaces. Warm yellows and rich, rusty oranges along with moody blues and soft teals evoke both an earthly feel and environmental awareness. These colour combi-nations of the season reflect the emphasis on natural design and sustainable materials.
Bold prints are back again this season with computer-generated patterns continuing to make their way into the home décor market. “The global trend is still burning hot into the cool months with lots of tribal inspired prints being seen on fabrics, lamp shades and area rugs,” says Duff, describing a popular geometric drum lamp shade from her shop made up of tribal triangles in a mix of pink, green and gold.
Keeping warm and cozy inside becomes important come the cooler months. Duff suggests lots of layering with rugs to cozy up your décor. “Think long pile or fur rugs over top a textured sisal rug, velvety soft throw pillows and chunky knit throw blankets” she says. “I am especially partial to the giant wool blankets that are being seen around lately!”
With sustainability increasing in necessity this season, natural materials are not to be ignored. Cork floors, slate accents and concrete countertops are popular in contemporary design. Uncovering original flooring and embracing textured surfaces creates organic spaces that are both homey and modern.
Using reclaimed materials provides an organic look to a space without completely changing the feel. Natural wood finishes mixed with raw neutrals like linen dress up a simple space.
The vintage vibe that has infiltrated the fashion world will find its way into home décor this fall. Just as natural elements bring us back to our roots, vintage pieces evoke memories of earlier days when things were functional yet beautiful. New collections are mixes of classic pieces and contemporary colours.
Brass will be big come autumn, a trend that appears timeless in both a vintage and classic way. “Metallic finishes are still going strong,” says Duff. Warm bronze and copper will also appear and provide a cozy yet classic touch.
While lace may seem outdated and old, its comeback on the runway has made it trendy within the home as well. Lace pillows provide an easy way to update your interior without taking the trend too far. This reflects the growing trend to blend the old with the new, mixing natural pieces into crisp interiors.
Come the cooler months, having your home reflect the changing trends can be achieved with just a few small changes. “You want to go for warmer colours or moody hues and soft textures like wool, velvet or fur,” says Duff.
“Drape some warm throw blankets over your seating area to add warmth and change out your mantle décor. And of course, don’t be scared to switch out that boring white lamp shade for some-thing a little more eye-catching!” Small changes around the home, like introducing brass accessories or patterned pillows, will complement the beauty of the neutral looks that homes are leaning towards.
Just as autumn brings an appreciation for the outdoors, interiors are being updated to accentuate the natural beauty of older pieces and newer spaces creating cozy yet contemporary rooms – perfect for the transition into the cooler seasons.
By Ashley Stephens