With signs of autumn showing for those of us in the southern-hemisphere, thoughts of weekends in the country, evenings entertaining at home, and cocooning ourselves in thick-woven knits are increasingly prevalent.

This leads us, once again, to the Danish concept of Hygge, described in the NY Times by Judith Newman as ‘“coziness” and “well-being” and encompasses an entire way of living that promises warmth, safety and, most important, community’.

Naturally as the temperatures drop, so too does our desire for activity, the outdoors and busy social schedules. Instead, in autumn and winter we retreat, and we rest. It’s important to allow ourselves this downtime and consideration should be given to reconfiguring the home accordingly. It is our sanctuary after all.

With these simple Autumn interior styling suggestions, discover how to cultivate a warm, inviting and ‘hygge’ home for the cooler months. Each suggestion will compliment your minimalist design furniture, so even modest changes can have great effect.

Plyroom's tips for autumn interior styling

Autumn colour palettes

This autumn we will be integrating terracotta, tobacco, deep dusty pink and other earthy tones into our interiors to evoke a sense of warmth. A terracotta feature wall with colours such as Haymes’ Ember Glow or Autumn Flame will create a dusky backdrop that accentuates the blonde tones of our modern, minimalist furniture. Less invasive opportunities to introduce colour include linen, such as IN BED Store x We Are Triibe’s 100% Linen Duvet Cover in Tobacco; and prints like those from Wabi Project which feature burnt oranges and neutrals.

Designing for the senses

Consideration of the senses is particularly important in the cooler months when we swap gallivanting outdoors in light cotton for time snuggled indoors.

Materials should be inviting and soft to the touch whilst evoking a sense of warmth. Thickly weaved and fibrous woollen throws are both practical and satisfying to cocoon in. Sheepskin, pure flax linens and woven rugs are also a delight to the senses both visually and physically.

As natural light diminishes, opt for soft, warm lighting like Coco Flip’s Mayu Floor Lamp or Muuto’s Unfold pendant in terracotta. Candles, too, will create a sense of warmth and peace. Choose a scent, such as IKOU’s De-Stress Pure Aromatherapy candle with geranium & lavender that is proven to promote calmness and wellness.

Additional tip: Adopt Japanese tradition and take off your shoes when arriving home. Invest in a pair of good woollen house slippers that will symbolise the transition from the hustle of outdoors to the peace of home (and keep feet toasty!).

Modern bedroom storage and minimalist furniture design for a calm space

All of your autumn throws, linens and additional layers should have a home so your space does not become unnecessarily cluttered.

Irrespective of the pursuit of comfort, we need not compromise on philosophies of minimalism and living with less.

In our experience, a clean and simple space is achieved more easily through the use of good storage.

The epicentre of any calm home is the bedroom. We create modern bedroom storage as we believe that a clear mind begins with an uncluttered space. The last thing you want to do is trip over a strewn jumper when rising in the morning.

A simple solution for the modern bedroom is our Flat Out Queen Bed with storage. When paired with our Trundle Drawer, you have a seamlessly gliding storage solution that can be filled with linen, spare pillows, books or any other items that are used regularly but may clutter the space. Our Dedo Wooden Storage Box and Cabine are also coveted as easy-to-access bedroom storage for unused linen. 

We also all need to be less hard on ourselves about a night spent watching a good film or two. Especially in autumn and winter. Keep warm throws and soft furnishings in close proximity tucked beneath the Settanta Coffee Table so you can snuggle on the sofa in comfort.

Prioritising rest and self-care routines 

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow.” Eleanor Brown 

A change in routine is inevitable as the seasons change – longer sleep-ins, earlier dinners, easing up on the workout plan. Though we speak about the physical space, it’s also advantageous to prioritise self-care and rest within your routine. Sneak into bed half-an-hour earlier to catch up on reading. Allow yourself a long bath each week. Have a wine at home friends rather than going out.

Designing for your space for the change in season is more than a superficial pursuit. Our homes are our retreat, especially in autumn and winter. Simple luxuries and small edits can have a profound affect in creating this important environment for rest and replenishment.

Photography by Bianca Virtue | Colour palette mood board images clockwise L - R: We Are Triibe Concept Studio #2, Pampa Puna Llama Throws; Bathroom at Holiday House in Monterrey, Mexico by Tatiana Bilbao; Bedroom at Holiday House in Monterrey, Mexico by Tatiana Bilbao; 100% Linen Duvet Cover in Tobacco by IN BED Store.