Interior Design Tips to Make Your Home Feel Cosy
Interior Designers Raven & Lack Share Their Expert Ideas for Creating a Sense of Warmth and Comfort in Your Home This Autumn.
Outside, the change in seasons ushers in glorious, rich, autumnal colours, which is surely something to celebrate in our homes, too. As the weather cools and evenings draw in, we’re also much more likely to be spending time indoors, so take the opportunity to give your home a cosy autumn look and feel.
A seasonal upgrade can be brought about by incorporating varied and tactile textures, inviting scents and warm lighting into your interiors. “These elements not only foster a sense of comfort but also stimulate creativity, refreshing and revitalising your living space,” says Rae Underhill, co-founder of interior design consultancy Raven & Lack with Adriel Lack.
The London-based Australian design duo have recently curated our showhome at Wandsworth Mills, which features layered textures and artisan finishes.
Earthy coloured cushions and textiles at Wandsworth Mills showhome
Design for Wellbeing
As more of us work from home or do hybrid working, a sense of comfort at home is crucial. “Updating décor to reflect the changing seasons is essential for enhancing wellbeing, particularly for those working from home,” says Rae.
“From a practical standpoint, the benefits include increased warmth and optimised lighting as daylight begins to wane, creating an ambiance that supports both productivity and relaxation,” adds Adriel. These are key issues not just for those of us working from home, but also anyone returning home in the twilight or dark after a day out.
Raven & Lack’s design for the two-bedroom showhome includes a tranquil study area - ideal for anyone who finds themselves needing to concentrate in front of their laptop during the working day or beyond.
The cosy desk area in our Wandsworth Mills showhome
Say It With Flowers
Beautiful vases of fresh-cut flowers are typically associated with the spring and summer months, but there are plenty of varieties which thrive later in the year. And there’s good reason to fill your home with them, Raven & Lack believe.
“Incorporating fresh flowers during the autumn and winter months can invigorate a space, bringing a touch of nature's vitality indoors,” says Rae. She suggests that by combining seasonal autumn foliage with roses, dahlias and dried hydrangeas, “you can celebrate the season’s rich beauty and create a dynamic, visually engaging environment”.
Warm Up the Lighting
Outside, those autumn days lack the energy of strong summer sun. Inside, we increasingly reach for the light switch. But overhead spotlights won’t produce a sense of cosiness on their own.
Adriel and Rae suggest adopting a layered approach to lighting. “Incorporating accent lighting, such as table, desk and floor lamps, alongside architectural lighting like wall sconces or art lights, can highlight key features and enhance the overall ambiance.” This strategy not only compensates for reduced daylight, they believe, but also adds depth and warmth to your interior, ensuring a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. At Wandsworth Mills showhome, fabulous lamps from Galerie Glustin in Paris complement the more functional lighting.
At this time of year, even switching certain bulbs to a warmer tone can turn a forgotten corner into an inviting nook.
New Season Colours and Textures
Incorporating rich textures in earthy or deep tones into living areas and bedrooms enhances the sensory experience and adds warmth to your space. Woven throws made from soft, natural fibres such as alpaca or cashmere create a luxurious feel. These work in the living room as well as the bedroom. And woven artworks on the walls give texture and colour.
Raven & Lack’s showhome at Wandsworth Mills exemplifies luxury and sustainability by featuring textiles from British brand Sirimiri. Their bedding and bespoke wool blankets are renowned for their exceptional quality and high sustainability ethos. While the stunning artwork in the living room is by up-and-coming weaving artist Rebecca Whittaker, who uses natural fibres.
Meanwhile, “the integration of fashion-forward throws from Loewe, Hermès and Dior adds an element of sophistication and style, ensuring that each room exudes a unique and cosy atmosphere,” says Rae.
By pairing such pieces with textured wallpapers, thick rugs and generous curtaining, the impression is of being cocooned.
Raven & Lack have layered lighting and soft textiles in this bedroom
A Sensory Journey
When we think about creating cosiness, we tend to reach for the fabric swatch or the lighting catalogue. But what about our sense of smell? Raven & Lack love the idea of introducing subtle fragrances through natural soy wax candles in seasonal scents like oud, tobacco, leather and cedar. “They can transform the ambiance, offering a deeper, more grounded experience,” explains Adriel. “These fragrances provide a comforting contrast to the lighter, fresher florals typically used in the spring, allowing for a more seasonally appropriate sensory journey.”
By tuning in to the changing seasons and taking inspiration from the natural world, these sorts of adjustments can transform your home into a sanctuary.
Add warm seasonal scented candles