Living in a city for so long, I miss the connection with the seasons and the wilderness. So a few years ago, I made a pact with myself: I would bring the seasons in my home if I can’t sense it outside.
And today, I want to share with you my 5 steps to make your home feels like Autumn.
This is the first episode of a new series on exploring the seasonality of life and how to reflect it in your environment.
Let’s start!
Before you get going, it might be a good idea to prepare a bit in advance, so you know what you need and what you want, and you can just be in the moment.
I like to have a moodboard or something that helps me choose my decor. I also take a good look at all my spaces and see where I can make it seasonal, and where it needs to stay the same.
I also love Autumn because it’s my “fashion palette”: I feel a lot better and lighter in oranges, deep yellows and muddy greens. So I want my house to feel that way too.
if you’re wondering, my husband is also Autumn, so he’s fine with it.
Once you’re satisfied with your plan, you can see if you have everything you need, or if you need to make (or buy as a last resort) some things.
I personally try to make as much as I can, so it works as a nice quiet time, and I don’t buy things that hurt the planet.
For this Autumn specifically, I am finalising crochet flowers to replace my bouquet, and sewing some new pillow cases.
Each time I feel ready to transition from one season to the next, I always start with cleaning my whole flat, and decluttering as much as I can.
Cleaning your space is like cleaning your mind. The more you declutter it, the lighter you’ll feel inside too.
Autumn in Scotland is also the moment to switch wardrobes, saying goodbye to Summer clothes, and hello to warm, cosy jumpers.
If it feels daunting to you, then do it one room at a time, when you have a moment. For example, changing wardrobes and cleaning the d-bedroom on Sunday, the kitchen after a meal one night, etc.
There’s no particular rule expect this one: try to have fun with it.
I know it can feel like a chores most weeks, but I quite like the joy it brings me to see my space all clutter free and sparkling.
Once you’re all done, also remove any items that you won’t want to keep this autumn. You can store them safely away for next year.
An Autumn makeover is more than just a few items on shelves: it’s a moment to be grateful for the season and what it brings with it.
I like to create a mood for myself, make it a real ritual to honour the season outside and in myself.
Some ideas that can help:
Whatever you choose, I encourage you to make it personal, and quiet moment for yourself, away from screens and deep in your sensations and emotions. Autumn is the season of water, so it’s going to affect your emotions and moods. The season is an invitation to slow down and accept your inner landscape with kindness.
All right, you’re all set and everything is clean: now for the rewarding part, the actual makeover!
Home decor is quite personal, and depending on your personality and tastes, it’s going to look very different from my home. Which is a good thing! You want to have character in your space, so it gives you joy and a sense of belonging.
Autumn makeover is about going slowly and feeling your way into it. If you’re not used to doing that, maybe start one room at a time. And remember: it’s not a race.
Personally, I like to have space to do my Autumn makeover, because I never know what’s going to arise for me. I’m an intuitive interior designer if you will: I need to feel the objects and play around with them until I’m satisfied.
But I still follow a few rules that helps. If you feel you don’t know what you’re doing, these will get you started:
These are just suggestions, you’re free to do however you like, of course. Again, what’s important here is that you feel at home in your space.
Here you are! You now have a beautiful home that feels like Autumn, and you can just get a book, a cup of tea, and melt under the blanket in your soothing home.
A few last thoughts and I’ll leave you with that book.
In the first few days after your Autumn makeover, you’re going to move things around a bit. It’s totally fine: as you actually live in your space, you’re going to tweak things so they feel better. Allow that process to unfold with kindness and trust: you know what you’re doing!
I hope you find this helpful, and I’ll see you in the next one.
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