Autumn invites us to embrace warmth and comfort in our homes. A simple yet impactful way to achieve that cosiness is through colour. A rich, neutral palette can help you create an atmosphere that’s both inviting and timeless. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into warm autumnal shades and look at five colour ideas to fall for this autumn.
Neutrals are the key
Whether your space leans towards a contemporary look or you prefer a more rustic feel, neutral colours can bring warmth into your home. They set the perfect mood for relaxation with a super-homely vibe.
Just look at these cosy and calming bedroom schemes - perfect if you love hitting 'snooze' on Sundays...
Neutral shades offer understated elegance and harmonise without overpowering a space. Think of tones that reflect nature – warm greys, soft browns, creams, khaki, olive, and muted shades of earthy orange and red.
Combinations of subtle shades can create depth and warmth. Add richer accent colours, plush textiles and natural materials like wood and stone and you’ll be enveloped in cosy heaven.
Set the scene with a soft backdrop
A great interior designer tactic is to pick tried and tested soft neutrals, setting the scene with a timeless, harmonious backdrop. You can then add in bolder neutrals, or push the boundaries of the neutral palette, to inject individuality and style.
The backdrop can consist of off-whites and creams, but for a more organic and natural look with a bit of depth, try these combinations:
Beige and grey
A classic pairing where each colour balances the other. The warmth in beige brings a sense of homeliness and comfort, while grey offers calm and provides some contrast. This approach works wonderfully with most greys, whether they’re warm or cool.
Create a harmonious look in your home with Stone Rosie, Grey Pebble or Shush (below).
Greige/taupe and ivory
Greige and taupe shades are warm in nature and pair wonderfully with soft ivory hues – the latter also being, in essence, warm, but with cooler notes. These two together convey a feeling of sophistication and understated calm.
Get the look with timeless shades like Salt of the Earth, Silver Birch (below) and Stone in Love.
Autumn-inspired accents ramp up the cosy
Looking for some bolder colours alongside your soft backdrop? Add any, or all, of the shades below to your main neutral palette. They will fit into pretty much any setting, bringing depth and variety without overwhelming the overall look.
If your walls need to be pale, you could simply include these colours in floor coverings and soft furnishings. Or create a more cohesive, layered look by including an item of painted furniture or even painting elements of your woodwork – like doors and skirtings.
Magic mocha
Brown is back and it’s here to stay. Unlike the lighter café-au-lait shade, true mocha tones exude richness. They are warm and chocolatey with possible hints of gold. Like many earthy shades, they are grounding, deeply familiar and comforting.
Bring this rich tone into your home with stunning shades Moleskin (below), Drama Llama or Liquorice.
Terracotta time
Reds are always associated with warmth and have seen a surge in popularity this year. Choose soft, earthy and muted reds, like terracotta to complement your neutral scheme. If you find yourself drawn to include a red but it feels daunting, try with very small elements first – paint a lamp base, frame or side table and discover how this can bring other colours to life.
Why not try one of our beautifully curated paint colours, such as Earthy, Clay Pot (below) or Dawlish to add that perfect touch of warmth to your space?
Olive appeal
One of the most versatile colours around, olive could be described as the jack-of-all-trades of the colour world. But this does not mean it’s mundane. Cool, with warm undertones and akin to nature, it never looks out of place. You can find out more in our guide to olive green colour pairings.
Looking for an olive paint? Try Olivia (below), Constance Moss and give Jersey Boy a shot.
Connect to nature with neutral autumnal shades
The beauty of a neutral palette is its flexibility – these colours allow you to craft a serene and timeless space that feels connected to nature. Whether you go for soft, subtle shades or add depth with richer tones, neutral colours will help transform your home into a cosy sanctuary for any season.
At Frenchic, you can find an array of beautiful neutral colours, each with its unique character and charm. All our products are self-priming to make your life easier, with a durable, long-lasting finish. Find a stockist near you to see our colours up close.
