Although we’re all still craving summer there’s a chill in the morning and evening air and the leaves have started to turn, signalling that autumn is definitely here. The new season always makes me crave a cosier interior, and one colour I’ve been drawn to lately is burnt orange (with variations including caramel and terracotta). Burnt orange is a warm, earthy colour that adds depth and richness to a space, creating an inviting atmosphere in the home.

It’s important to balance this earthy tone with other colours and textures to create a cohesive look. Neutral colours such as beige, grey, and white can help to tone down the boldness of the burnt orange and create a more balanced room. Additionally, incorporating natural materials such as wood, wall plaster or woven textiles can help to enhance the earthy feel of this cosy colour.

If you’re brave, use it as a wall colour. But if using the words ‘orange’ and ‘interior’ in the same sentence seem a little scary there are subtle ways to incorporate it into your design scheme…

Start with a neutral base

Begin by choosing neutral colours such as beige, cream, or grey for your walls and furniture. This will provide a blank canvas that allows autumnal colours to pop.

Add pops of colour

Use your chosen colour as an accent only in your home. Autumn colours such as burnt orange, rust, mustard yellow, deep red, and olive green can be added through throw pillows, bedlinen, blankets, art, curtains, and other decorative accessories. A statement chair upholstered in burnt orange velvet is one of my favourite ways to bring this tone in.

Use natural materials

Incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and woven textiles alongside your chosen accent colour can enhance the autumnal feel in your home. For example, you could add a wooden coffee table, a woven rug, or a stone fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere.

Use nature to accessorise

Consider adding natural elements such as branches and leaves to your interior. Have a look around your garden or park for fallen branches with a sculptural element to them and arrange them in a vase as a decorative accent.

Warm up your lighting

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, it's important to adjust your lighting to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Swap out bright white bulbs for warmer, more golden-toned bulbs, and start putting your candles on at night for that cozy glow (just remember to blow them out before bed!).