It’s Autumn! When we’re not rushing out to kick up leaves and collect horse chestnuts, we’re getting excited about the season. Autumn can feel like a new start, as it’s the beginning of the new school year, and the slightly cooler evenings are giving us a great excuse to start looking at warm blankets, cushions and throws for the Cosy Home living room. Here’s our top ten picks for essential Autumn accessories.
1. The Indigo Chick: Plum and Bramble Candle
We just can’t resist this gorgeous candle from The Indigo Chick. With its plum and bramble fragrance, it couldn’t be more seasonal, and with a burn time of 30 hours it’ll help keep your home smelling fresh now it’s too cold to open the windows for long. £8 from www.theindigochick.co.uk.
2. Ville et Campagne: Shetland Throw
One of the best things about the darker nights drawing in is the excuse to bundle ourselves up on the sofa and …er….watch educational and improving television. We love these pure new Shetland wool throws in autumn-y colours such as Grape, Grey and Sage. £70 from www.villeetcampagne.co.uk.
3. Carola Van Dyke: Fox Cushion
We just can’t resist this cushion – in a mixture of tweeds and russets, it complements any décor, and it’s also a bit quirky with its applique fox pattern. Available from Cotswold Trading, was £75 now £49.
4. Emma Bridgewater: Red Fox and Red Squirrel Mugs
This stunning pair of mugs are painted with a red fox and a red squirrel in a celebration of British wildlife. We’re a little bit obsessed with all things ‘fox’ at the moment, and the beautiful partner squirrel mug is an added bonus. Set of two mugs available from Emma Bridgewater, priced £39.95.
5. Sparrow Primitives: Autumn Shelf Blocks
These decorative shelf blocks are handmade and hand-painted by Sparrow Primitives, made from FSC approved wood.They’d look great on a mantelpiece, kitchen shelf or piled up casually on a windowsill or conservatory table. Available from www.wowthankyou.co.uk, priced at £30.
6. Hunky Dory Home: Oak Table Lamp
Now it’s getting a little darker in the evenings, it’s time to think about lighting your home. Table lamps are a softer, more flexible lighting option than overhead lights, giving your home a warm, cosy glow. We love this fun and eccentric handmade retro-inspired lamp from Hunky Dory Home, priced at £85.
7. Magpie: Forest Friends Side Plates
What could be nicer than long autumn walks in the crisp air, followed by relaxing with a mug of tea and hunk of homemade cake? We’ve found the perfect cake plates as well, with this set of four porcelain ‘forest friends’ side plates from Magpie. Priced at £20 for the set of four.
8. Sweetpea and Willow: Webbers Lantern
If you don’t have an open fireplace and there’s no space for a wood burning stove, a couple of lanterns can help create that cosy fireside glow that’s so essential to autumnal relaxation. We love this one from Sweetpea and Willow, made of wood with a distressed paint finish. Priced at £45.
9. Baker and Bell: Bell Tent Rug
This lovely cotton floor rug in rich tones of russet and plum is perfect for warming up a room, and spreading in front of the fireplace if you have one. At only £30, it’s a bargain buy as well. Available from Baker and Bell.
10. Fairwind: Cat Draught Excluder
This slightly mournful-looking cat will do a terrific job of keeping out those autumn draughts and making sure your home’s kept cosy. Made from re-cycled fabrics, each one is slightly different. Priced at £24 and available from Fairwind.
By Sara Walker
