As we settle into autumn and the evenings draw in, Phoebe Harper consults the interior experts on the latest seasonal prints, palettes and trends – and how to weave them into your sanctuary.
Autumn is an evocative time; trees a symphony of rust and amber. With the daylight receding outside and our interiors asking for a little more warmth, it’s tempting to channel the palette of the outdoors into our own homes.
A little seasonal redecoration doesn’t require much – a small touch-up with the addition of a few new textures in your soft furnishings or a fresh lick of paint can make all the difference. But the best home updates are those that don’t feel overly themed and will see you through all four seasons.
“If you’re redecorating your home, avoid using every recognisably autumnal shade at once or relying on novelty motifs,” advises Julian Page, head of design at BHS. “A successful scheme should feel warm, layered and inviting in November, but sophisticated enough to remain in place throughout the year.”
While autumn used to call for softer, gentle hues, this year is all about going bold. “We’ve moved away from the hyper-neutral era,” observes Cari Bateman, a senior designer at Neville Johnson, the London-based designer and creator of bespoke fitted furniture and staircase renovations. “Homes are becoming warmer, more individual and reflective of the people living in them.”
The most reliable colour choices for autumn lovers are nature-inspired, earthy tones that will appeal all year round. While warm taupes and terracotta will always have a place, don’t shy away from burnt orange, mustard yellow and olive green – all of which can be instrumental in creating a space that exudes warmth and a welcoming atmosphere.
Trending colours for interiors this autumn
Cathryn Sanders is head of creative at Earthborn, a British paint company focused on creating high-quality, sustainable paints. “Greens are continuing to increase in popularity,” she says. “Often associated with balance and serenity, green brings an earthy and relatable quality to homes, making it a fitting colour for more sociable spaces, while still exuding feelings of comfort and cosiness. Its diverse range of shades, from sage greens to forest greens, allow for flexibility in design, catering to both traditional and contemporary aesthetics alike.”
Brown shades are a similarly versatile choice that can work with a range of existing colour palettes in a room and are well paired with an earthy decor. “Brown is a timeless colour, bringing a warming appeal that grounds the space and adds a sense of calm and sophistication. Darker brown tones exude feelings of relaxation and can create a cosy, cocooning effect, whereas their lighter counterparts open up a space,” she adds.
Once approached with caution for fear of shrinking a space or making it feel oppressive, dark shades and colour drenching are having a moment. “I love leaning into richer colours for a cosy, cocooning aesthetic. Deeper greens, dramatic taupes and more saturated neutrals can feel incredibly luxurious, particularly in dining rooms, libraries or formal living rooms. These shades create an enveloping elegance that feels both contemporary and timeless,” says Laura Hammett, the founder of interior design studio Laura Hammett Living.
Laura hints at rich, burgundy shades for a deeply sophisticated finish. “We’re seeing a resurgence of these decadent, wine-toned shades in fashion too – burgundy and berry are very much here to stay – and I love how that translates into interiors. Mulberry has that same versatility and appeal: it’s bold yet timeless, dramatic yet comforting.”
This chimes with family-owned-and-run paint manufacturer Mylands’ Colour of the Year for 2027, which has just been unveiled. Huguenot No 49 is a sumptuous crimson inspired by heritage silk weavings.
“We have seen a growing interest in Huguenot No 49, reflecting a renewed appetite for richer, more expressive colour in interiors. Its versatility allows it to work as both a defining shade and a considered accent, bringing warmth and depth to a space,” comments Dominic Myland, the brand’s CEO, adding: “I am a firm believer that even a small touch of red can elevate most rooms.”
Apply it liberally as a bold new backdrop to a room, or use it carefully to highlight architectural details, furniture or cabinetry. However you use this colour, it’s guaranteed to make an impact.
Add some pattern to your home
A bold approach applies to both paint and pattern – on and off the walls. Wallpaper is making a strong return, not just as a feature wall but across entire rooms. “We’re seeing clients embrace pattern in a much more refined way, whether that’s botanical prints, subtle geometrics or textured grass cloth wall coverings,” observes Sophie Chapman, an associate and interior designer at design studio The Vawdrey House.
“There is also growing interest in wall coverings that introduce natural materials and craftsmanship into the home. Manufacturers such as Arte are producing collections that incorporate cork, bark, wood veneers and even embroidered leather, bringing a richness and tactile quality that goes beyond traditional wallpaper and helps create greater depth and texture within a room.”
The return of patterned tiles is another example of this braver approach to maximalist styling. “Rather than relying on a single statement tile, designers are increasingly layering different patterns within the same space. In bathrooms, for example, checks and stripes are being used together to create visual interest and personality without feeling overly decorative,” Sophie continues.
“Tile makers such as Otto Tiles and Bert & May continue to refine traditional encaustic and patterned tile designs, balancing their handcrafted character with cleaner colour palettes and contemporary applications that feel relevant for today’s style of homes.”
Richard Skeoch is director of tile and natural flooring specialist Hyperion Tiles. For him, the checkerboard tile is having a comeback with an autumnal update: “While the traditional black-and-white combination can make quite a statement, choosing warmer, more tonal colours can give you a much softer interpretation that feels more at home in a relaxed interior.”
Cream, taupe, terracotta, soft pink and natural stone shades can all work beautifully together, bringing pattern and character into a room without it feeling too stark or overpowering. “When choosing your colours, look at the shades and materials you already have in the room. Picking out a tone from your walls, cabinetry, furnishings or other finishes can help the checkerboard feel like a natural part of the scheme, rather than something that has simply been added because it is on trend,” Richard suggests.
While rugs are a firm favourite for introducing warmth and texture, consider a patterned textile from the likes of Hug Rug, where bold floral motifs are proving a popular choice for statement interiors.
Trending textures for autumn
Aside from tiling, natural materials remain a top choice for floors that suit the autumnal vibe perfectly. Adam Robertson is managing director at parquet flooring specialist Urbane Living. “The shift towards warmer colour palettes is one of the defining flooring trends for autumn 2026,” he comments. “There is a growing demand for natural tones, from warm mid-browns through to deep, rich browns. These shades bring a sense of comfort and sophistication that people are craving in their homes.”
Moving on from the traditional yellow or golden finishes, natural mid-tone oaks are growing in popularity, with warmer browns and gentle grey-browns to offer a contemporary feel without compromising on character, thanks to the gentle variation and texture of the wood.
In furnishing a space, natural timber is a strong choice, with designers such as Sophie looking to darker stained woods with fluted detailing to inject character into joinery and fitted furniture. Complete the look with some softer finishing touches.
“Combining smooth velvet, woven fabric and faux fur will give more depth,” says Julian. “Mix seasonal colours and textures with quieter cushions or cream, taupe or linen rather than covering your sofa in matching autumn shades.”
And – music to the ears of those with time, tenancy or budget restrictions – he concludes: “Soft furnishings are the easiest place to experiment because they allow you to adjust the balance of colour without redecorating.”
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Lead image: Neville Johnson