One impact of the past couple of years has been the significant amount of time we’ve spent within our homes, including the huge number of people now working from home at least on a part-time basis. As a result, we are paying more attention to our home décor and doing our utmost to create interiors which make us feel relaxed and happy. The huge shift in our lifestyles has meant that rather than spending our money on leisure activities and travel, we are now investing more time, effort and cash on making our safe spaces more comfortable and functional, away from the worries of the world around us.

As the clocks go back an hour, marking the official start to autumn, a change of season often means we consider how we can alter our home interiors to complement the new season and the change in weather. By far the easiest and most effective way to transform the look of a room is by sprucing up with a fresh coat of paint on the walls. The most difficult aspect of this decorating task, however, is choosing a colour. There are an infinite number of shades available from a vast number of brands and retailers, so hours upon hours can be spent browsing through palettes to find your perfect shade.

In this blog, we’re sharing five paint shades which are set to be popular in the coming months and which we believe are ideal for creating cosy autumn vibes in the home.

Emerald Green

Bold colours are perfect for this time of year and can add an element of warmth and richness to an interior when used correctly. Replace summery pastel shades with dramatic emerald greens and navy blues. These opulent jewel colours work really well in kitchens, especially when used to give tired units a makeover. When complemented with natural oak or pine they give a beautiful and cosy country kitchen look but they work equally well with granite worktops to create a more contemporary look.

Farrow & Ball’s Emerald Green is a recent addition to their Colours by Nature paint collection and pairs beautifully with their Ultra Marine Blue to add a vibrant mid-century feel to the hub of the home.

Red Earth

Another stunning shade for this season from Farrow & Ball is their terracotta-toned Red Earth.  This perfect autumnal blend of red and yellow, is rich enough to add instant cosiness to any interior but subtle enough to avoid overwhelming a smaller space. Use on every wall to give your room a Mediterranean feel or use it to create a feature wall on which to display your favourite plants. The natural greens of botanicals really pop when placed against earthy terracotta shades – the perfect canvas for an autumn “shelfie” perhaps!

Bright Skies

Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2022 is Bright Skies. A subtle blue with grey undertones, it’s perfect for those who prefer cooler colours to the reds and browns more commonly associated with autumn. As the name suggests, this thoughtful shade of blue was inspired by clear skies, so it could be a real mood booster as the UK weather becomes increasingly grey and murky. According to colour psychology, blue is the optimal colour for creating calming interiors so Bright Skies is the perfect shade for a bedroom. Pair with soft beiges and creams to add warmth and elegance and complement with soft knits and natural linens to create your very own haven of cosiness.

Merlot

Graham & Brown’s Merlot is a rich and indulgent shade which looks just as delicious as it sounds! This dramatic, blackened red is a timeless colour which would suit both period properties and contemporary homes. Create a striking entrance by using in a hallway or create a warm and inviting living room by using it to make a feature of your fireplace wall. Accessorise with metals for an opulent, Art Deco feel or complement with light woods and neutral shades to soften the shade and add texture.

Masquerade

For those who prefer more neutral and subdued shades on their interior walls, Little Greene’s Masquerade is a beautiful choice for this season. This delicate, powdery paint shade boasts natural undertones and a pretty hint of blush pink, thus providing enough warmth to make a room look noticeably cosier without overpowering it. This versatile shade would work well in a Hygge-inspired home where simplicity is celebrated and comfort is prioritized. Complement with natural materials and streamlined furniture for a clean but cosy look.

At Hartleys we also reflect the changes in the seasons with our bespoke furniture finishes. Whether you’re looking for a light airy wood-grain, or something darker and more dramatic, we have plenty of options for you to choose from. If you’d rather we painted your furniture in a shade and brand of your choice to match existing décor, or just because you love it, that’s part of our service too. You can view our website by following this link, visit our Skipton showroom or call us on 01756 700471 to book an appointment with one of our design team.