Interior Design
Autumn design trends:
Cocooning in Splendour for Autumn
Adobe
Two strong currents will define autumn’s interior design looks according to Homebuilding & Renovating expert
Julia Kendell, owner of kitchen design company Kendell + Co.
Those two currents are: the cocooning instinct, which urges us to retreat into warmth and comfort, and the desire for spectacle, where interiors become a stage for storytelling. The merging of these influences results in spaces that are at once nurturing and glamorous, homes that anchor us in nature while allowing a touch of flamboyance to delight the senses.
A Return to Warmth
Trend forecasters at colour specialists Pantone and consumer analysts WGSN highlight palettes that draw directly from the Autumn landscape with ochre, clay and terracotta paired with deep forest green and earthy brown. These hues are balanced with muted blush and soft mushroom tones, offering sophistication without heaviness.
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The psychology is clear as we seek refuge from uncertainty, we gravitate towards colours that promise comfort and stability. Earth tones bring reassurance, while russet and ochre inject a sense of vitality and optimism.
Layers of Touch
Texture remains the most compelling design tool of the season. Knits and velvety finishes bring a cocooning tactility, while raw timbers, natural stone and brushed metals prevent schemes from tipping into the overly-polished. Designers are layering chunky knits with fine wool, and rustic sisal with silk-edged rugs, proving that opposites can, when carefully curated, feel perfectly harmonious.
Sustainability continues to drive material choices, with a preference for natural fibres and artisan finishes that carry both environmental and emotional value.
Sculptural Warmth
As nights draw in, lighting becomes the mood-setter. Statement table lamps, diffused wall-lights and chandeliers with sculptural silhouettes are taking precedence over stark overhead downlighting. Amber-toned glass, aged brass, and smoked finishes bring depth and atmosphere, while flexible schemes encourage an interplay of shadow and glow, crucial for creating that layered, intimate feel.
Craft Meets Comfort
Furniture silhouettes this season favour the generous and the enveloping with deep, low-slung sofas, rounded armchairs upholstered in tactile fabrics and dining tables with artisan-carved bases. Stone continues its dominance in kitchens and bathrooms, with dramatic veining delivering a sense of permanence and luxury.
The Rise of ‘Castlecore’
If Autumn’s grounded palette represents our desire for stability, the Castlecore trend taps into our craving for glamour and fantasy. Fuelled by period dramas such as Outrageous and The Gilded Age, interiors are seeing a resurgence of drapery, trimmings, and unapologetic ornament. Think sweeping curtains edged with tassels, fringed cushions piled high, and gilded accents that catch the candlelight.
This is not about recreating the past, but about reinterpreting grandeur for contemporary living. Rich velvets in jewel tones, embroidered silks, and decorative mouldings add theatricality, while still sitting comfortably alongside the season’s earthy base colours. The effect creates a layered, romantic interior celebrating both heritage and modern craftsmanship.
Julia Kendell
Julia Kendell will be speaking at the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, 19-21 September,
Excel. Click here for free show tickets: https://www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/pr-general-outlets
Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September 2025 ExCeL London
