Cooling temperatures don't have to mean cold interiors

Sure, summer reigns supreme in the canon of seasons but there’s a reason why autumn comes a close second—and it goes back to the dawn of time.

Astrologically, one of the most important events, the autumnal equinox—the day when daylight hours and nighttime hours are the same length—occurs at this time, which drove ancient cultures to associate this day with the concept of balance.

For eons during this time, humans and animals have prepared for the coming winter by harvesting/storing food and cultivating a safe and comforting home. In a way, the autumn season offers us a chance to reconnect with ourselves as we preserve our safe havens.

Creating a serene and snug space is one of the best perks of autumn, after all. It also gives you a chance to learn about what makes you feel warm and safe.

“Autumn is such a beautiful season for colour,” says Rebecca Long, Resene Colour Expert. “As the weather becomes cooler, the changing leaves delight our eyes with an array of oranges, yellows, reds and plums.

“This season, colours will continue to bring warmth and will rebel against the cool, steely greys of previous years. Soft, character neutrals such as Resene Albescent White will bring comfort alongside deep, rust hues such as Resene Moccasin.”

Fellow Resene Colour Expert Angela Fell agrees: “The beautiful colours that come out in the leaves on the trees is the thing I absolutely love about Autumn—the deepened purples, various shades of yellow, orange and red and then, at the end of the season, the caramels and browns.

”I am expecting colours to warm up, with caramel tones featuring alongside deepened greens, inky blues and ochres. Darker greens combined with a warmed white or a swiss caramel complement any character interior where there are wooden floors or detailing.”

Texture, too, really shines during Autumn, says Angela, when materials such as wool and other natural textures bring us closer to nature and help us create an honest and true interior.

“Natural textures and fabrics, beautiful soft botanical wallpaper prints, these are a given any season of year but more commonly reached for as the temperature begins to drop. Lovely warm, heavily textured woollen throws combined with soft cushions are a wonderful way to keep us connected to nature.

“There are many ways to introduce texture,” adds Rebecca. “Large, oversized textured panels in finishes such as Resene FX Rust Effect and Resene Sandtex will add interest and dimension when paired with smooth, painted walls in Resene SpaceCote Flat.”

Similarly, both designers say wallpaper is a great way to introduce texture, pattern and sheen to any room.

For many of us, taking the first step to redecorating can be the biggest challenge, possibly through lack of vision of the bigger picture or because of perceived budgetary constraints. Rebecca says the best solution is to start small and to let your own personality shine through.

“Start with your own bedroom. There are no limitations when it comes to designing for yourself. Explore a variety of different colour options and textures and create a space that is uniquely for you. Once you’re comfortable with what you’ve achieved you can branch out further. Remember, it’s your home and if you’re truly comfortable in it, so too will your guests be.

“Introduce grounded, earthy hues into your home and create a secluded sanctuary. Resene Swiss Caramel celebrates the vibrant energy that autumn delivers, and Resene Family Tree connects us with the depths of our wonderful forests.”

“You really don’t need to spend lots of money to transform a space,” says Angela. “The tightest of budgets often produces the most unique outcome! Don’t be afraid to try new things. Mood boards can be a great place to start when trying to put together a visual representation of what you like, that way you will get a feel for what you are looking for when you are shopping on a budget and the courage to do it will come.”

Drawing inspiration from Aotearoa

“The way New Zealanders approach interior design isn’t strictly limited to any regional bent, but it certainly does influence the way we design our homes,” says Rebecca. While colours such as Resene Black White and Resene Thorndon Cream are classic neutrals popular throughout New Zealand, Kiwis living along the coast may opt for fresher, lighter colour schemes to compliment their seaside views, whereas New Zealanders in the deep south may opt for rich timbers and warmer hues, such as Resene Artisan, to get through the cooler months.”

“I know when I was living and working in Nelson 15 years ago, the colours we used were a lot creamier than the colours being used here in Auckland at the same time,” says Angela.

“Location, in general, should always be considered in good interior design. Is a beach house a beach house if it's located in the country? Not really, no, but you could recreate a Hampton’s scheme to capture that beachy/calming vibe within a busy city home where one yearns to have a place to rest and relax and escape the hustle and bustle outside.

“The design, at the end of the day, should suit the client as well as the region; both considerations should go hand in hand. You tend to find, in places where temperatures get very cold, that people are naturally drawn to colours that are slightly warmer such as Resene Rice cake, which is a beautiful warm white without being too cool.”

Learn more about seasonal colour trends and how to incorporate them into your home.