Autumn interiors are typically defined by warm, earthy colours, tactile textures and a renewed focus on comfort. While those timeless elements will return this year, a more expressive design direction is also set to make its mark.
‘After years of minimalist, pared-back interiors, we’re seeing a shift towards homes that feel richer, warmer and more layered,’ says Kunal Trehan, interior designer and founder of Touched Interiors. Art Deco influences are making a comeback, wallpaper is having a revival, and pattern is once again being embraced with confidence.
The move towards more characterful interiors is also being fuelled by the rise of AI. ‘A backlash to the AI fatigue we’re seeing, this season is all about extreme tactility, introducing pieces that represent you and your personality,’ Anna Ross, trends and curation expert at Not On The High Street, tells us. The growing popularity of hand-applied finishes such as limewash paint reflects this shift, celebrating craftsmanship and the beauty of imperfection.
In short, this year, autumn/winter interiors are becoming more personal, expressive and human. Decorating isn't just about hunkering down and creating a cosy home; it's also about embracing individuality, experimenting with texture and pattern, and choosing pieces that tell a story. Here are the trends experts expect to define the season.
1) Cocooning colours
If you're seeking cosiness and comfort this autumn, don't worry – rich earthy tones are firmly back on the agenda. 'One of the biggest trends will be cocooning through colour. Expect to see earthy aubergines, tobacco browns, deep olive greens and burnt terracottas replacing cooler neutrals,' says Kunal.
'These tones create an immediate sense of warmth and sophistication, particularly during the darker months.'
2) The Art Deco revival
Last year, on the 100th anniversary of the original movement, Art Deco interiors came back with a twist. Elena Mellowes, head of buying at Oak Furnitureland, predicts its popularity will continue into autumn and winter, with a trend she calls 'Modern Deco Comfort'.
It 'combines sculptural silhouettes, rich tones, and layered textures to create a luxurious living space with subtle Art Deco influence, while maintaining a relaxed sense of ease,' she says.
3) Tactile finishes
With the rise of mass-produced, AI generated content, Anna says new priorities have emerged. 'This season we will all be prioritising pieces that celebrate craftsmanship, tactility and trace of hand, objects that embrace imperfection and bring character to your home,' she says.
Kunal agrees, predicting a move towards 'tactile luxury'. He says 'bouclé and velvet will remain popular, but materials such as brushed wool, suede, mohair and textured wall finishes will become increasingly prominent.' The focus, he says, is on interiors that don’t just look beautiful but feel comforting and inviting.
4) Limewash walls
On the subject of more tactile, imperfect interiors, experts also expect limewash paint to remain a major trend. ‘This is the trend I have believed in longest, and I suspect it will outlast the others by some distance. It adds texture without weight, movement without noise,' says Simon Mayhew, founder and interior designer at TXTURED.
'Techniques like lime-washing are predicted to be especially popular this autumn, as they add a colourful, cloud-like texture, which helps to avoid the monotony that can often creep into the home in darker months,' adds Michael Rolland, MD and paint expert at The Paint Shed.
5) Wallpaper goes bold
While paint techniques such as double drenching have dominated interiors in recent years, wallpaper is expected to enjoy a major revival this autumn. ‘Wallpaper is also making a strong return, not just as a feature wall but across entire rooms,’ says Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at The Vawdrey House.
Simon believes the trend will go a step further, with wallpaper moving onto the 'fifth wall' – the ceiling. ‘I know it sounds like a statement, but it is not about drama,’ he says. ‘It is about completion. Most ceilings are simply ignored, and a room with a blank ceiling above a considered scheme is a room that stops before it is finished.’
