As we head into the cooler months, it’s time, once again, to retreat into our homes and make them feel as comfortable as possible – and by keeping up with the latest looks, you can surround yourselves with style to keep you content all winter long.
For AW21, we’ve pulled together all the trends and colours that are set to be popular – and, with looks ranging from ‘Back to the Seventies’ retro style to Goblincore, you're bound to find something to suit your taste.
Keep reading to discover these trends in detail and decide which one you’ll embrace this season...
And for more inspiration, check out our guide to the looks we're loving right now!
Autumn and winter home decor trends 2021
Seventies inspired
The Seventies is a decade that keeps coming back to the present day – and for good reason. Rich mustard and orange tones bring warmth into our homes when we need it most and those distinct retro patterns instantly add character to any space.
If you like the look of this trend but are hesitant to pick up a bright paint brush, start small by adding in a few key pieces such as a statement upholstered chair, a few scattered cushions, or a couple of nostalgic accessories.
Ready to go all out? Opt for a feature wall in a funky pattern for real wow-factor, and pair with equally bold accessories.
‘This trend is about bringing warming shades into the darkest months of the year with hot flashes of colour such as orange, deep red and burgundy, for a real fireside feel’ explains Jemma Dayman, Carpets Buyer for Carpetright.
‘Colour can transform both your space and mood, with a bright palette offering an instant feel-good factor' she adds. ‘This look works equally well in contemporary spaces or period homes, and bolder is always better.’
Goblincore
Often referred to as Cottagecore's cool, older sister, goblincore is a grungy aesthetic based around the notion of appreciating the ugly aspects of nature. While cottagecore décor schemes will see lots of pretty florals, botanical touches and vintage pastel shades, a typical goblincore look will have an edgier woodland feel – think earth tones, mossy shades, snails and mushrooms.
Sometimes referred to as modern folk style, a goblincore scheme has a naturally eclectic look, so it’s ideal for rough-and-tumble homes where you don’t want things to look too perfect. See our guide to cluttercore for more ideas about embracing organised chaos!
The key to creating this look is to combine a selection of highly detailed, intricate prints in differing scales but similar colours. Olive, earth and moss colours work particularly well, and look out for trailing or tangled leaf motifs.
Give the look a tactile element with embroidered pieces - you can easily make these yourself by using a simple running stitch to outline a straightforward motif like an oak leaf, or mushroom.
Vertical lines
From panelling to headboards, and even stripy patterned wallpaper, vertical lines and fluted finishes are coming back through in lots of furniture and décor this autumn.
This trend is less about the colours and more about the shapes and textures you can create with lines, which means you can incorporate the style into your existing scheme with the addition of ribbed glassware, fluted furniture and striped accessories.
If you’re starting from scratch, stick to a neutral backdrop for a sophisticated look and let the details do the talking. The Art Deco movement really embraced fluted shapes, so it’s easy to lean into a glamorous look with this trend by pairing with gorgeous gold and luxe marbles.
‘As we transition from the warmer months to the autumn and winter seasons, our décor becomes increasingly layered and deep in textures’ explains Victoria Atkin, co-founder of Atkin and Thyme. ‘Fluted furniture calls back to the classic architectural grooves of Grecian pillars and Art Deco geometrics, giving pieces timeless elegance. Fluted designs are chameleons – using bold colours and metallic accents will evoke a more industrial effect.’
Ice inspired
Welcoming the sharp, icy shapes and cool tones of the season can transform your home into a chic winter wonderland. Light-play is the key element to this trend.
An iridescent palette of light greys, blues and lilacs set the backdrop, creating a sense of calmness and clarity, while reflective glassware and classic chrome finishes add glamorous detail and allow light to bounce around the space for a little enchantment at this time of year.
To stop your scheme becoming too stark, create depth with a few key darker tones, such as teal and charcoal, and soft furnishings in stylish geometric patterns.
‘This is a trend all about light, transparency and reflection’ explains Judy Smith, Colour Consultant for Crown Paints. ‘Sharp edges and crisp shards of colour where lines and angles meet echo what happens when light is refracted. Materials are glass, mirror and metal – anything that has a shine or lustre for a sleek, polished look. Inspired by these surfaces, colours include soft luminous blues that reflect light balanced by deeper navy, teal and charcoal.’
Peachy pinks
‘It may not be the first Autumnal colour that springs to mind, but tranquil, chalky pink shades will continue to be a popular decorative choice in British homes as we approach the colder months’ explain the colour experts at Hillary’s.
‘When paired with mossy greens and olive tones, pinky peach shades can induce a feeling of relaxation and transform your home a luxe retreat’ they added.
‘Hailed the new millennial pink, Peach is an unconventional colour choice we expect to see in homes this season and through the upcoming year’ add the interior experts at Sweetpea and Willow. ‘This lovely, playful colour provides refreshing contrast from the darker tones more commonly associated with Autumn and Winter.’
