October Mood Board: Our Autumn Colour Palette & Styling Tips
As the leaves begin to fall and the landscape softens into shades of russet and gold, October invites us to slow down, gather indoors, and create cosy spaces that are inspired by nature’s gentle transformation. This is the season for soft throws, glowing firelight, and colours drawn from nature’s autumn colour palette – think rich terracottas, warm ochres, and grounding lichen. Check out our October mood board, including our autumn colour palette and styling tips, below and get ready to transform your home into the ultimate autumnal haven.
Embracing an autumn colour palette
An autumn colour palette is all about balance – mixing earthy, sun-warmed tones with cool and grounding neutrals. Shades of orange (such as terracotta and pumpkin) pair beautifully with pale peach, ochre, and muted lichen greens, as they evoke the warmth of fallen leaves. To stop things feeling too heavy, incorporate charcoal and clay palettes, or add some touches of blue for sophistication. Some of our favourite fabrics that capture this seasonal palette include:
- Up the Garden Path in Day Lily – a joyful, versatile print that works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways
- Simple Ticking Detail in Terracotta – perfect for adding structure and pattern to cushions, lampshades, or Roman blinds
- May Blossom in Light Peach and Charcoal – combines the warmth of terracotta with the depth of grey in a fun, vibrant print
- Little Fern in Peach – a soft botanical print that’s ideal for adding gentle pattern to curtains or cushions
- Lattice Leaf in Ochre and Lichen – a graceful geometric design that adds quiet rhythm and depth to any interior
Each of these fabrics tells its own story. But when used together, they create a tactile, layered look that feels inviting and full of character. More on that below… 
Our October styling secrets
Here’s how to create a cosy autumn interior with just a few simple, soulful touches:
1) Layer fabrics for depth and warmth
Mixing materials is the foundation of an inviting autumn scheme. Combine soft cottons, textured linens, and wool throws to create depth and interest in your space. For example, you could drape a wool throw over the arm of a sofa upholstered in our Little Fern Peach colourway, and layer some scatter cushions in Up the Garden Path in Soft Cornflower and Lattice Leaf in Soft Cornflower and Peach for contrast.
2) Play with pattern and texture
Don’t be afraid to combine different motifs, either. Stripes, florals, and botanicals can coexist beautifully when they share similar tones. You could pair a roller blind in our Fern & Dragonfly Lichen colourway with an under sink skirt in Gypsy Garland in Saffron for a balanced mix of dainty botanical prints. Check out our combining colour and pattern blog for more inspiration on how to mix designs confidently.
3) Use lighting to create an autumn glow
Lighting has the ability to completely transform the mood of a space at this time of year. Swap those bright overhead lights for table lamps and wall sconces that cast a soft, golden glow across your room. You could cover your lampshade in our Little Fern Ochre or Simple Ticking Detail in Lichen to add subtle pattern and tie the colour palette together, creating visual harmony throughout your interior.
4) Bring nature indoors
Celebrate the season’s beauty by incorporating natural elements into your scheme. Fill some ceramic vases with dried seed heads or branches, add some woven baskets for texture, and use wooden or clay accents to complement your fabrics. These small, organic details add authenticity and warmth to your space – perfect for this time of year.
5) Add some cosy handmade touches
Incorporate a few handmade touches in your space to create the ultimate cosy autumn interior. Sew your own cushion covers or cover a quilt in one of our beautiful autumnal prints – see the handmade details in a combination of animal prints, stripes, and neutrals in the bedroom scene above. This not only showcases your creativity but also helps to create a home that feels truly lived in and loved.
Give your home an autumnal makeover with Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics
We hope this October mood board has inspired you to make a few small cosy changes to your interior this autumn. But if you’re still feeling a little overwhelmed, don’t panic – our friendly team is here to help! Pop into our showroom, arrange a home design consultation, or book a free 30 minute virtual appointment with our interior designer. We’ll help you craft a beautiful, cohesive design scheme that’s perfect for the colder months.