Rustic Charm Interiors & Design : Autumn Magazine 2023

Of all the seasons, Autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him - Hal Borland

Life in the slow lane . . .

After a busy start to 2023, I'm really looking forward to slowing down this autumn As the leaves turn golden and temperature slowly falls, I'm taking this change as an opportunity to move at an unhurried pace

It's time to re-examine the busyness that life demands of us, reprioritise and make the time for rest

As we prepare to lean into seasonal living, I invite you to embrace the changing colours with renewed enthusiasm We hope this edition inspires you to make some subtle updates at home for maximum autumnal impact Lets redefine our indoor spaces to support a slower pace of living, inviting more peace and quiet with texture and warmth Savour the simplicity of being at home with loved ones

I'm completely ready to embrace rest and recharge, who's with me?

Crystal Chomba

AUTUMN AWE

The awe of autumn

Our palette for autumn is a combination of faded olives, reminiscent of a wonderful warm summer, and rich chestnuts together with warm taupe and plenty of texture in the mix Be inspired by our autumn mood board and discover how you can welcome in the season of cosy at your home Look to mother nature for inspiration as you curate a comfortable space to enjoy over the coming months Perhaps a piece of artwork calls your attention to slow down or a luxurious wool rug for the family to enjoy underfoot Alternatively this season may call for something bold like a whole room refresh in an unexpected hue Whatever is on the horizon, we hope you'll gain a deeper respect and appreciation for autumn and everything it has to offer

Reinforce your connection to nature and welcome timber staples or accents throughout your home Timber instantly brings warmth and character to any space Choose wood with a beautiful grain such as oak or cedar for added depth and texture to your interior Our cross-back dining chairs are a popular choice for young families and the padded seats add comfort to cosy meals around the dining table

Look to nature as an abundant resource of inspiration Pinecones make a great textural statement on a coffee table, entry way or on a shelf Gather a collection and display on a footed platter (as pictured) or your favourite bowl Pinecones make a perfect kindling for winter fires and their scent is beautiful too

Soak in the rich colours of autumn and create a loose, organic floral masterpiece to welcome the season or special celebration Complement warm colours with fresh white blooms for a stunning contrast that turns heads Foraged leaves and branches are easy to incorporate into a beautiful arrangement too

Next Page: Steve Cordony does impact so well Smoke Bush in a vibrant burgundy reminds one of the beauty of autumn

autumn picks

Our favourite picks this season help to bring warmth and comfort to your home Crafted from quality materials, these pieces are beautifully durable and designed to last season after season

Top (left to right): ARLO Armchair and PROVENCE Outdoor Armchair to enjoy basking in the autumn sun

Bottom (left to right): Add pattern and texture in a timeless palette with our PARSONS Dining Chair Soft curves with a robust base in our COVE Coffee Table made from solid American Oak is a must-have piece

autumn picks

Opt for cocooning hues like brown, tan, grey and olive to bring warmth to your home this season Add some accents of gold or woven materials like rattan for added interest and texture We love a simple rattan tray on a coffee table or a gold framed mirror to reflect the beautiful autumn light

Top (left to right): CORALIE Bed in Natural and BAMBOO Carver Armchair with Tobacco Leather oozes luxe cosy vibes Bottom (left to right): MEG Mirror in Gold and WEXLEY Sideboard in American Oak

NINE THINGS TO TRY THIS AUTUMN

GAME NIGHT Relive classic favourites like Cluedo and Pictionary or try something new Comforting hot chocolates and popcorn will keep guests happy

WARM DIP Get creative in the kitchen and whip up a delicious dip to enjoy with drinks on a rainy afternoon

We're loving spinach & artichoke dip Recipe found here

Take a COUNTRY DRIVE Pack the thermos of freshly brewed coffee and grab some pastries along the way

Be immersed in the colours of nature and spot the wildlife

Go to the THEATRE Catch a new show, concert or symphony Get dressed up and welcome the cultural experience on a cool evening

Spend an afternoon in your favourite BOOKSHOP Take your time to browse the shelves and pick up your next great read to enjoy snuggled up with a throw in your favourite armchair

Pack a PICNIC and head outdoors Parks or local orchards provide a feast for the eyes as you sit back and take in the changing of the seasons

Take up a new HOBBY Awaken your creative energy through painting, knitting, pottery, gardening or calligraphy

SHOP your bookshelves and gather inspiring books and old photo albums Create a "seasonal stack" in your reading nook and you might be inspired to reach for a book in place of the remote!

BAKE something new to gift or indulge We have our eyes on a delicious Pear Tarte Tatin, complete with cream of course!

TIMELY TEXTURE

Textbook Texture

Incorporating different textures into your abode is essential as the months get colder

Texture is an object's physical feeling or visual appearance From nubby throws or woven details in a piece of furniture, to the visual movement in a piece of marble or stonework Texture is both physical and visual

Steve Cordony's Guest House provides ample inspiration, making it a wonderful study of texture

The balance achieved through the various textural elements brings warmth, beauty, comfort and character

A beautiful example of texture done right, this space infuses various textural elements including the layered rugs, painted brick and exposed brick hearth, and the boucle material of the armchair providing both visual and physical texture Greenery accents adds visual texture through the shape of the leaves The unique characteristics of the Armoire and dough bowl displayed on coffee table offer physical texture through the patina A feast for the eyes!

get the look

Recreate this textural space with these statement pieces Balance both physical textures; smooth and rough with visual texture The iron branding tools offer visual texture in place of 'artwork' providing a 3-D element

Consider the balance and harmony of decor furniture and artwork when designing a room ensuring your selections complement each other and do not overwhelm the space

Style Tips

Keep the colour palette simple and limited; magnify with texture A classic combination of black, white and tan grounds the space and maintains the integrity for years to come

Create character through decor accessories like vases, woven baskets, artwork and fresh blooms

Pay attention to the balance of various textures and colours used throughout the space Smooth objects like candles, vases, tabletops and glass juxtapose the exposed brick, woven textures, antiques and natural timber elements

Think of texture as building up the layers, starting from the ground up

STYLE TIP

Mix contemporary selections with vintage art for a curated discerning look

Pair simple frames with period art subjects or modern art framed in thick ornate frames, for a perfect statement piece

Raw timber brings an organic feel and look to a room. Choose wood with a beautiful grain or patina as an injection of character Timber accents through beams, doors or a mantle can add much-needed depth to a space, especially in new construction homes.

The formal living room of our CLAREMONT Project is a classic example of texture through pattern The fabric selections bring visual texture to this space Soft linen sheers, a wool rug together with the twist design of the coffee table exude a timeless aesthetic

Left

BARLEY TWIST Coffee Table $1599

Below

SOPHIE Rug in Spring Meadow, from $2399

STYLE TIP

Rugs are essential to make a space feel complete They bring warmth, character and colour to spaces

Our top tips;

Don't skimp on size When in doubt, go bigger Aim to have at least one third of furniture on the rug

Rugs CAN and should be used in carpeted rooms

Choose durable materials for high traffic areas such as wool or a natural fiber like jute

Pick a cohesive colour palette when using multiple rugs in open-planned spaces

Pay attention to scale and opt for small patterns in cosy spaces and larger patterns for spacious rooms

are soft and plush Visual texture is created through the intricate patterns of the rugs

KISMET (left) & KIRA (bottom right) wool rugs

RESTFUL RETREAT

Reimagine your retreat

As the weather changes, so do our daily habits

We crave more cosy in our days as we anticipate retreating to our homes at the end of a long cold day

Our bedrooms provide rest as we adapt to the seasons by changing bedlinen and adding more layers, but what about the other areas of our home?

A cosy corner to read a great book, spend time honing a new hobby or simply a place you can carve out for yourself is the ultimate luxury this season Dedicate a quiet corner of your home to be your refuge this season and create space for it

Style Tip

Cocooning comfort in a bedroom is all about multiple layers of texture Consider a soft place to land your feet on cold mornings with a plush wool rug Then build up layers of warmth in your bedding with blankets and throws that are easy to pull up on chilly nights

Decorative cushions in rich hues and heavy fabrics are an easy way to set the tone for the months aheadthink wool, velvet or thick linen.

Reimagine how you use your everyday spaces and seek to create more enjoyment from your abode A window seat is a perfect opportunity to build a cosy corner to watch the storm roll in or snuggle up with a good book A seat by the window encourages the connection to nature and the changing season, even when it's miserable outside

Breathe new life into an unused corner of your home this season and create your very own chillout zone Position an armchair with footstool (if space permits) in the corner, add a side table for hot drinks, a floor lamp for ambience and task lighting for evening activities like journalling Infuse personality in your nook with artwork, cushions and a cosy throw Now all you need to do is relax and unwind!

autumn lights

It's important to have more than one light source in any room to get maximum benefit from the space and ensure it is functional for different activities We suggest three types in each space to create the right balance:

Task Accent and Ambient lighting

Sconces and floor lamps create ambience and offer task light for reading or to highlight a piece of art Alternatively chandeliers and pendants can offer style and function Table lamps provide ambient mood lighting and help to define different areas within an open plan space

Create mood through art and showcase your personality with pieces that resonate We love nature scenes for the emotions they evoke and the sense of calm they instill in a space

Top (left to right): SIENNA HAZE and SILENT RIVER prints

Bottom (left to right): OCEAN VIEW and IMMERSION prints

Side tables are an essential piece in any home for both practicality and aesthetic We love how transportable they are - lightweight enough to transition from room to room when you want a different look and feel

side tables

Function meets form with our top picks of side tables this season Rich and rustic timbers or textured features; our side tables sit side-by-side your sofa or favourite armchairs, ready to fulfill their duty

Top (left to right) TRENT and RUTHIE side table

Bottom (left to right) ZOLA and BARTH side table

SEASON OF SLOW

In the flow

Let nature be your guide this season and go with the flow The gentle swaying of trees, bending in the breeze and dancing to the beat of autumn

Consider interior projects to tackle during the hibernation months, such as deep-cleaning or decluttering Start slowly and go at it deliberately You're not on any schedule here

Designing spaces that focus on gathering and connection. Some ideas include swapping out a square or rectangular table for a round dining table. This shape helps to foster more conversation

slow in season

Dial up the cosy factor at home and reap the benefits of Autumn

(L-R) Store throws and blankets in woven baskets close by We also recommend grouping board games in a basket or tray near the sofa or under the coffee table - easy access will encourage more fun and less screen time

A fire-pit allows us to connect with nature in a way that's close to home so you can enjoy the frequency of gathering together. Try toasting marshmallows and star gazing for the ultimate evening outside. Find a new seasonal scent to evoke calm and give your evenings a warm glow

seasonal inspiration

We're always looking for ways to incorporate seasonal styling into our home and one of our favourite ways is through florals and seasonal branches Dried flowers offer colour and texture to an entryway console Faux branches that last all season long get a tick of approval, especially in spaces where natural light is limited Get creative and make your own seasonal wreath from dried foliage and grasses It makes a perfect welcome for guests entering your home

Previous page: Fresh blooms in rich colours are a vibrant addition to any space and pull together a themed party with bold style Head to your flower markets to gather inspiration and see what's in bloom

This page: Brass accents bring warmth to a home and are easy to incorporate through lighting fixtures hardware decor or frames Consider adding a few luxe finishes to your interior this autumn

Dust off your cookbooks and plan a new meal to try each week Revisit your favourite hearty meals and sink into the season of slow Savor the taste of autumn with seasonal vegetables and fruits Explore your local farmers market and be inspired to taste something new or try your hand at jam making with deliciously sweet fruits

Fancy this delicious Pumpkin Salad recipe? Find it here

Previous Page: Rich timbers anchor an open plan space, so consider adding a timber coffee table as a grounding feature in your living room

This page: Wishing you and your family a very blessed and safe Easter season May it be a timely reminder to pause, reconnect and prepare for the new season ahead Happy Easter friends!