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Absolute Autumn
A lovely, sensual time of year that can be recreated in our clients' interiors.

by Karla J. Nielson, Allied ASID, WCAA

At least half of the people in the United States and all of Canada know the sensual comforts of autumn. Perhaps many in the Sunbelt region also experience a bit of the nesting instinct that comes when fall arrives, even if the weather stays warm. It is a very special time of year that inspires great interior design.

For many, autumn is a time to recluse, reflect, remember. As fall nips the air, we tend to think of home, family and good times with those we love. Many people also find that reading good books is an autumn activity that pulls us toward cozy nooks and intimate spaces, beautifully decorated and intellectually stimulating.

In the novel, “The Fledgling” set in Concord, MA, near Walden Pond, author Jane Langton describes the changing of the seasons connected with the sense of smell. With the pulling out of coats and blankets from the closets, shaken out, spread on beds and pulled onto chilly bodies, the smell of the furnace turning on and wafting through the heat registers creates a sense of homey security. This is a book about living close to nature, and was a landmark book that made a development-driven nation take a look at preserving nature and living with nature, especially autumn’s nature.

It also is a magical story. Magic is what autumn is all about. Something stirs in many who remember that feeling from childhood—or even still today—that nip in the air, the turning on of the furnace or the building of a real fire or the flick of the gas log, perhaps combined with a favorite hot drink or special autumn food. This is the surrounding of familiarity that all combines to create the absolute comfort of knowing that warmth will be found in the home when the weather turns crisp. It’s a very sensuously delicious feeling.

CREATING AUTUMN
Fortunately, creating an autumn-like interior is something that does not require fall weather. It is a look much loved all year round. To make a deliciously rich autumn room, the formulas are not mysterious. We know how to do it, and do it well. It is a matter of evaluating the colors, patterns and textures of the autumn season and translating them into the look, mood or theme that gives comfort and earthy livability.

No two autumn rooms ever look alike, because in autumn no scene is identical, no two sidewalks strewn with leaves are the same. Autumn is about livability and individuality. It’s a look that somehow just feels right, mostly because it honors nature, mimics its complexities and provides a sense of security.

AUTUMN COLORS
Autumn colors are two-fold. For background elements, autumn suggests shades—hues plus black or brown. Browned colors are often earthy and of medium or deep value and are complex, made of a mixture of hues. Hence, they often elude specific names and may require two or more words to describe them, such as “earthy golden-brown” or “burnished copper.” Think of the complexity of leaves that fall to the ground, creating a kaleidoscope of color overlaid and intriguing as a composition. Try describing it. It’s difficult unless the experience becomes more verbal, more descriptive.

The second direction is the use of colors that are brilliant accent colors such as seen in the turning of deciduous leaves and the backlighting of sunlight through them. These accents will be a touch of brilliant gold or orange. Also color that scintillates is autumn-like. As the sunlight reflects through the foliage in the fall, there is an iridescence and a visual richness that can be translated into interior accents of metal such as gold and copper seen in lamp bases, chandeliers, art work and centerpieces, for example.

AUTUMN PATTERNS
As nature is complex, so are the patterns that suggest autumn. They may be overlaid or visually busy, much like leaves that fall and overlap one another in a haphazard way. Tightly curved patterns, such as paisley, are excellent choices that reflect this complexity.

Patterns that are masculine or rustic, such as African or primitive tribal designs that connect the viewer to a close-to-earth experience, are effective. Patterns may be angular, suggesting opposition. Geometric patterns on fabrics may be echoed or complemented with three-dimensional geometric shapes such as window treatment rods or holdbacks as accessories provide substantially impressive design elements.

AUTUMN TEXTURES
Autumn textures are tactile, inviting touch and a lingering feel. Fabric textures that are decidedly autumn include chenille or velour, tweed, twill, plaid, matelasse, tapestry, and woven, deeply textured fabrics.
Wood is a major autumn element as seen in flooring, furniture and window treatments. Wood colors that are natural to darkly stained rather than light will create a sense of cave-like or reclusive coziness. Wood elements often produce a psychological effect of safety and security.

THE LOOK AND FEEL OF AUTUMN
Autumn is all about celebrating nature’s majestic beauty, her splendor of deep color and the heady smells of harvest and home. Indeed, it’s about coming home to a place that feels welcoming and embracing. Overall, the feeling is solid, often masculine and powerful. It is practical and physical. It can be primitive.

Autumn interiors may create a sense of somberness or seriousness. It is an earthen effect—connected to soil, trees, rivers, stones and wildlife. It may be dynamic with a heavy commanding, pedantic effect. It appears anchored, sturdy and sometimes massive. It is quiet, important yet filled with patterns and textures that impress.