An Autumnal Aesthetic
How to create a layered, laidback look for the new season (and where to shop for it!)
When it comes to the autumn, which camp do you sit in? Are you dreading the darker nights, frosty temps and the runny noses and misty windscreens that accompany it? Or are you Team Pumpkin Spice all the way?
The good news is that, however you feel about it, there is one big opportunity that comes with the shifting seasons - one that leans in to comfort, and takes the edge off the chill. A little home refresh at this time of year can be the perfect way to ease into autumn.
At Dwell Devon we love this season, not least because we get to pick the brilliant brains of our favourite interior designer Sarah Chiswell.
And, once again, she’s delivered with a few key ideas we can all keep in mind, as well as oodles of intel on where to shop locally. So if you’re planning a project, light a candle, get comfy and read on for some autumnal inspiration.
So if you’re anything like me, as the nights draw in you’ll crave a stress-free, slower-paced life now more than ever. The warmth of a crackling fire, the feeling of a soft blanket on your skin, the glow of scented candles and the grounding aroma of essential oils — this is the essence of autumnal living.
This laid-back living vibe is at the heart of my design philosophy. Your home should be your sanctuary, a place where you can unwind and shake off the day. This aesthetic emphasises comfort and simplicity —prioritising well-being, sustainability, meaningful experiences, and time over hustle and material success. And remember: if you keep things classic, you can’t pin a room to an era.
Here are my top tips for creating a home with a laid-back, sustainable, layered autumnal vibe — paired with some of my favourite Devon-based shops where you can find just the right pieces.
Restful tones
Restful doesn’t always mean neutral, though neutrals are a beautiful foundation. Rooms infused with tonal patterns or earthy blocks of colour instantly connect us to nature and create calm. Think shades of woodland green, russet, clay, or ochre.
Choose Earthborne for a truly eco-friendly and health conscious approach to decorating. With low odor, child safe and exceptional breathability this paint is particularly ideal for older properties or spaces that are prone to damp. You can shop with stockists like Brewers or Rabart.
When adding warmth and texture, natural stone can be transformative. A visit to Devon Stone in Topsham is a joy—here you’ll find book-matched marble and decorative stone perfect for layering autumnal richness into kitchens or living spaces. For an equally inspiring collection, Mandarin Stone in Exeter offers natural stone and porcelain tiles with timeless finishes that balance beauty with durability.
Nature-influenced living
Maximise your connection with nature. Bring the outdoors in with plants, trailing greenery, or an oversized floral display. Consider large windows or wide doors that open your home to the outside.
For a seasonal touch, I love visiting The Flower Shack at Darts Farm, Topsham, where handpicked bouquets and dried wreaths reflect the changing landscape and inject a fresh autumnal feel into the home.
And if you want to soften interiors with local craftsmanship, Craftmongers in Ashburton is a beautifully curated store offering artisanal pieces, books, and sustainable homewares that reflect nature’s calm.
The art of layering
Layering creates comfort. Pile cushions, rugs, and throws together in casual combinations. Mix textures—linen with wool, velvet with rattan. Don’t aim for perfection; the relaxed, “imperfect” look is where the magic lies.
If you’re searching for distinctive pieces to build those layers, Society House in Buckfastleigh [pictured] is a treasure trove of one-off furniture and soft furnishings. Similarly, In A Nutshell Antiques & Interiors in Ashburton offers carefully restored antiques, perfect for layering history and character into a modern laid-back space.
Design for your lifestyle
A laid-back home supports how you live. Love yoga? Carve out a corner to practice. Work from home? Create an office that feels like somewhere you want to spend time, not somewhere you have to. Obsessed with morning coffee or juicing? Dedicate a stylish space in your kitchen for it.
If you love coffee like me, then you should visit Owens Coffee in Ivybridge. A Low impact building, 100% recyclable packaging, their eco roaster, organic coffee, working with fair trade farmers and a zero to landfill commitment - what’s not to love?
Better nights sleep?
One simple addition to the bedroom is the comfort of natural bedding. Devon Duvets makes beautiful organic duvets, giving you the excuse to linger under the covers with your morning coffee.
Another sustainable supplier is Naturalmat. They use breathable and natural fibres to create their mattresses and natural bedding to draw moisture away from the body for a healthier sleep. My clients have been really pleased with this purchase.
For everyday rituals like scent, Palmer by Design in Totnes is a mindful home store where their essential oils can instantly set the tone of your day.
Simplicity & Transitional Elements
Slow down the pace. Choose fewer, better pieces. Reduce clutter and embrace intention. At the same time, transitional pieces—an heirloom, a modern light, or an antique chair — add personality and encourage conversation.
Autumn encourages us to slow down, savour and create homes that reflect a gentler pace of life. With restful tones, natural textures, layered comfort, and meaningful pieces, your home becomes more than just a place — it becomes a sanctuary.
Devon’s independent shops and makers offer everything you need to create that layered, laid-back aesthetic—organic, sustainable, soulful, and just perfect for the season.
