As the seasons change, so do our homes and interest in autumn styling is booming.
Pinterest data shows a surge in seasonal decorating, with year-on-year growth in searches like “autumn bedroom” (+50%), “autumn décor” (+2%), and “autumn house” (+70%).
While soft furnishings and accessories often lead the change, one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to embrace the seasonal shift is through plants and flowers. We asked Alick Burnett, Managing Director at Blooming Artificial, to share seven simple swaps that can help transition your indoor and outdoor space from summer to autumn:
1. Use natural textures to reflect autumn’s changing foliage
“Grasses, flowering branches and dried flowers are an easy way to add texture and movement to your home and existing floral arrangements. I like to decorate with them in autumn because they are a nice reflection of the changes happening outside of our homes”, Alick explains.
“Pampas, bunny tails and thistle will hold their shape well through autumn. You can mix these into existing real or faux arrangements, though larger grasses like pampas are striking as a standalone feature. I would style them in a minimalistic tall and slim vase to emphasise their height and natural beauty.”
2. Re-arrange hanging baskets and window boxes
“Window boxes and hanging baskets are one of the easiest ways to refresh your garden with the seasons. Start with a base of hardy foliage that can stay in place year-round, then swap out the flowers as the months change”, says Alick.
“I’d introduce heather or pansies in rich orange and purple tones, for beautiful autumnal colour. You can keep any perennials in separate pots when out of season or opt for faux versions if you’re less green-fingered.”
3. Transition from butter yellows to jewel tones
It’s no doubt that butter yellow has been the colour of 2025, but for autumn, Alick suggests that it may be time to shift to deeper, richer hues. He notes, “Jewel-toned yellows like golden amber, marigold, and saffron are set to trend, and florals and planters are a great way to bring them in.
“Fill vases with yellow ranunculus and chrysanthemums or go bolder with golden and jewel-toned planters in glazed finishes. Pair with matching tableware, soft furnishings and glassware for all-round cohesion.”
4. Add autumn colour with a standout plant
“The Codiaeum, commonly known as Croton, is one of my absolute favourites for autumn,” Alick shares. “This tropical plant boasts rich red, amber, and green variegated leaves that bring a warm, seasonal touch to any space.
“Autumn is the perfect time to swap out typical summer greens for plants with deeper, autumnal hues like the Croton has. Although it’s tropical, a Croton is surprisingly easy to care for as it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and is hardy enough to handle the cooler nights ahead.”
5. Bring warmth with terracotta planters
Alick says a simple swap is to change up your planters with something more reflective of the current season. He recommends terracotta, saying, “Terracotta planters bring warm, earthy tones that encompass autumn’s natural colour palette and this has recently been dubbed the autumn colour to watch
“The rustic texture adds depth and character, grounding your space as the season shifts. Plus, terracotta’s porous nature helps improve root airflow, which benefits plants during cooler months if you opt for real varieties.”
6. Keep your fauxs in season
Lots of people use faux plants, flowers or trees at home or in the garden, but Alick points out that a consideration often missed is whether they would naturally be thriving in autumn. He explains, “Evergreen options like many shrubs, topiary and perennials are reliable year-round options that won’t give the game away. But potted annuals and plants and trees that thrive in the sun might raise some eyebrows.
“I like to swap in seasonal favourites such as dahlias or crocuses as these subtle touches help your space feel connected to the outdoors, even when your plants aren’t real.”
7. Plant shrubbery that will last through winter
“This is one of the last opportunities to get your gardening done before the ground freezes,” Alick says. “It’s a great time not only to refresh your garden for autumn but also to set it up to thrive during the colder months.”
“Berry bushes like the ‘Red Sprite’ add lasting colour that carries well into winter, while trees such as the sugar maple are ideal for seasonal gardens as their green summer leaves transform into a rich, sunset orange as temperatures drop.”
With just a few thoughtful updates, these seasonal swaps offer an easy way to bring warmth and structure to your home and garden. From hardy shrubbery to rich autumnal colours and textures, Alick’s ideas suggest that the key is to align your styling and plant choices with what nature is already doing.
For more inspiration, visit: https://www.bloomingartificial.co.uk/inspiration
The Grow-Your-Own Food Boom: Why UK Gardens Are Turning Into Mini Farms