Autumn Home Decor: Ideas with Flowers, Pumpkins and Natural Materials

Autumn is when we crave warmth and cosiness at home. The easiest way to set the mood is to bring the colours of the season indoors: flowers, pumpkins, branches with bright leaves, cones and dried flowers. Here are ideas that are easy to copy without spending much.

Autumn flowers delivered: chrysanthemums and flower baskets.

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An autumn palette

Warm shades suit autumn decor: terracotta, mustard, burgundy, copper and pumpkin, plus greenery and natural wood. They pair easily with white and beige textiles so the room does not feel heavy.

Bouquets and arrangements

• Chrysanthemums are the flowers of autumn: long-lasting and available in many forms and shades.
• Dahlias, celosia and warm-toned roses add bright accents.
• Berried branches, grasses and ornamental grains add texture.
• An arrangement in a pumpkin: hollow out a pumpkin, place a jar of water inside and add flowers.

Autumn bouquet ideas are in “Autumn bouquets”, and step-by-step pumpkin arrangements in “Pumpkin flower arrangements”.

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More ideas for the home

• A door wreath of branches, cones, dried leaves, berries and ribbon.
• Pumpkins and squashes on a windowsill, staircase or by the door, painted or left natural.
• Dried flowers such as lavender, hydrangea, grasses, celosia and honesty in ceramic vases last all winter.
• Branches in a floor vase: maple, oak, rowan or berried stems.
• Light: candles in glass holders and warm fairy lights make short evenings cosy.
• Textiles: a throw, linen napkins and cushions in warm colours.

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An autumn table

For a family dinner, make a low centrepiece so it does not block anyone’s view: chrysanthemums, eucalyptus sprigs, small pumpkins, apples and candles. Matching napkins and simple tableware complete the look.

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Worth remembering

• Keep candles away from dried flowers and branches.
• Wash and dry pumpkins before using them indoors so they last longer.
• Some berries are poisonous: keep decorations out of reach of children and pets.

Find out which flowers bloom in the garden in autumn in “Autumn-flowering plants”, and how to press plants for decor in “How to make a herbarium”.

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FAQ

How long will a pumpkin last indoors?

A whole, undamaged pumpkin in a cool room can last for weeks or even months. Once cut, it spoils within days.

Which flowers last longest in autumn?

Chrysanthemums, alstroemerias and carnations stay fresh in a vase for a long time.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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