One of the best things about longer nights and chillier weather is that it inspires us to do some serious hibernating. Is there a more comforting feeling than being snuggled under a blanket with a good book while the rain lashes down outside?
At home, there's plenty you can do to usher in this new season of cosiness. After all, you'd put away your summer skirts and flip-flops in favour of coats and boots – why not do the same with your décor? Various practical household chores lend themselves naturally to autumn, like bleeding your radiators to remove any trapped air before they crank into life again, or getting the chimney swept, if you have one. Cosy décor can mean lower heating bills too: switching to heavier curtains (and drawing them in the evening, even in the rooms you aren't using, such as bedrooms), laying down a rug and using a draught excluder at the front door can make a surprising difference.
Decorating for winter
Sheepskin is having a major catwalk/interiors crossover moment this autumn and winter, so be fashion-forward at home with The White Company's new range.
Large cushion, £120; small cushion, £60; rug, £220, all www.thewhitecompany.com
Beat the rainy-day blues by sinking into a sumptuous chaise longue with the latest blockbuster.
Louise duck-egg chaise longue, £1,339; Sophie floor lamp; £155; pink cushion, £30, all Pied a Terre at www.houseoffraser.co.uk
Throw a vintage-style quilt on the bed and get ready for some serious snuggling.
Viola flower quilts, £119 each, www.plumo.com
Updating your cushions is the quickest fix there is: make them a zingy citrus colour, and made from touch-me textured felt, and you'll be ticking all the right boxes.
Osaka felted cushion, £18, www.bhs.co.uk
A felt rug will banish cold toes – and the hot pink hue of this one will add a much-needed pop of colour to darker days.
Botanica rug by Selina Rose, £450 from www.bodieandfou.com
If you're redecorating and want a cosy country feel, large-scale plaid in a softly textured fabric will warm things up.
Extra Large Teddington sofa in Atalante Brown fabric, £2,185; Rutland chair in Moon Skye Stage fabric, £919; Large Square Universal Footstool with Metro leg in Moon Skye Stage fabric, £389, all www.multiyork.co.uk
Cable & Cotton's lights make a sophisticated alternative to fairy lights: they're available in endless colours, but there's something particularly warming about this chocolate, tan and off-white combination.
Lights, £30 for a string of 35, www.cableandcotton.co.uk
EcoSmart's funky, retro-style fires are flueless, go-anywhere products, because they're powered by denatured ethanol – put them away in summer, and bring them back out in winter.
Retro fire, £5,992, www.ecosmartfire.com
If anyone knows how to do cold-weather décor, it's the Scandinavians: check out Nordic House for great accessories, especially candles and candle-holders, for cosy nights in.
Whitewashed wooden candle logs, from £27.95, www.nordichouse.co.uk
Even if it's just for show, a log basket by the fireside adds texture and an instant feeling of warmth.
Log basket, £35.99, www.tch.net