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Bringing the Outside In – Interior Inspiration for Autumn
The leaves are hues of burgundy and orange, the temperatures are dropping and everywhere you go you are greeted by a candle in the window. It is finally autumn and while the signs of the season are evident in nature, it’s important that our interiors reflect the beauty outside. I spoke to Astrid Marie Vie, a Norwegian interior designer, and Ida Thun, a Swedish photographer about how they create cosy spaces.
astrid marie vie – Norwegian Interior designer
Astrid Marie Vie is an interior designer and blogger based in Norway. Her Instagram captures interiors with a neutral palette and warm undertones… the epitome of electric cool. At the root of Astrid’s design process is colour. It’s important to use colours that complement each other, she explains. “I like to use a natural, light base colour. When I say base, I mean a colour I can use in every room.”
During autumn, Astrid’s palette ranges from brown to dark green, to rusty red and ochre. Usually, she uses darker colours in autumn, but she also likes to combine the seasonal hues with off-white and light beige, which she uses year-round for an overall softer look. The outdoors is not just evident in the colours she chooses, but also in the incorporation of what she finds in the forest or garden. In other words, bringing the outside inside. “Branches with brown leaves and acorns are very decorative,” she tells me “…so are branches that go bare when winter comes.” An easy and inexpensive way to decorate!
Astrid recommends having many light sources in a room – ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps and floor lamps. Dim the lights to tailor the space and set your mood. “Candles are a must in autumn and winter.” Her favourite textiles are natural, like linen and wool, blankets in wool, mohair and alpaca are both beautiful and warming. “Mix them with velour and you get an exciting mix of textiles and texture,” Astrid explains. Make sure to add sheepskin, more pillows and blankets to set the mood properly.
Ida Thun – Swedish Interiors Photographer
Ida Thun is a Dublin Swede. On her Instagram and her website, she tells a visual story, documenting glimpses of her everyday life and gorgeous interiors. Her ideal autumn day is cold and sunny, when the leaves have turned to red, orange and yellow. Her favourite colours incorporate deep browns, soft whites and beiges. For fabrics, she likes to mix linen and cotton to create a crinkled look. “It adds texture,” she explains.
Interior novices, don’t fear! Thun is a firm believer that simplicity is key. She likes to add things from nature, such as dried pampas grass and foliage and of course candles. To create a cohesive space, Thun recommends finding certain colours and sticking to them. The colours can vary in texture and form, but it has to fit with the rest of the pattern. It works well for her and it prevents her making unnecessary purchases (we’ve all been there…).
You can find more from these talents on Instagram (@astridmvie and @bythun) for daily inspiration and stunning interiors. Light a candle and get decorating! Make sure to share with us your autumnal interiors on Instagram or Facebook!