Making your home look inviting this autumn

Summer 2020/2021 is rapidly reaching its end, and the long hot days are giving way to crisp mornings and cooler evenings. Autumn is here, and with it comes an opportunity to introduce some new decorative touches to your home and to have a second spring clean for the year. Of course, if your home is on the market, this is also the time of year to stage your living space so that its next owner can picture their family enjoying a cozy winter and making memories.

Get creative and make things cosy 

There are loads of ways to make your living space feel warm and cosy as the weather starts to turn colder this autumn. Scatter cushions, throws, duvet covers and comforters in warm winter shades like crimson, maroon and mahogany will make your home inviting to all, from family members and visitors to potential buyers if your home happens to be on the market. Rich metal tones from bronze to rose gold bring a warm ambience into any room, and it is being said that when it comes to autumn and winter décor, brown is the new black. Lighting goes a long way towards creating a feeling of warmth, and overhead lights can be complemented with standing lamps and table lamps. Create a warm, welcoming ambience and softer light by using warm white LED bulbs.

A fresh look for your walls

Since you're likely to be spending lots more time inside during the autumn and winter months, this is the perfect opportunity to spice up your living space with a new coat of paint. Depending on the size and shape of your living room, a feature wall can be a great way to welcome in a warm winter ambience. If you've got an empty stretch of wall that could use some new life, consider hanging an assortment of family photos, either framed or printed onto canvas. 

Spring cleaning in autumn

Spring cleaning is not something that should get done only once a year. Autumn is a great time to get organised and clear out the clutter. The easiest way to do this is to tackle one room at a time, and the golden rule is that if you haven't used it, admired it or worn it since autumn last year, then it has to go. Another way to look at each item is to follow the Mari Kondo approach and ask yourself whether or not an item brings you joy. According to Kondo, anything that does not bring you joy has no place in your home. 

Getting your garden winter-ready

Depending on where in South Africa you are, getting your garden ready for autumn and winter may mean preparing for rain, frost or a dry season. If potentially vulnerable plants are in pots, bring them inside and find them a sunny spot in your living room, allowing them to add a touch of colour to your space through the winter months. Now is the time to plant bulbs that will flower in winter and spring. It's also a great time to start a compost heap, adding all the autumn leaves that you're not using as mulch.

After keeping your family cool through the summer months, autumn is a good time to give your pool some TLC. Have the pH levels checked, service the pump and keep the pool covered when it's not being used to prevent the leaves and other autumn debris from getting in.

Autumn presents a great opportunity to stay indoors and spend some quality time with those closest to you. If buying or selling property is on your agenda this autumn, then contact Jawitz Properties for more insider tips on making your home and garden look their best in autumn. We've got our finger on the pulse of the best strategies for marketing a property at this time of year.