Embrace nesting this autumn with calming, neutral colours

Calming, nature-inspired tones will dominate, with a focus on simplicity and authenticity.

As society becomes increasingly concerned with sustainability and wellness, the idea of 'minimalism with intent' - where spaces are pared back to the essentials and accessorised with décor pieces that are meaningful to us - will come to the fore.

"We've seen a much more tonal palette coming through this year," says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager. "The bold colour contrasts of previous years have made way for subtle layering of natural hues. Depth is added through texture and materiality."

Dulux's Grounded palette combines gentle, earthy neutrals and warm whites with accents of soft coral and lavender to create a cosy, laid-back feel. As the weather cools, it's the perfect palette to add warmth and character to our homes.

"The Grounded palette is one that homeowners will love - it's easy to work with and has a relaxed yet sophisticated feel," says Lucena-Orr.

"Warm, biscuity tones derived from nature feel calm and comforting, and adding in touches of muted coral, mauve and gold gives the look a contemporary edge."

According to stylist Bree Leech, colour is the greatest tool you can use in your home - with very little effort or expense, you can completely change the look and feel of a space.

"All you need is a few spare hours, a paintbrush and a couple of cans of paint - then it's like stepping into a whole new room," says Leech, who styled the room pictured with great effect.

"This bedroom's all-white palette made it feel a little uninviting - the exact opposite of what you want in a child's room. The room itself has great features, including a high ceiling, a beautiful, solid timber floor, French doors, plenty of natural light and a striking brick fireplace.

"I wanted to add warmth and personality to the space so that its little occupant would enjoy spending time here. I aimed to highlight the room's best features, detract from the less appealing ones and spend next to nothing.

"To keep the budget in check, we kept the main pieces of furniture - a feature toddler bed with timber detailing and a curvy armchair and ottoman."

According to Leech, when you're choosing a palette, it's best to start with one main colour, which you can use across large expanses, such as walls, then a supporting hue and one or two accents.

Autumn styling tips

• Go tonal: For larger expanses such as walls and sofas, layer different shades of one key colour.
  
• Keep it simple: Don't overfill the space - include only those pieces you need and love.
  
• Create a focal paint: Every room should have one hero piece to draw the eye, whether it's a stunning side chair or a beautiful artwork.
  
• Add texture: Seek out must-touch upholstery fabrics, such as rich weaves and bouclé's to add textural interest.
  
• Celebrate natural: Don't cover up imperfections such as the swirls and veins in a timber floor - their natural, honest feel fits with this look.