I’m an interior designer and there’s 5 tacky autumn trends I absolutely HATE – they cheapen your home instantly

AUTUMN is almost upon us and adding cosy touches to your home is the perfect way to make saying goodbye to summer feel more bearable. But when it comes to decorating for crunchy leaf season, it can be easy to cross the line between trendy and tacky. An interior designer has told us the autumn decor trends he always avoids Credit: Getty The expert says that keeping things simple and scaled back is the key to avoiding “tacky” Credit: Cuckooland Luckily, a home furnishings expert has filled us in on the autumn decor trends to swerve if you want to avoid tasteless fall fads. Interior designer, Josh Branigan, has revealed exactly what to steer clear of when it comes to adding autumnal touches to your home this year. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! Using classic autumn colours everywhere While classic autumn colour pallettes like rich reds, warm oranges and olive greens might be your go-to at this time of year, Josh says that they don’t work all over. Explaining that they can actually create unsightly clashing instead of colour cohesion, Josh told us: “Autumn tones can be beautiful, but they don’t work in every setting. “For example, in rooms with a pastel or cool-toned base, adding burnt orange or deep red accessories can feel harsh and out of place rather than cosy,” he added. Cheap seasonal decor It can be tempting to snap up affordable seasonable trinkets as soon as they flood the high street, but Josh says investing in higher quality pieces is a better idea. Instead of buying new, cheap ornaments and accessories every autumn, choose timeless items you use year after year, he advises. “It’s easy to get carried away when shops fill their aisles with faux pumpkins, plastic leaves, and themed trinkets, but piling them everywhere just creates clutter. Most read in Fabulous “These pieces rarely look tasteful, and they don’t last,” the homeware pro continued. Going all in on the rustic aesthetic While Josh is all for a cosy cottagecore feel during the autumn months, he says it has to be done with small nods in order to work. “I love rustic touches in moderation, but covering every surface in tartan, wood textures, and log-cabin motifs can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t live in a cabin in the woods.” Over the top wreaths In recent years, seasonal wreaths have become mega popular for more than just Christmas time. These days, it’s common to spot autumn wreaths all over front doors – but Josh says there’s a knack to making them look classy. “A simple, natural wreath can look elegant, but the oversized versions crammed with glitter pumpkins or artificial foliage can quickly veer into novelty rather than style,” he explained. Slogan accessories Slogan decor with seasonally-apt phrases are popular around Halloween time – but they’re a no-go for our interiors expert. Josh thinks adding wordy art pieces can “cheapen” a space rather than adding to it. “Pieces with phrases like ‘Pumpkin Spice Everything’ or ‘Hello Autumn’ crop up every year, but this trend rarely adds sophistication,” he said. There are much more subtle ways to channel autumn in your home – and they don’t even have to be visible. “Instead, create atmosphere with sensory touches, warm lighting, natural textures, or even a subtle autumnal scent.” Comment now