As summer fades and autumn sets in, there’s a natural desire to transform our interiors into spaces of warmth and comfort. This year, one of the standout trends is all about softness. From gentle curves to plush fabrics, the “Soft September” aesthetic is centred around creating cosy, inviting environments that embrace the soothing qualities of the season.
Curved furniture is at the forefront of this trend. The sharp, angular lines that dominated in recent years are being replaced by more organic shapes, evoking a sense of fluidity and ease. Think of a crescent-shaped sofa or an oval coffee table, each piece designed to bring a softer, more welcoming energy to a room. These forms don’t just offer aesthetic appeal; they create a more harmonious, flowing space that feels relaxed and intimate. Soft curves in key furniture pieces allow for a natural, balanced atmosphere, making a living room or lounge area instantly more inviting.
In line with this, rounded edges are gaining popularity across all aspects of interior design. Whether it’s the softly contoured corners of a dining table, the curved edges of shelving, or even subtle details like round cabinet handles, these shapes offer a gentler alternative to the rigidity of sharp lines. There’s a visual softness to these forms that feels more approachable, and it also has practical benefits, especially for homes where safety is a consideration.
As the days grow cooler, soft fabrics take on an even greater role in bringing comfort to interiors. This season’s trends are heavily focused on plush, tactile materials such as bouclé, velvet, and chenille. These luxurious textures not only add a visual depth to a room but also make it a much more inviting space to relax in. Drape a velvet blanket over the arm of a curved sofa, add some chunky-knit cushions in deep autumnal shades like rust or moss green, and suddenly your living room becomes the perfect retreat for cosy evenings. Rugs, too, are part of this trend, with thick, plush designs offering a warm base that’s as comfortable as it is stylish.
Colour palettes for autumn are also shifting towards soft, neutral tones. While traditional autumnal hues like burnt orange, deep reds, and warm browns remain popular, there’s a growing trend towards lighter, calming shades of cream, soft grey, and muted pastels. These softer hues create a serene, expansive feel, which pairs beautifully with the organic curves and textures of the season. Neutrals also allow you to highlight texture and form, letting the softness of fabrics and furniture take centre stage.
Accessories play a key role in enhancing this soft aesthetic. Rounded mirrors, soft-edged ceramics, and circular rugs are all easy ways to introduce softer forms into your home. Sculptural vases with organic shapes or curved bowls filled with seasonal fruits add subtle warmth to any room, while maintaining an understated elegance. These smaller elements reinforce the larger design choices, tying the space together with a cohesive, gentle flow.
Lighting, too, is crucial in shaping the soft, soothing atmosphere of autumn interiors. The shift to softer, warmer light sources helps to create an inviting environment, perfect for shorter days and longer nights. Instead of harsh overhead lights, opt for floor or table lamps with rounded bases or curved shades that diffuse the light gently. Pendant lights with natural materials like rattan or frosted glass add a soft glow, contributing to a relaxed, calming ambience. Layering different light sources, from wall sconces to candles, allows you to create cosy pockets of light that mimic the softer, golden tones of autumn afternoons.
Ultimately, “Soft September” is about embracing the gentle, tactile qualities that make a home feel like a sanctuary. It’s not just about following trends but creating a space where you can truly relax and unwind. By incorporating curved furniture, rounded edges, soft fabrics, and gentle lighting, you can transform your home into a welcoming haven that aligns with the tranquil, comforting spirit of the season. This autumn, softness isn’t just a design choice—it’s a way of enhancing the way we live, making our homes a retreat from the outside world as the seasons shift. Now go get cosy!
