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This is a guest post provided by Eva Stephen.

Autumn is upon us once again and as the (occasionally sunny) summer gives way to the slumber of winter we prepare to bed down and snuggle up. Our clothes get thicker, we add tights and boots to our wardrobes and the trusty vitamin C sneaks into our medicine cabinet. Shorter days mean longer nights in at home as do chilly weekends, making autumn the perfect time to update our interiors and make our homes somewhere we’re happy to hibernate.

Whether you fancy a full house facelift or just want to add a few affordable updates there are a range of designs, colours and textures to choose from this season. You can join the Industrial revolution, take a trip down memory lane, get creative and crafty or perhaps go on a Fox hunt.

Key Trends 1: Industrial

The key to the Industrial look is strong angular shapes, robust wood and metallic materials and practical usability. Think vintage cinemas and disused factories, metal lockers and steel chairs. You can recreate the look with new or second hand furniture, vintage lighting and metallic accessories such as hanging lamps, book end clamps and metal letters. You can also get creative by using old signage as objects d’art. The grubbier and more beaten up the better with this look but to avoid over styling try mixing some vintage industrial pieces with either contemporary Kingstown furniture from Shop4Furniture or softer decor. Although this look works fantastically well in airy loft style apartments it will sit equally as comfortably in a 1930s semi or Victorian terrace. You can pay homage to your home by finding second hand or reproduction pieces that reflect the period it was built. If you have a new build these old pieces can be a fantastic contrast to those newly plastered walls by adding interest and depth.

  Industrial bedroom design Via Busy Door}

Key Trend 2: Retro

The swinging 60s and sexy 70’s will never be too far away when it comes to design. The space age styling of the 60’s made way for the shag piles of the 70’s and bold and bright colours spanned both decades. Today we can create a retro look by subtly merging the two. It’s not about having film set like period perfection but about capturing the essence of the era. Modern technologies in print and design mean that we can now find beautiful paisley or flock wall papers in luxurious colours and textures.

{1970’ Bedroom décor Via Caroline’s Lost and Found}

{Retro Wallpaper Via Starnet}

You can achieve the retro look by papering at least one wall in a bright and bold design. As far as furniture goes a sideboard is a sure thing and textures such as cork, hessian and of course shag pile are good additions. If you want to be a little less dramatic you can buy some charity shop crockery or modern reproductions. Coloured glass and psychedelic cushion covers can also add to the look. Allow yourself to get nostalgic with this one and choose items that you really love and that bring back great memories if you were there.

 {Nostalgic Bedroom Design Via Pinterest}

Key Trend 3: Crafty

Cost conscious times call for budget friendly design which is why the make do and mend mentality is back in Britain. Along with the post-recession mood the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee have added to the patriotic mood of the country and it is certainly very British to ‘make do’. From the up cycling of old furniture by repainting or reupholstering to the more crafty skills of cushion making, cross stitch and crocheting everyone can do something creative. You can even get the kids involved with some crafty projects. If you really can’t or don’t want to make something yourself you can always cheat and buy items that just looks like you made them. The wonderful thing about this trend is that you can create individual and one off pieces or dig out something old which tells a story and breathe new life into it.

{Crafty Bedroom design Via Pinterest}

  {Crafty Bedroom Décor by My Crafty Home Life}

Key Trend 4: Foxes

Last year was all about the Owl but it’s time for old Owly to fly away because 2012 is the year of the Fox. Foxes have been creeping quietly into our homes for a while and have really made a bold appearance this year. You can go fox crazy by having a fox print on your wallpaper or bedding or you can keep it low key with a little fox ornament or print on a plate. Don’t be surprised to see lamps, cushion covers and statues bearing the furry fox this Autumn/Winter.

{Fox Clock Via Babble}

 {Fox Cushins Via Kidsomania}

With all of these trends you can go full on with curtains, furniture and flooring or pair it down with accessories and ornaments.  Whichever trend takes your fancy and whatever your budget, just remember that you have to live in your home and your interpretation of a trend is what’s important. You don’t have to be Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen to create a beautiful interior. You can take inspiration from magazines and blogs and by pinching a few ideas here and there you’ll be able to create something special for your own home which is bang on trend.

Thanks to Melissa & Virginia for allowing me to guest post. I look forward to hopefully sharing more of my ideas with you all!

Best Wishes,

Eva Stephen