Image by: Flos
Cold, sterile spaces are a no go. Here's how to add texture, warmth and visual appeal to your pad for autumn.
Alright lads, autumn is upon us. The leaves are turning, the temperature is dropping, and if you’re still living in a cold, clinical bachelor pad, now’s the time to embrace a little seasonal warmth. You know, the kind that doesn’t feel like a waiting room. Because let’s be real: no one’s rushing to hang out in a place that’s more clinical than cosy - and yes, we especially mean women.
Bachelor pads have a bit of a reputation, don’t they? Us gents do have a penchant for bland walls, unhung artwork, plain pine furniture and a coffee table so clean it’s basically crying out for some action—we get it, less is more. But less is also, well, less. These kinds of unloved spaces aren’t exactly female friendly. Although it may seem daunting at first, making your home a little more, er, homely, has never been easier or more exciting, because why wouldn’t you want your abode to feel like an extension of yourself?
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go full Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen to achieve that. I’m not saying it’s time to purchase some colourful paint and bold wallpaper (unless that’s your jam, of course), but adding a few simple yet suave pieces to your home without going full 60 Minute Makeover can really make all the difference. Think about sprinkling in a few thoughtful touches that speak to your style without overwhelming the place. I’m talking about things that’ll make your pad feel less like a sterile showroom and more like an actual home. A little softness here, a bit of colour there—it’ll go a long way toward transforming your space into one that feels inviting.
Start with soft furnishings—throw pillows and blankets are the easiest way to add instant warmth. And no, that doesn’t mean you’re trading your masculinity for a cosy throw, it just means you’re making your sofa a more appealing place to sit. Trust me, women notice these things. Next, add a touch of playful wall art—something that says “I’m not taking myself too seriously, but I do have taste.” Even a quirky, tongue-in-cheek piece of tableware can shift the mood of your place from boring to interesting. There are an abundance of beautiful pieces out there that can really lift your spirits, inject a personal touch and ensure your pad is somewhere that your girlfriend or sister might even want to hang around in next time they visit. And we've curated a few of them below.
Klippan Wool Blanket
£87.00
A rustic yet cosy addition to decorate your living room, this wool blanket from Arket helps to bring the outside in this season. Just drape over your sofa on an angle.
Irregular Candle Lantern
£9.99
Textured Small Vase
£36.00
Nice that, isn't it? Go one further and add flowers if you really want her to take notice.
Unframed Persian Path Archive Liberty Art Print
£40.00
Bring in autumn colours with a personality-filled piece of wall art from Liberty.
Sandstone Red Pembroke Stripe Linen Blend Duvet Cover, from
£189.00
Upgrading your bed spread is a surefire way to level up your bedroom, and this serene set in an opulent red hue is just the answer. Now, to cilmb in.
M&S Collection Set of 3 Striped Ceramic Dinner Candle Holders - Multi, Multi
£9.50
Ever noticed that the fairer sex have an aversion to having the big light on? Add some dimly-lit glow with these stylish candle holders.
Mango Wood Table
£249.99
Your coffee table probably needs an upgrade and this is a work of art. Add a coffee table book, a candle and some coasters if you're really looking to show off.
FRINGED PATTERNED RUG
£24.99
Add a rug like this fringed and patterned number to any space to bring in a cosy and warm feel that will lighten, brighten and add depth to any room.
Bordallo Pinheiro Mushroom Box
£47.00
Want to embrace the autumn season without going full-on pumpkin or Halloween crazy? Well, this subtle (and, er, ever-so-masculine) mushroom box helps to add a seasonal accent to your home while keeping your coffee table organised.
Elena Swirl Green Glass Wine Glasses Set of Four
£29.50
Making sure your guests have something nice to drink out of is the real seal of a gentleman, which is why these green wine glasses will be ideal for serving up champers to your loved ones.
FLOS Bellhop plastic table lamp 21cm
£235.00
For the minimalists among us, this is a perfect way to add warmth.
Fiesta Speckled Highball Glasses Set of Two
£18.00
Even offering a drink of water seems thoughtful in these.
Two Tone 16 Piece Stainless Steel Cutlery Set
£30.00
Ensuring you've got enough cutlery is a must, which is why this two-tone set from Habitat adds a chic yet masculine edge to your organised kitchen and dining space.
12 Piece White Bamboo Dinner Set
£87.00
A matching set of plates really does pack a punch when it comes to presentation. These white plates with a bamboo trim by Rockett St George feel as warm and inviting as whatever you're putting on them.
Woven Cosy Throw Blanket
£78.00
This was made for cuddling up on the sofa with a glass of red when you don't want to crank the heating up any further.
Global Bobble 100% Cotton Cushion
£24.00
Soft furnishings like cosy throw cushions are ideal for adding warm and welcoming vibes to your home, and this orange one is a surefire way to get into the autumnal swing of things.
34 Boulevard Saint Germain Scented Candle 600g
£179.00
Making sure your home smells gorgeous as well as looking it is paramount when you wan tour abode to be welcoming and cosy – and with this Diptyque candle you'll do just that.
Irregular Stoneware Vase
£19.99
Lovely alone, arguably even better as a pair.
Ceramic Gluggle Jug Large
£36.00
Everyone likes a gluggle jug, and this soft sage hued one from Oliver Bonas is ideal for popping on your dining table with some seasonal blooms in it to ensure your home is female-friendly.