Autumn has well and truly arrived and, with it, our thoughts naturally turn to the design of our homes, asking ourselves how we can make them as snug and inviting as possible. When we imagine the perfect interior for autumn and winter, we think of rich, deep colours, soft, cosseting fabrics, and the kind of comfortable furniture that demands you put your feet up. The new collection from Neptune – a perennial House & Garden go-to for everything from kitchens to cushions – does all of these things brilliantly well, and a visit to one of the company’s stores around the country is always a masterclass in how to put a room together with ease.
As the weather turns and we begin spending more time at home, it is always tempting to get out the paintbrush and transform a room with a warm, jewel-like hue. This level of dedication to seasonal decoration may not be for everyone, but the addition of warmer colours in cushions and throws, or even in the repainting of wooden furniture, can really bring new life to a room. Neptune always comes up with an appealing colour palette for each season, and looking around the showrooms makes it easy to see how various shades can work together.
Neptune’s new colour for this autumn is ‘Clove’, a deliciously rich purple-brown that would work just as beautifully on all four walls of a room as it would on a bookcase, bathtub or kitchen island. Together, the standout colours for the season evoke a walk in the country, with earthy shades such as ‘Clove’ neatly balanced by lighter greens, creams and pinks. Pairing ‘Clove’ with the elegant yet earthy pink of ‘Old Rose’ is a match made in heaven, while the creamy grey of ‘Silver Birch’ or the cool green of ‘Moss’ could lend a fresher feel to a space. As you can buy much of Neptune’s wooden furniture, and indeed their kitchens, painted in any of Neptune’s shades, it is easy to incorporate these colours into your interiors without committing them to the walls – although, how lovely it would be if you did.
A glance around your nearest Neptune showroom will also emphasise the importance of texture in a room, particularly in the colder months. Upholstery, throws and cushions in warm materials such as linen, velvet and tweed positively radiate comfort. The natural feel of armchairs and cushions in a muted green Harris Tweed, which evokes the same rustic, woodland feel as the season’s colour palette, is particularly appealing. As is the use of organic materials, which is increasingly important and can even have beneficial effects on mental wellbeing – so the grainy solid oak of much of Neptune’s furniture is a very welcome addition to any home. Look to the ‘Wycombe’ collection of dining and sitting room furniture, which, with its Arts and Crafts aesthetic, wooden frames and rush seats, provides the perfect balance of stylish design and natural beauty.
At this time of year, that back-to-school feeling might prompt an urge to get organised; to make sure all one’s books and papers, linens and bedding, dishes and even bottles of wine are neatly stored, ready to be employed when needed. Enter, Neptune’s smart, traditionally crafted storage pieces, sure to make even the most slapdash of individuals crave order and calm. The ‘Chawton’ sideboard, for example, is ideal for all your winter entertaining needs, and looks charming in bold ‘Mustard’. Equally useful is the glass-fronted ‘Shepton’ cabinet, which can be used in a dining room, kitchen or sitting room to store dishes and glasses or even decorative pieces, and can be fitted with a clever X-shaped rack to hold wine. Painted in rich ‘Clove’ or cheery ‘Mustard’, it will add warmth and depth to any space.
The great advantage of having furniture, paint, textiles and accessories all under one roof is that it is extraordinarily easy to put an entire decorative scheme together, especially once you’ve seen how it works in person at a showroom. Here, interior design becomes practically effortless, all the more so if you take advantage of the design consultations available in-house. Whether you’re designing a kitchen or undertaking a minor refresh, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are a delight from start to finish. After a year of remote life and work, it is wonderfully refreshing to spend some time in one of Neptune’s stylish showrooms around the country and be gently guided towards a more beautiful, more comfortable interior for the new season.
Discover the collection at neptune.com
