Decorating with Woodland Magic – Autumn Styling Tips

Create cosy, magical spaces with a nature-inspired touch.

Autumn is one of my favourite times of year.The crisp air, the layering of cosy cardigans and scarves, and the vibrant canopy of oranges, reds, and yellows never fail to inspire me creatively. As a family, we make trips to places like Westonbirt Arboretum to marvel at the trees. Seeing children and dogs romping through the leaves fills me with warmth—and sparks many of my autumn-inspired designs.

There’s also a nostalgic rhythm to the season. Perhaps it’s the association with fresh school starts, but autumn always feels like a new beginning. My eldest has taken a deep dive into crafting recently, and our home is now full of acorns, pressed leaves, and twigs destined for collages or taped masterpieces. The beauty of those simple foraged materials is their immediacy—they're real, tangible, and tied to memory.

Natural Materials & Foraged Finds

When styling for autumn, I always turn to what we find on our walks: acorns, delicate leaves in purples and golds, dried seed heads, and interesting twigs. These bits of nature bring the woodland indoors in an authentic way. Try adding:

• Bowls of foraged treasures

• Handmade leaf garlands (our felt version from eight years ago still hangs every year!)

• Frames to showcase children’s seasonal artwork (I love box-style frames that open at the front for easy swaps)

Using what you already have, or creating something by hand, gives your space a timeless feel that no mass-produced decoration can replicate.

Ceridwen Hazelchild Designs for the Season

Some of my lampshades and prints are perfect for this cosy, whimsical season. The Squirrel Lampshade is one of my bestsellers—and for good reason. With its scurrying red squirrels, oak branches, and warm golden tones, it was inspired by autumn walks and feels like a little piece of woodland magic for your home.

The Wren Lampshade also pairs beautifully with autumn decor. While inspired by late summer, its palette of warm reds, soft greens, and dusky yellows fits seamlessly into a seasonal home.

Pair these with soft lighting, warm-toned textiles, and handmade crafts, and you’ve got the perfect foundation for an autumn woodland nook.

Styling for Families & Children

When transitioning children’s rooms or family spaces for autumn, I always recommend swapping, not adding. Wall art is a fantastic place to start—switching a summer-themed print for something more autumnal can transform a space without extra clutter. Think foxes, wrens, acorns, or mushrooms.

Soft lighting is also key. A well-placed lamp with a nature-themed shade not only adds a gentle glow, but it becomes a conversation starter—a way to connect with a child’s love of animals or time spent outdoors.

If you're looking to make something special this season, try crafting together. Making your own felt leaf garlands, pressed leaf frames, or even nature-themed printable activities can keep children entertained while giving them ownership of their space.

Keep It Sustainable

At the heart of all my decorating—whether for children or not—is a commitment to sustainability. I make my lampshades with certified organic cotton because I believe if we care about children, we should care about the world we’re leaving for them.

When buying decor, I suggest looking for things you'll want up year after year, or pieces that work seasonally across years. Choose items that feel special and last.

Closing Thoughts

Autumn invites us to slow down, cosy up, and connect—to nature, to memory, and to one another. Whether you’re layering leaves into your windowsills, lighting your favourite squirrel-themed lamp, or helping your little one discover the wonder in a freshly fallen acorn, I hope you find some woodland magic this season.