We hate to break it to you all, but summer is well and truly over. The grey mist is descending all over the UK, the shorts have been tucked to the back of the wardrobe and the beer gardens are reminiscent of The Specials ‘Ghost Town’.

But it isn’t all doom and gloom, autumn is here! The red leaves are falling, and even though it is colder, home is feeling a little cosier, especially when the fireplaces are lit.

We understand that fireplaces are our home centrepieces and living room focal point, so it makes sense to give it a make over to suit the season.  To add some character and flair to your fireplace this autumn, here are some top tips:

Mother Nature

Nothing encompasses the persona of mother nature more than autumn, nature goes through its most dramatic change from summer to the fall season, and these dried flowers, fallen leaves, branches and autumn vegetables like pumpkins can all be beautiful additions to your mantel. Seasonal colours and hues, like orange, brown, burnt amber and cranberry are warming and cosy colours that make your living room a den.

Harvest

Autumn is associated with harvest season, and because of this it is the perfect time to use seasonally-themed accents for your fireplace. Straw and hay, as well as rope accents help conjure harvest time feels. Always be careful with materials that are flammable and never place them close to the fire itself; faux hay and straw accessories are available that will be much safer for your home.

Spooky

The best part of autumn is Halloween. Decorating your fireplace with bats, black cats, spiders and witches’ broom is great way to decorate your fireplace in a fun way that kids – and big kids – will love. Don’t forget to add a pumpkin that you can cut out yourself.

Autumn is the time to get our grates ready for some fire, so make sure you are well stocked with smokeless coal and imported firewood ready to get you through winter.