The mood has dipped, hasn't it? As we wave summer goodbye and the chilly winds announce the arrival of Autumn, there's a sudden sadness that settles in us. Returning to daily routines suddenly feels like a shock after the long, carefree, sunny days. And with the golden glow of summer fading, our homes, too, start to feel a little flat and in need of a lift. 

The good news is you can totally boost your mood with a simple home refresh to help you hold on to that light feeling long after the holiday season has ended. 

How to do it? As always, we, at The House Outfit, have some tricks up our sleeves:

Curate A Gallery Wall of Memories

The trips may be over, but it doesn't mean you can't relive them. Sometimes, the easiest way to weave them into the new season and keep the spirits high as the winds and rain come in is a simple gallery wall idea: curate the pictures and artwork collected from your travels. 

What's more, you can use wall art prints to further boost the mood and complete your wall set, creating an eclectic design. We strongly suggest you choose pieces in warm colours like yellow and orange to keep things fresh and cheerful (of course, in case these fit your general interiors).

Mix and match, place some photos and artwork horizontally and others vertically, add handwritten notes and postcards, and enhance some of your pieces with sleek frames. See how your place is transforming into a wonderful sanctuary of warm moments and memories. 

Embrace the Cosy Season

Summer may be gone, but Autumn brings a different kind of energy and atmosphere with it. The time for cosy, warm moments with a cup of hot cocoa and a blanket is just around the corner. Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on the positives the new season brings. 

To help with this, you can embrace cosy home design to remind yourself of the good things coming. Introduce cosy textiles: blankets, chunky knit throws, and plush pillows in neutral deep-tones like forest green and rich burgundy. Add some extra cushions on your sofa for maximum comfort, and place a rug over your floors for warmth underfoot. 

The most beautiful outcome will come with you mixing different textures like velvets, wool, and faux furs. The new depth and visual interest you've introduced will make you a tad more eager to welcome September. 

Create Your Own Art Installation

Summer is also associated with creativity and self-expression, and we don't have to say goodbye to this just yet. Use the post-holiday period to dive into seasonal home styling, decorate shelves, and curate beautiful arrangements with your travel souvenirs and finds. Displaying objects of the same kind can be a meaningful statement — you can group by type, location, vacation, country, etc. 

To do it like a real professional, you can use a strong colour scheme to create a coherent thread that will also increase the visual impact and draw visitors' eyes towards your collection. 

Keep the Light In For Longer

One of the biggest shifts in our moods in this period is actually due to the change in natural light — the days are becoming shorter, clouds are now obstructing the sun…, and we get fewer hours of sunlight. This drop in vitamin D has a say in your mood. 

However, no need to be gloomy about it. There are plenty of home lighting ideas to brighten your home and invite more of the sun in. Don't be too quick to put on the heavy drapes. Keep the summer's sheer and light ones in neutral soft colours for a tad longer so that a maximum amount of light enters your place. 

Also, clean your windows. The grimmer they are, the less light is coming in, so give them a good scrub. 

Finally, consider introducing mirrors (maybe as part of your gallery wall?). They will amplify the little light that enters your home and make your rooms appear bigger and brighter for longer. 

Add a Mood-Boosting Colour

Introducing some colour to your home is another very effective way to keep the cheer and lightness of summer alive and thriving. Start small with accent colours, but make them vibrant! Like fun patterned rugs and colourful wall art in pink, blue, and green. Pair these with bright decor in uplifting hues — golden yellows for energy, leafy greens for renewal, and soft pastels for a calming retreat.
 
Even a single colourful piece can shift the mood instantly in the whole room, helping you carry that sunny feeling of summer into autumn. 

It's Time for that Cosy Little Nook

Nothing beats having a nook to retreat to when the cooler days set in. Let the hygge home ideas reign supreme. Choose the place, bring the armchair, pile the books and start decorating. Refresh with a touch of greenery ( a lush indoor plant or an autumn-scented diffuser with notes of cedar, cinnamon, and eucalyptus). And add a soft reading light, of course!

Then layer the chunky throws and oversized cushions. Hang a piece of wall art above the nook to give that corner some personality and tie everything together. 

Add finishing touches with a small side table stacked with your good reads, a glowing candle, and a warm drink at hand. This is proper hygge-inspired comfort coming to life. 

The End of a Season is the Start of Another

Feel the blues, but don't let it linger because you can totally keep the joy alive in your home, and at the same time get excited for what autumn has in store. Just a few thoughtful design updates and your space is turned into a sanctuary that can support your wellbeing regardless of the season. 

Don't let the weight of routine settle in. Dive into interior design inspiration, have fun, and allow your home (and yourself) to glow all year round.