There's something about September that always feels like a second New Year. Children are back at school, routines seem to sharpen up and settle into place and our homes suddenly need to kick back into gear and work harder than ever. After a summer of constantly cleaning the kitchen, outdoor gear dumped in the hallway and holiday bags half unpacked, September offers the perfect chance to reset.
This month is all about creating calm, intentional living with a sense of order. Small changes transform how your space feels, setting you up well for those lovely 'ber' months ahead.
Step 1: Do a Summer Sweep
Start by clearing away the remnants of summer.
Pack away seasonal clutter: Store beach gear, picnic sets, camping stuff and anything else you know you won't need, in clearly labelled boxes for next year.
Declutter your surfaces: Make your way around side tables, kitchen counters and console tables. Don't overwhelm yourself, but perhaps allocate 10 minutes per day to sorting a different area.
Refresh the fridge: Use September as your seasonal food reset too - clear old condiments to make space for your favourite hearty autumn meals.
Step 2: Reclaim the Entrance Hall
Your hallway is much more than a place to dump coats and shoes; it's the first impression of your home. When designing for our clients, we always emphasise the importance of both a welcoming and practical entrance, it really sets the tone for the rest of your home. With a few smart changes, you can ensure it's exactly that - beautiful yet functional.
Layered lighting: Swap harsh overhead lighting for a softer glow. A table lamp on a console or a wall light above some artwork creates a welcoming mood as soon as you walk in. Always consider warm-toned bulbs (2700k) to soften the space.
Introduce a signature scent: Hallways are the perfect place for establishing your home's "signature scent". Reed diffusers, a discreet wall plug-in, or even a bowl of dried flowers can set the tone. Opt for seasonal scents such as cedar, fig, amber or even smoky vetiver, perfectly suited to September.
Ground the space with a rug: A durable yet stylish runner adds warmth underfoot and helps define the space. Choose something textured (like jute or a wool blend) that can handle high traffic while still looking elevated yet cosy.
Step 3: Transition Your Textiles
At the studio, we always include layered fabrics in our schemes. However, the autumn months beginning are an even better reason to carefully consider and curate your materials.
Use cosy throws in wool or linen blends on sofas and beds.
Switch out summer cushions for more varied textures, such as boucle, tweed or velvet.
Add warmth to your dining area with linen placemats or a simple table runner - a little teaser for the festive months to come.
Step 4: Align Your Home with Your Routine
As routines change, so should the way your home supports them.
Homework station: Create a clutter-free zone with good lighting for kids. Ideally, position this close to your main family living space. We aim to keep children's bedrooms for sleep and relaxation, other than areas of study.
Work-from-home refresh: Organise your desk, tidy up cables and add a new plant for focus and candle for ambience. Treat yourself to your favourite autumnal candle.
Evening calm corner: As the darker evenings begin to draw in, layer a lamp, a throw and some books for a relaxing evening retreat.
Step 5: Style a Subtle Seasonal Focal Point
Skip the pumpkins or exaggerated decor and focus on understated autumn touches for a more luxurious feel.
Just like January, September gives us permission to pause, reset and start afresh. With a few mindful tweaks - decluttering, recorganising and layering in seasonal style - you can transform your home into a calm, supportive backdrop for the months ahead.
If you'd love a personalised seasonal styling plan for your own home, we'd be delighted to help. Get in touch to chat about bringing your September reset to life.
