There's a point in autumn when staying home suddenly sounds much better than going out. The heating goes on, evenings get darker and we're looking for any excuse to spend a little longer on the sofa.
And our latest trend couldn't have arrived at a better time.
Meet Merlot Manor, our take on country-house style, only a little darker, moodier and more romantic. We’ve layered raspberry reds, dark rust, muted moss and traditional patterns, with the kind of furniture you can really settle into.
And no, you don't need a huge country estate to pull it off. Just a love of cosy interiors and a willingness to embrace a little colour.
Country-house style, with a moodier side
When you picture a traditional country house, a few things probably come to mind. A well-loved sofa, wooden furniture, perhaps a floral rug that's been there for years.
That's the feeling we've taken into Merlot Manor.
Only this time, we're swapping lighter country colours for deeper reds and greens, adding a little more pattern and giving those classic furniture shapes a starring role.
Take the living room, for example. Burgundy walls, a dark rust sofa, moss green cushions and a traditional rug might sound like quite a lot on paper. But together, it just works.
And unlike some interior trends, this one isn't about starting from scratch. It's about mixing what you already love with a few pieces that bring something new to the room.
The colours behind Merlot Manor
If you're usually someone who sticks to neutrals, the Merlot Manor palette might feel like a bit of a change. But don't let those deeper shades put you off.
They work surprisingly well together, especially when you bring cream, soft pink and natural wood into the mix.
Raspberry red
A little softer than burgundy, deep raspberry is a lovely colour to play with if you want to introduce reds or pinks without going too dark.
Try a raspberry cushion against a green armchair, or mix it with cream and pink for something more subtle. It also works beautifully with traditional patterns, particularly florals and stripes.
Dark rust
Dark rust is one of those colours that seems to look even better at this time of year.
Somewhere between reddish brown and deep terracotta, it's warm without being too bright. And on a sofa? Even better.
Pair it with olive or moss green for a classic autumn colour combination, then add a few lighter accessories to break things up.
Muted moss
Green has long been a favourite for country-inspired interiors, and muted moss feels right at home here.
It's earthy, understated and incredibly easy to style. Cream bedding keeps it looking fresh, while burgundy cushions or darker wooden furniture bring out its moodier side.
You can go all in with a green upholstered bed or keep things simple with a couple of cushions.
A living room worth staying in for
Let's be honest, we're all spending a lot more time on the sofa once the evenings draw in. So why not make it a really good one?
Our Beverley 3 Seater Sofa in Chenille Dark Rust is a great place to start. With its traditional rolled arms and deep, warm colour, it has that country-house feel without looking old-fashioned.
We've styled it with moss green cushions, playful prints and our Nell Coffee Table in Walnut. There's a mix of colours and textures going on, but that's what gives the room its personality.
A traditional-style rug helps tie everything together, while a few softer accessories stop the darker colours from taking over.
And if you've got a favourite armchair, don't feel like it needs to match your sofa. Different upholstery, contrasting colours and even a mix of furniture styles can look great together.
Finish with a table lamp, a throw over the arm of the sofa and perhaps a candle or two.
That's your evening sorted.
The country-house bedroom, reimagined
If there's ever a time to make your bedroom a little more indulgent, it's autumn and winter.
We're talking extra pillows, layers of bedding and a bed that looks almost too good to leave in the morning.
For Merlot Manor, we've started with our Middleton Ottoman Storage Bed in Muted Moss. The tall, button-tufted headboard gives it a traditional feel, while the green upholstery makes a welcome change from the usual cream and beige.
Then comes the bedding.
We’ve used the combination of stripes, scalloped edges and a few burgundy cushions for a layered feel.
Don't worry about choosing just one pattern, either. A smaller printed cushion against striped bedding can look lovely, especially when you've got a few colours running throughout.
A little more pattern, please
One thing you'll notice about Merlot Manor is that we're not holding back on patterns.
And why should we? Stripes, florals and traditional motifs are what give country-house interiors so much of their charm.
The trick is knowing how to put them together without making the room feel too busy.
Start with stripes
There's a reason stripes never really go out of style.
They're easy to work with, look lovely on bedding and cushions, and bring a bit of structure to rooms with lots of softer, decorative details.
Try a wider stripe alongside smaller printed cushions, or use a striped throw to break up a plain sofa.
Don't forget the florals
A floral rug or cushion is an easy way to bring that traditional country-house look into your home.
And we're not necessarily talking about tiny, delicate flowers. Larger, more decorative prints can work just as well, particularly when they pick up the reds, greens and creams already in your room.
Mix things up
The best country-house rooms never look like everything was bought on the same day.
So mix your prints, put stripes next to florals, add a frilled cushion to a more structured sofa, or pair patterned bedding with a plain upholstered headboard.
You don't need everything to match. In fact, we'd argue it's more interesting when it doesn't.
Our only real tip? Keep a couple of colours running through the different patterns. That way, even an unexpected combination feels like it belongs.
Make yourself at home
With the colder months ahead, we're more than ready for evenings spent indoors, extra layers on the bed and living rooms that feel that little bit cosier.
That's exactly what Merlot Manor is about.
It's our dark romantic take on country style, with colours that feel made for autumn, furniture you'll want to curl up on and plenty of opportunities to mix old favourites with something new.
Whether you're ready to embrace a deep red sofa or just fancy swapping a few cushions, there's no right or wrong way to bring the look home.
So, pull up a chair, put the kettle on and make yourself comfortable.
Merlot Manor FAQs
What colours work well with burgundy and dark red?
Muted moss, olive green, cream, soft pink and dark wood are all lovely choices. Green makes a great contrast to burgundy, while lighter shades help balance the room if you're working with a lot of deeper colour.
How do I get the country-house look in a modern home?
You don't need period features or a traditional property. Start with comfortable furniture, add a patterned rug or a few decorative cushions, and mix traditional shapes with simpler modern pieces. It's more about the overall feel than having a particular style of house.
Can you mix stripes and florals in the same room?
Definitely. Stripes and florals look great together, particularly when they share a few colours. Try pairing a wider stripe with a smaller floral print, then add some plain fabrics to give the patterns a bit of breathing room.
How can I make my living room cosier for autumn?
Start with soft furnishings. A couple of extra cushions, a throw and a patterned rug can make a big difference. Warmer lighting helps too, so swap bright overhead lights for table lamps when you want a more relaxed feel.
How can I bring Merlot Manor into my home without redecorating?
Burgundy cushions, a moss green throw, striped bedding or a traditional-style rug can all introduce the look without changing your existing furniture. You might be surprised how much difference a few new pieces can make.
