Autumn is all about slowing down and getting cosy. And this year, we’re heading to the ranch and taking our cues from Netflix’s 2026 TV adaptation of Little House on the Prairie.
But before you assume that this look is all about bare wooden cabins, think again. Instead, we’re taking inspiration from the series with homespun touches, an earthy colour palette and patchwork aplenty.
Combine these key elements with a few well-chosen accessories, seasonal decorations and brass fixings for a more modern nod to the trend. The resulting look is drenched in nostalgia – without it feeling like you’ve stepped into your great granny’s house.
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Patchwork is an important element of this midwestern-inspired look, so why not give it a go yourself?
Making patchwork is a mindful craft to settle down with in the darker evenings of autumn (take a look at the digital quilting patterns available at Simply Quilting). But if you don’t have the time to sew your own, recreate the look with bedding sets, blankets and cushion covers.
Mix these up with plenty of gingham to fashion the ultimate cosy corner to retreat to at the end of the day. You can even layer up a couple of different sets with duvets in a lower tog.
Natural materials, such as plain stone and lightly distressed wood, anchor this look. These work particularly well in practical rooms such as kitchens, but you could give your hallway or porch a mini makeover by adding a storage bench and retiling high-traffic areas.
Soften these hard textures with linen, cotton and jute: café-style curtains, a rug or cushion covers are a simple way to do this without breaking the bank.
Dot different lighting options throughout your home to recreate the warm glow of candlelight. A layered lighting scheme, encompassing a ceiling light, wall lights and a table lamp, will really ramp up the cosiness of a space.
Use a dimmable bulb in a bedside wall light so you can read a few chapters of a comforting book before turning in for the night. This option is also cordless, so you won’t have to tackle any rewiring.
If you’re longing for the prairie look, then wooden panelling is obviously going to make an appearance. But if you’d rather not go full cabin, use some as an accent instead.
Add panelling behind your sink or on the side of your bath (making sure it’s properly sealed and waterproofed) or use reclaimed planks as shelving or to build a cabinet to hide away toiletries.
You can pick up off cuts of wood from DIY stores, your local recycling centre or even Facebook Marketplace.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns, such as tartan, florals, stripes and polka dots. If you’re not sure where to start, then begin by picking a favourite colour. Then, start to build up different patterns that contain this colour.
Try playing with different scales to avoid the patterns competing with one another, for example, a large check paired with a smaller ditsy floral print.
Prints such as check or gingham are particularly useful for this as they often contain several shades within them.
Turn everyday mealtimes into a special event by giving your dining area a refresh.
Bench-style seating encourages a communal feel for everyone to jostle around the table. Simply add a bench pad and plenty of cushions in a hardwearing upholstery fabric.
Display family photos, treasures and trinkets on the walls or on open shelving for a whimsical and
nostalgic feel. Add some flowers to the table for a final flourish, there are lots of dried or faux options that look just as good as the real thing.
The prairie look easily lends itself to autumn, so you can really go all-in when it comes to faux florals and wreaths. But to make sure this suits your style all year round, buy a base wreath that you can easily change.
Layer up some blooms, wind ribbon through it and display with pride. Choose one large wreath to make a statement or use the rule of three and hang several smaller ones.
When it comes to your colour palette, use splashes of earthy tones to create a cocooning feel. Think mustard yellow, rust orange, olive green and burgundy.
Rather than colour drenching your rooms, use these shades sparingly, such as to liven up faded woodwork or to frame a view from a window.
You could even upcycle pieces of furniture for a truly unique look, let your imagination run wild with folky, floral designs.
Choose aged brass for your metallic finishes for a vintage vibe. This is where you can use the Red Thread Theory.
This design theory isn’t about colour, and instead encourages you to create a cohesive look across your entire home by picking out one design element and repeating it in every room.
This can be done with brass metal, for example, by having a lamp with a brass base on your bedside table, hanging brass-toned photo frames on your walls and changing the handles on your kitchen cupboards.
The moodboard
Decorate with these charming accents to create your own homespun scheme
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As seen on screen
Little House on the Prairie isn’t the only boxset to have given us serious interiors envy – take a look at these trend-setting TV series!
Bridgerton
Netflix’s Bridgerton burst onto our screens in 2020 and immediately charmed us with its modern take on Regency romance plots, instrumental soundtracks and 18th century-inspired interiors.
Emily in Paris
For a contemporary take on effortlessly chic Parisian style, then say ‘bonjour!’ to Emily in Paris. (Bijou apartment and love interest not included.)
The Traitors
It’s the TV show that made everyone dream of a highland getaway (although with a little less murder): The Traitors. The hit BBC One series is a masterclass in eccentric country style, complete with tartan, antique furniture and blood red accents.
Mad Men
Mad Men captured the drama of New York’s ruthless advertising industry, but it also acted as a time-capsule for the mid-century modern look. If you want to step back into the 1960s heyday, catch up on Disney+.
Gilmore Girls
The comedy-drama Gilmore Girls is a faultless lesson in cosy noughties style – think cottagecore but with a slightly more American twist. Settle down to watch it on Channel5 or Netflix.
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