The five home remedies that could make darker days feel brighter

It's the season of falling leaves, misty mornings and long, dark nights as autumn officially rolls in.

But while Brits spend an average of 4.1 extra hours indoors during the colder months, 33% admit they do nothing to prepare their home for winter.

New research from Homesense reveals how important our surroundings become as the days get shorter.

Almost nine in 10 (87%) said their home matters more to them at this time, while 82% believe it has an impact on their mood and wellbeing.

To mark today's autumn equinox - the point when the season officially begins and the nights start drawing in - Homesense has revealed some simple steps to create a cosier, calmer home for the season ahead.

The company is sending a travelling Home Apothecary to help make your house a more soothing space and has also called in wellness expert Adrienne Herbert to share her top tips.

"As the days become shorter, it's natural for our routines, energy and mood to shift too," she said. "Our surroundings have a powerful influence on our everyday habits and how we feel, which is why creating a home environment that supports comfort, calm and restoration can be so valuable during the darker months."

The Apothecary begins its journey in Shetland, which has some of the UK's longest winter nights and less than six hours of light a day, providing the perfect setting for exploring how simple changes can make our homes feel brighter, calmer and more restorative.

It then travels to Homesense stores in Cheadle and Cardiff, showcasing home remedies including warm lighting, comforting textures, calming scents and clever storage.

To find your nearest Homesense store go to: https://locations.uk.homesense.com/store-finder

How to survive long nights and darker days:

1. Feeling stressed? Declutter your space with smart storage solutions

Use baskets, boxes and hooks crafted from natural, tactile materials like woven fibres or wood to make storage feel like part of your décor.

2. Low mood? Create a bright morning spot

Position a favourite chair or breakfast spot near your brightest window and make time to enjoy natural light at the start of the day.

3. Feeling cooped up? Bring nature indoors

Create a small green corner with plants, seasonal foliage or natural textures where you can pause and relax.

4. Can't switch off? Use scent to create a calming routine

Introduce an evening fragrance such as a candle or room spray from Homesense, opting for natural oils or calming, considered fragrances to signal it's time to slow down.

5. Struggling to rest? Create a cosy bedroom sanctuary

Add soft textures and warm lighting, and keep calming essentials, such as a book or blanket, close by to create a relaxing end-of-day ritual.