As the sunny days grow shorter and a crisp chill graces the evening air, I find myself reaching for a light jacket when leaving the house. All these signs point to the turning of the season. While I lament losing the long days of summer, my spirit is hopeful for the return of fall. Fall is my favorite of the four seasons with its brisk sweater weather, the distinct aroma of a fresh campfire and an explosion of color gracing the tree line. The autumn season holds such a special place in my heart and in my home. From fall trends that call for small touches to total home transformations, it’s time to embrace your space and cozy up for the cold days ahead.
The New Neutrals
We’re seeing a beautiful evolution in the world of neutrals. In the past few years, there’s been a lot of neutral layering. Barely a hint of hue. This fall, we want to introduce subtle, earthy accents to breathe life into your space. Say goodbye to those stark, cool greys. Warm neutrals are taking center stage, with mid-tone browns bridging the gap between the lighter shades.
The new neutrals aren’t about playing it safe. Olive, marigold and dusty rose have made their way into the mix to add depth and warmth without becoming overwhelming. These accents are perfect for keeping your space serene without being totally boring. The key to nailing this trend is balance. Adding texture is another easy way to add definition without drawing too much attention. A natural wood vase, antlers, grass cloth wallpaper, or jute rug are ideal textural elements. More than ever, we need to find as many ways as we can to radiate comfort and solace in our living spaces.
Vintage Revival
Welcome to the Heirloom Era, where vintage finds and family treasures take center stage. A fall trend that’s more about storytelling than simply decorating with old items. A mix of lived-in and lovingly curated. Think of your grandmother’s tchotchkes, a flea market lamp with a quirky backstory, or an antique rug that’s been passed down through generations. With these precious pieces of the past on display, your home will be on trend for fall (and beyond).
As the years progress, the rules for interior design dos and don’ts grow more flexible. Very few things can still be considered a faux pas. There once was a time when mixing multiple styles together was only for those with bohemian taste. Now, eclectic design is so common that it is more likely to find a home with blended styles. An eclectic home speaks for more than mixing up furniture, although that is certainly impactful when defining a room’s energy.
Another way to lean into the heirloom style with a more upbeat vibe is to mix up the gallery wall. Move beyond matching frames with themed art or vintage pieces to add character. Use keepsakes, a page from a childhood book and concert stubs, tidbits from travels and grandma’s favorite plate to emulate your authentic self. Make it unique to you! Of course, flea market finds are always on trend. They’re full of rich history and can spark memorable stories that will add to their charm.
The Human Touch
This fall trend is all about viewing your space with an artisan eye. In a way, it is a continuance of eclectic style, but there is so much more to it than mixing design styles together. Buying from artisans, both locally and from across the globe, not only supports a creative small business but also introduces a uniquely original piece into the home.
With access to so many small businesses producing art, pottery and textiles, the selections available are limitless and online shopping brings us closer to many cultures. I love to incorporate “found objects” on my daily walks to deepen the personality of my home.
Touchable Trending Textures
Adding texture when decorating for fall is not a new trend but is most definitely a favorite of mine. There is something so comforting about pulling family heirloom blankets from storage, knit by loved ones to cuddle when the temperature dips. Adding in pillows made from faux fur, chunky bouclé and sweater knits introduce warmth to a space, creating a more welcoming environment and encouraging my family and guests to snuggle up and relax.
This year is giving velvet vibes. Velvet is comfortable, velvet is luxurious, and we want more velvet. It’s so rich and soft that it screams royalty—we certainly feel expensive when it’s around. An ideal fabric for modern and classic spaces that you want to make more inviting. Whether it’s through cushions, a bold velvet sofa or even a vintage velvet painting, this fabric introduces a depth of texture that makes us think of fall.
Another way to add texture is to bring the outside in by introducing natural elements. A collection of potters’ vases, a wood tray, sisal rug and woven fiber floor pillows are just a few of many options available to take advantage of this timeless trend.
Muted Hues
When I think of fall, my mind immediately jumps to the changing leaves—the russet reds, fiery oranges, and golden yellows. However, this year fall is trending towards more muted, earthy tones. Sage, olive, vintage denim, dijon, blush and marsala are the colors to watch. These hues are perfect for creating a calm, cozy atmosphere while still nodding to the season’s natural beauty. With such an intriguing pallete to choose from, how do you best introduce them into your space? It comes down to your room’s base color and your existing palette.
If your space leans towards warm tones, opt for earthy, muddied colors like terracotta, dijon and marsala for a cozy, more grounded feel. For cooler spaces, consider adding vintage denim, olive, blush or sage for a touch of muted elegance. If your space is very neutral (white-on-white), any of these shades will work for you as an accent or to make a statement. There are plenty of on-trend shades that will blend beautifully with any base color. Quick, less permanent application can be found with pillows, window treatments and bedding. For a more invested approach, think of wall paint, wallpaper and furniture.
Unlike the bold reds and oranges of previous years, these muted tones offer a subtle sophistication. They work beautifully as the main color palette or as accents. Whether you choose to incorporate these colors through paint, pillows or even a statement piece, they’re sure to bring a quiet elegance with them.
Inspired by Nature
While pumpkins are a timeless staple, this year we’re expanding our horizons with new ways to bring the outdoors in. Nothing says fall like a touch of nature.
Dried Botanicals
These dried stems are having a moment. Let them speak for themselves or mix them in with a bundle of fresh flowers. These natural elements add a lot of earthy text creating the perfect base for a pop of saturated color. Adding in fresh florals in deep jewel tones to rich fall shades is a great way to introduce saturated color into a neutral heavy room.
Scalloped Finishes
Another fall trend to watch is scalloped finishes. We’re talking trays, mirrors, and all things ceramic. This delicate detail is popping up everywhere. It’s a small touch that can add a lot of charm and personality.
Gourds Galore
It wouldn’t be fall without pumpkins. Pumpkins are readily available at grocers and street stands during this season in a good selection of sizes. Try a mixture of sizing for a more interesting tablescape or mantel. Don’t limit yourself to orange, either. A combination of colors creates just the right amount of fall flair without being overwhelming.
Whether you decorate your doorstep or outfit your whole home for the season, there are so many fall trends worth trying. Every home could use a little extra glow. Pull out the cozy blankets and add some new life into your living room. I cannot wait to carve pumpkins and brew up a batch of apple cider.