When you think of fall in the Valley of the Sun, you might picture cozy evenings, cooler temperatures, and, of course, a lot of orange. However, the interior design scene for fall 2025 is taking a different direction.
Recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue indicate that the typical fall décor staples are being replaced by more sophisticated palettes. These new combinations focus on depth, tranquility, and style that extend beyond the fleeting pumpkin spice season.
Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the season, preparing it for the market, or simply keeping an eye on current trends, here’s a look at the designer-approved fall palettes making waves this year.
Sapphire, navy, and charcoal are standing in for black
If you want to ground a room without going too dark, deep blue is the way to go. Homes & Gardens highlights blue as one of fall’s most desirable shades, particularly in richer tones like charcoal blue and navy.
These colors thrive on contrast. Instead of painting an entire room, designers suggest using navy for feature walls, charcoal for bookshelves, or dark blue cabinetry paired with lighter neutral furnishings. Incorporating warm wood tones or a few gold accents creates a space that feels intentional rather than heavy.
If you’re considering updating a room that receives a lot of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades can create a cozy atmosphere that feels elevated rather than seasonal.
Plum and ochre feel luxe but not loud
The combination of plum and ochre is making its mark this fall, appearing in everything from textiles to wall paint. Plum is being embraced in velvets, deep florals, and standout art pieces, while ochre—think soft gold or muted clay—can be found in accent chairs, pillow fabrics, and ceramic items.
Both colors are rich enough to create visual interest but soft enough to harmonize with neutral tones. According to Vogue’s recent color trend feature, purples and golds are making a comeback, but in more subtle, tonal ways. This palette works particularly well when layered over taupe, greige, or mushroom tones, and can be introduced into a space through art, textiles, or accent furniture.
For homeowners looking to make small updates before selling, these colors offer an easy way to create a thoughtful and current feel without the need to repaint every wall.
Mushroom neutrals are the new go-to base
This fall, neutrals are still a favorite, but the new trend is what designers are calling mushroom. These are soft grays and taupes with brown undertones, warmer than traditional gray and versatile enough to pair with both cool and warm colors.
In homes being prepared for the market, mushroom tones work beautifully for upholstery, rugs, and even painted cabinetry. Unlike stark white or builder beige, they add warmth without feeling outdated or flat. They also provide potential buyers with a sense of calm and flexibility, making it easier for them to envision their own belongings in the space.
If you’re staging or refreshing a room this fall, mushroom tones create a solid backdrop for layering in deeper fall accents.
Burnished gold and oxblood are replacing bright metallics
This season, traditional golds and brassy finishes are being swapped out for more muted options—burnished gold, aged brass, and brushed bronze. These finishes still bring warmth but with less shine, helping a room feel composed rather than flashy.
At the same time, oxblood is making an appearance in interiors in small, impactful doses. You might spot it in a leather ottoman, a piece of abstract art, or a bold accent pillow. It adds richness to a space and pairs well with both neutrals and other jewel tones.
Designers are using these colors to create visual focal points. If you’re adding seasonal accessories or highlighting a built-in feature, this is an easy way to introduce depth without committing to a major overhaul.
Earthy greens are being used as calming accents
Greens continue to trend, but the focus has shifted from olive and emerald to more grounded, earthy tones. Homes & Gardens highlights moss, sage, and dill as top picks for fall. These shades are muted enough to feel subtle while still bringing a touch of nature indoors.
Earthy greens work particularly well in kitchens, entryways, and home offices—anywhere you want a color that helps the space feel both structured and relaxed. We’re seeing them used in cabinetry, painted furniture, and even window treatments.
In homes that already lean neutral, incorporating this kind of green through art, vases, or soft textiles adds just the right amount of seasonal energy without going overboard.
How to update a space without a full redesign
One of the appealing aspects of these 2025 fall palettes is that they can be introduced in small doses. You don’t need to repaint your entire house or redo your furniture. Many of these tones can be added through textiles, accessories, or a few strategic paint choices.
Try a bold wall or built-in
Accent walls are still very much in style. A navy or charcoal wall in a bedroom, dining room, or home office can instantly shift the mood. Painted built-ins or shelving units are another way to incorporate color without committing to a full room transformation.
Layer texture with color
The colors designers are recommending this season also emphasize texture. Velvet, wool, boucle, and natural ceramics enhance the warmth of a space. A mushroom-tone boucle chair paired with a gold-toned lamp or a plum velvet throw can create a moment in a room that feels seasonal yet cohesive.
Use art and accessories to rotate seasonally
You don’t have to completely redecorate to acknowledge the season. Wall art in oxblood or moss green, decorative bowls in soft ochre, or even books grouped by color are enough to set the tone. These items are easy to swap out later, which is beneficial for homeowners who enjoy variety and for sellers looking to refresh without investing in permanent changes.
Palette pairings we’re seeing this fall
Here are a few combinations designers are working with right now:
- Navy with mushroom and aged brass
- Plum with ochre and soft white
- Moss green with charcoal and walnut
- Oxblood with taupe and brushed bronze
- Sage green with ivory and burnished gold
Each of these palettes works across various design styles, from contemporary to traditional, and can be adjusted with small changes in tone or texture. They’re also useful for sellers who want their home to feel current without being overly stylized.
A season for subtle shifts
Fall often inspires a desire to make spaces feel more comfortable and grounded. These updated palettes assist with that without relying on the usual seasonal themes. They feel warm and composed, not overly decorated.
If you’re considering a small refresh this season, or thinking about how your home will appeal to potential buyers, these palettes offer a solid starting point. A few thoughtful choices can transform the entire feel of a room without requiring a significant investment.
