3 Fall Decor Trends Designers Are Ditching This Year — and 2 They Love Instead

Themed Decor Overload

This year, it’s less about traditionally “themed” fall decor and more about creating timeless layers that happen to feel perfect for the season. Designer Shannon Dennis, founder of The Monochrome Edit, explains: “Rather than introducing fall-themed motifs and patterns, focus on layering multiple autumn-toned textured throws and pillows to capture the essence of the changing leaves of fall,” she declares. 

In other words, you don’t need leaves and pumpkins everywhere to make it feel like fall. Designer Ethan Charles Greenfeld, founder and principal designer at Ethan Charles Design, agrees. “As a rule, particularly for fall, [I] always add in tons of texture to a space to bring in a certain level of warmth,” he adds.

Faux Foliage and Props

If you must have your fall foliage, just opt for the real deal where you can. Artificial leaf garlands and wreaths have long been fall decorating favorites, but designer Aatika Manzar says that their overly bright colors and plastic finish can instantly cheapen a space. Instead, she suggests opting for dried botanicals. “Pampas grass, eucalyptus, dried hydrangeas, or even clipped branches from your own yard bring a softer, more organic look that feels sophisticated and seasonal,” she adds.

“Pumpkin Spice” Color Scheme

While traditional fall colors will always have a place, the overuse of a bright palette of pumpkin orange, fiery red, and sunny yellow could be making your space feel dated and a bit overwhelming.

“Let go of the traditional fall tones of oranges and pumpkins and [instead] embrace grounded, warm, rich fall tones like terracotta, forest greens, and deep browns,” says designer Vinithra Amarnathan, founder of Weespaces. “As design craves more personality, bold rich colors become more meaningful ways to express oneself and make a statement,” she adds.

Natural Textures

Like Greenfeld, most designers recommend embracing earthy, natural textures such as stone, wood, lime plaster, and woven materials for fall. “We suggest integrating organic textures in a way that feels timeless, not just seasonal,” mention Shivani Ajmera and Disha Bhavsar, principal designers at Quirk Studio. 

To get the look, try adding a cozy throw pillow or blanket in warm brown tones, or add an extra textural element like a woven rattan lamp. “A neutral, warm base layered with tactile surfaces creates a sense of calm and grounding that works year-round, but feels especially inviting during the fall months,” Ajmera and Bhavsar conclude.

Artworks with an Earthy Color Palette

If you really want to go above and beyond for that fall-feeling vibe, swap out your artwork and other small decor pieces for elements with a warm, earthy color scheme. “A hand-crafted textile, a framed landscape, or a piece of sculpture can bring warmth, depth, and a sense of personality to any space,” says interior stylist Mita Mehta. 

You don’t need to go over the top; a small framed print or decorative object would do the trick — but if you feel like going all-in, try a woven tapestry like the one below from Anthropologie. It’s not so much about the piece as it is about the styling and overall effect. “When paired with earthy tones or soft lighting, these pieces quietly evoke the mood of fall,” Mehta says.