As summer draws to a close and homeowners shift their focus from outdoor living back to interior spaces, five distinctive design trends are emerging to dominate the fall decorating season. Leading interior design experts have identified key movements in color palettes, patterns, materials, and finishes that will shape how Americans decorate their homes this autumn, while also pinpointing one longstanding trend that's finally losing its appeal.
Denine Jackson, owner and principal designer of Denine Jackson Interiors, and Kim Lapin, founder and lead designer of Kim Lapin Interiors, have collaborated to reveal the most significant design shifts expected this fall. Their insights come as homeowners increasingly crave comfort and warmth within their living spaces after months of outdoor summer activities.
Rich, luxurious color palettes are leading the charge in fall design trends, with deep, warm tones replacing the lighter hues of summer. Jackson notes that plum and burgundy colors are appearing everywhere this season, from wallpaper and paint to fabric selections, creating intimate atmospheres perfect for fall's cozy mood. These sophisticated colors are being complemented by mustard yellow as the standout accent color, creating an overall palette inspired by nature's own autumnal display.
Hand-painted finishes are experiencing a remarkable resurgence after years of minimalist, pared-back furniture designs. Lapin observes that cabinetry and millwork are becoming more charming with folksy detailing through hand-painted designs. This trend encompasses hand-finished florals, abstract patterns, and even hand-painted stripes that make spaces feel custom, collected, and magical. The movement represents homeowners' desire to express personality through their interior design choices.
Vintage-inspired patterns are making a bold statement this fall, marking a decisive shift away from minimalist design approaches. Jackson reports seeing Art Deco motifs paired with large-format Victorian florals, a combination that's proving particularly successful in current projects. This trend reflects homeowners' rejection of safe neutrals in favor of dramatic self-expression, allowing them to layer meaning and personality throughout their homes through bold, expressive patterns.
Dramatic marble finishes are redefining luxury materials for fall, moving far beyond the traditional white marble with subtle gray veining. Jackson explains that rich marbles like Calacatta Viola and green marble with bold veining are taking center stage, appearing in kitchen islands, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and sculptural accessories. These applications transform marble from a cold, institutional material into warm, dramatic focal points that become the heart of living spaces.
Silvery metallic accents are gaining prominence as an alternative to the golden-toned metallics that have dominated recent years. While brass and similar warm metals have had their moment, Lapin is observing a shift toward shinier, silver-hued metals like polished nickel and chrome. These cooler metallics bring a crisp, modern edge that creates beautiful contrast when paired with more ornate or traditional elements, adding visual interest and sophistication to any space.
The major casualty in this fall's design evolution is the all-white interior look, which has dominated American homes for several years. Both designers agree that white interiors, often paired with white shiplap and white oak accents, are definitively on their way out. Whether applied to modern farmhouse interiors, West Coast modern homes, or kitchen designs, this monochromatic approach is losing favor because homeowners now want rooms where multiple elements have meaning rather than generic spaces.
Jackson emphasizes that the neutral white space trend has had its moment but is beginning to feel flat and uninspiring. Lapin adds that design is currently craving more personality, richness, and risk-taking, with homeowners moving past safe choices to demand more elevated and layered designs. This shift represents a broader cultural movement toward spaces that reflect individual personality and tell personal stories rather than adhering to universal, safe design principles.
