Beyond Orange & Pumpkin: Fall Color Palettes for The Valley

When you think of fall in The Valley, you might picture cozy evenings, cooler temperatures, and the familiar sight of orange everywhere. However, the interior design scene for fall 2025 is taking a fresh approach.

Recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue reveal that traditional fall décor is evolving into more sophisticated palettes. This year, the focus is on creating depth and calm, steering clear of the usual seasonal clichés that often dominate the landscape.

Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the season, preparing to list it on the market, or simply want to stay in the loop with current trends, here’s a look at the designer-approved fall palettes making waves in The Valley 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 the most sought-after shades this fall, particularly in rich tones like navy and charcoal blue.

These colors shine through contrast. Instead of painting an entire room, consider adding a navy feature wall, charcoal bookshelves, or dark blue cabinetry paired with lighter neutral furnishings. Incorporating warm wood tones or a few gold accents can elevate the space, making it feel intentional rather than heavy.

If you’re updating a room that gets plenty of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades create a cozy atmosphere that feels refined rather than seasonal.

Plum and ochre feel luxe but not loud

The combination of plum and ochre is becoming increasingly popular in everything from textiles to wall paint this fall. Plum is making a statement in velvets, deep floral patterns, and eye-catching art, while ochre—think soft gold or muted clay—appears in accent chairs, pillow fabrics, and ceramics.

Both colors are saturated enough to create visual interest while remaining soft enough to blend seamlessly with neutral tones. According to Vogue, purples and golds are making a comeback, but in a more restrained and tonal manner. This palette works beautifully when layered over taupe, greige, or mushroom tones, and can be introduced through art, textiles, or accent furniture.

For homeowners in The Valley considering small updates before selling, these colors can make a space feel thoughtful and modern without the need to repaint every wall.

Mushroom neutrals are the new go-to base

This fall, neutrals are still in vogue, but the new favorite is what designers are calling mushroom. These soft grays and taupes with brown undertones are warmer than traditional gray, making them easier to pair with both cool and warm colors.

In homes being prepared for market, mushroom works well for upholstery, rugs, and even painted cabinetry. Unlike stark white or builder beige, it adds warmth without feeling dated or flat. It also gives potential buyers a sense of calm and flexibility, allowing 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 add warmth but with less shine, helping a room feel composed rather than flashy.

At the same time, oxblood is making its mark in interiors through small, impactful doses. You might spot it in a leather ottoman, a piece of abstract art, or a bold accent pillow. It brings 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 a straightforward way to add depth without committing to a major overhaul.

Earthy greens are being used as calming accents

Greens are still trending, but the focus has shifted from olive and emerald to more grounded, earthy tones. Homes & Gardens points to moss, sage, and dill as top color picks for fall. These shades are muted enough to feel subtle while still bringing a touch of nature indoors.

Earthy greens are particularly effective 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, adding this kind of green through art, vases, or soft textiles can introduce the right amount of seasonal energy without going overboard.

How to update a space without a full redesign

What makes these 2025 fall palettes so appealing is that they can be introduced in small doses. You don’t have to repaint your entire house or redo your furniture. Many of these tones can be incorporated through textiles, accessories, or a few strategic paint choices.

Try a bold wall or built-in

Accent walls are still a popular choice. A navy or charcoal wall in a bedroom, dining room, or home office can instantly change the mood. Painted built-ins or shelving units are another way to introduce color without committing to a complete room transformation.

Layer texture with color

The colors designers are recommending this season also emphasize texture. Velvet, wool, boucle, and natural ceramics help reinforce 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 need to redecorate entirely to acknowledge the season. Wall art in oxblood or moss green, decorative bowls in soft ochre, or even books grouped by color can set the tone. These are easy to change out later, which is helpful for homeowners who enjoy variety and for sellers looking to update 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 a range of design styles, from contemporary to traditional, and can be adjusted with small changes in tone or texture. They’re also beneficial for sellers who want their home to feel current without being overly stylized.

A season for subtle shifts

Fall often brings a desire to make spaces feel more comfortable and grounded. These updated palettes help achieve 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 you're thinking about how your home will show to potential buyers, these palettes offer a great starting point. A few thoughtful choices can shift the entire feel of a room without requiring a significant investment.

Looking to refresh your space this fall? Let’s talk color, not clutter.