Falling for Color in Fall Décor

Pumpkin spice is nice, but fall decorating opens a world of possibilities for warm and cozy color combos in your décor

By Jaime Simpson

Summer will always have my heart with its beach days, late and luscious sunsets, and warm breezy nights. I am, without a doubt, a summer girl. But there is something about the first few days of autumn that is immensely appealing—the dip of the angle of the sun, the crisp scent in the air.

This season has a significant sense of change: the foliage, the temperature, the amount of daylight. We shift into feelings of coziness and comfort, snugly blankets and hot cider. This shift always inspires me to bring the essence of the autumn season into my surroundings as well, to create a home environment that reflects the beautiful transition that is happening outside.

Often, fall décor is represented with the colors of the changing leaves – but that is certainly not the only way to incorporate the season into our homes. Here are several color schemes that will give that autumn feeling to any style of home and have you hankering for something flavored with pumpkin spice (maybe). 

This year, to fully embrace this season of change, perhaps try a new color palette as you curate your autumn home décor. There are so many possibilities—and a plethora of decorative pieces available. Find the palette that brings you the most joy and that makes you feel the most at home.  

Classic Palette—Reds, Oranges and Yellows

• Gather items like traditional orange pumpkins, gourds and dried leaves to establish a strong foundation for this palette

• Use sunflowers and mums for a lovely floral element

• Mix fabrics in this color range as the base for your dining table or living area vignette

Neutral Palette—Linen, Cream and Beige

• For this palette, think texture, texture, texture; use woven ribbon, burlap and baskets together to create amazing visual interest

• Include natural elements like white pumpkins, pinecones, and branches

• Bring in pieces of milk glass or similar opaque glass to give a wonderful contrast to the textural items and create a collected feel

Saturated Palette—Wine, Rust and Bronze

• Try this palette if you like the classic palette but wish to turn the dial up for more depth  

• Create a rich ensemble with decorative pumpkins in burgundy, bronze branches, berries and deeply toned candles 

• Consider layering velvet fabrics with bronze chargers and tinted glassware for your table presentation

Cool Palette—Blue, Sage and Aqua

• Incorporate these cooler tones using glassware, decorative pumpkins in blue and ocean, and white or silver accents 

• Set your table with white or solid color serving pieces depicting autumn themes 

• Add branches, woven textures in natural finishes, or bunches of dried wheat to bring warmth to the décor and keep the connection to the outdoors

Colorful Palette—Blue, Orange, Wine, Gold and Purple

• Establish a vibrant and eclectic autumn look with classic pumpkins, tinted glassware in blue or gold, and colorful candles

• Don’t be afraid to mix metal finishes, fabrics, and florals in a variety of colors 

• Use multiple textures in vignettes and mantle décor—there is no limit