Beyond Orange & Pumpkin: Fall Color Palettes for Homes on the Main Line

When you think of fall, cozy sweaters and cooler weather likely come to mind, along with the usual splash of orange. However, the interior design scene for fall 2025 is taking a different route, especially here on the Main Line.

Recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue indicate that the typical fall décor staples are stepping aside for more refined palettes. These new combinations focus less on seasonal clichés and more on creating depth, calm, and enduring style that lasts beyond the fleeting pumpkin spice season.

Whether you're sprucing up your home for the season, preparing it for the market, or simply keeping up with the latest 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 diving into dark and moody territory, dark blue is your best bet. Homes & Gardens highlights blue as one of the most sought-after shades for fall, particularly in deeper tones like charcoal blue and navy.

What makes these colors effective is their 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 can make the space feel intentional rather than heavy.

If you’re considering updates for a room that gets plenty of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades 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 presence felt in everything from textiles to wall paint this fall. Plum is being used in velvets, deep florals, and striking art pieces. Ochre, which can be described as soft gold or muted clay, is appearing in accent chairs, pillow fabrics, and ceramic items.

Both colors are saturated enough to create visual interest while remaining soft enough to blend seamlessly with neutral tones. According to Vogue’s recent color trend feature, purples and golds are making a comeback, but in more restrained, 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 on the Main Line considering minor updates before selling, these colors provide an easy way to make a space feel thoughtful and current without the need to repaint every wall.

Mushroom neutrals are the new go-to base

One consistent theme for fall 2025 is the use of neutrals, but not just any neutrals. The new favorite is what designers are calling mushroom. These soft grays and taupes with brown undertones are warmer than traditional gray and pair well with both cool and warm colors.

In homes being prepared for the market, mushroom works beautifully for upholstery, rugs, and even painted cabinetry. Unlike stark white or builder beige, it adds warmth without coming off as dated or flat. It also gives prospective buyers 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 grounded backdrop for layering in deeper fall accents.

Burnished gold and oxblood are replacing bright metallics

Traditional golds and brassy finishes are being replaced this season with more muted versions—burnished gold, aged brass, and brushed bronze. These finishes still bring warmth but with less shine, helping a room feel composed instead of flashy.

Simultaneously, oxblood is making its way into interiors in small, impactful doses. You might see 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 points of interest. If you're adding seasonal accessories or highlighting a built-in feature, this is an easy way to add depth without committing to a major update.

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 color picks for fall. These shades are muted enough to feel subtle, yet they still bring a sense 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 brings 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 work well in small doses. You don’t need to repaint your entire house or redo your furniture. Many of these tones can be introduced through textiles, accessories, or a few strategic paint choices.

Try a bold wall or built-in

Accent walls are still very much in play. A navy or charcoal wall in a bedroom, dining room, or home office can instantly shift the mood. Painted built-ins or shelving units offer another way to bring in color without committing to a full room transformation.

Layer texture with color

The colors designers are recommending this season also lean heavily on 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 have to fully redecorate 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 beneficial 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 useful for sellers who want their home to feel current but not overly stylized.

A season for subtle shifts

Fall often brings 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 you're thinking about how your home will show to potential buyers, these palettes provide a solid starting point. A few thoughtful choices can shift the entire feel of a room without requiring a major investment.

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