Decorating & Design
September 24, 2019
Fall Color Trends: 8 Harvest-Inspired Hues To Embrace This Autumn
Fall heralds the return of changing leaves and golden light. But this season, we’re drawing color inspiration from the harvest. Whether you look to seasonal produce or fragrant spices, you’ll find the natural hues of autumn never fail to cozy up rooms.
Click through to learn how to decorate with eight of fall’s most beautiful colors.
Golden Butter
Ochre is one of our favorite autumnal shades because it injects warmth and coziness into any room. The golden yellow hue is inspired by these decadent brown butter mashed potatoes, which belong on your Thanksgiving table.
A row of buttery leather bar stools draws the eye to this farmhouse kitchen, complete with a dramatic vase of fall foliage and sleek, stained oak cabinetry.
From the gilded pendant hanging above the island to the warm wood vent hood and quirky pineapple accessory, designer Luke Havekes’ kitchen embraces multiple shades of yellow and gold.
These buttery bronze pendant lights cast a warm glow in this bold kitchen, even when they’re turned off, proving that even a hint of metallic goes a long way.
Opting for an ochre headboard is not for the faint of heart, but designer Garrow Kedigian shows you exactly how it’s done in this fashionable principal bedroom. The high-ceilings and dark green wall color allows the golden hue to truly shine.
In this Montreal pied-à-terre’s monochrome living room, a striking gold mirror commands attention without taking the focus away from the veined marble fireplace.
See the rest of the modern space on H&H TV.
Caramelized Plum
Take design inspiration from the deep, rich color of caramelized plums this fall. A hit of purple feels oh-so-luxurious and gives living rooms, bedrooms and yes, even entryways, instant comfort.
When the temperatures drop, our time spent tucked under a cozy duvet becomes all the more previous in the morning. Plaster your walls with a gorgeous plum wallpaper for an instant cocooning effect, then add a plush faux fur throw to finish the lived-in look.
Want to embrace plum without the commitment of wallpaper? A petite velvet pillow lined with fringe blends in with the vintage pieces in this Victorian home‘s enchanting hallway.
There’s something about a jewel-toned velvet couch that exudes liveable luxury. The rich plum hue makes this perch a covetable spot to curl up with a good book on a chilly fall day.
Whether you’re gathering for an extravagant Thanksgiving feast or a casual Sunday dinner, the dining room is a hotspot in the home, especially during the fall season. So, why not adorn your chairs with gorgeous purple fabric?
For an unexpected shot of color in the entryway, reupholster your stairs with this juicy shade. It’s a quirky and unexpected place for color, which beckons guests to explore the upstairs.
Candied Ginger
Baking is synonymous with autumn, especially when spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger are involved (we’re looking at you, sugar-coated ginger cookies). A deep brown color works equally well on throw pillows as it does on a tufted velvet banquette.
“The copper tub cost a fortune, but it’s an amazing showpiece,” says designer Alexandre Blazys of this Tuscan-inspired home‘s elegant principal bathroom. The metallic ginger hue is a fashionable alternative to the classic white porcelain tub.
Bring the colors of nature indoors with earth-toned pillows, like a sumptuous nutmeg, making this reading nook the perfect place to kick back.
Banquettes on its own exude instant comfort, but adorn it with a brown velvet fabric, and your kitchen is ready for fall entertaining. Time to gather around!
Watch this galley kitchen makeover on H&H TV.
A rich ginger hue gets a dash of vintage opulence with this English Chinese Chippendale mirror, which adds patinated warmth to this modern powder room.
A sculptural accent table gives this upstairs reading nook visual interest. “When you pull up to the property, you can see this space from the outside, so we needed something spectacular that would really make an impact,” says designer Ami McKay.
Earthy Sage
Sage has a pleasant grey tinge that makes it soft, natural and eminently livable, so it’s no wonder it’s a trending color in the design world this year. (We also happen to love sage’s earthy flavor, showcased in seasonal dishes like this indulgent side.)
Sage pairs perfectly with off-white walls, providing just a hint of contrast. In this handsome apartment, a set of grey-green doors makes a subtle focal point.
In the bedroom, sage is a very soothing choice. We love how this green panelled wall wraps the room in color, without skewing too sombre.
Herb-inspired green is also a fitting pick for kitchen cabinetry. Noted chef Mark McEwan’s space feels warm and grounded thanks to a muddy shade of sage.
For just a touch of earthy green, top tables with sage green plates, jugs and serving pieces, like Ferm Living’s clean-lined Neu ceramics.
Upholstered seating — such as this shapely, velvet-wrapped settee — looks particularly pretty in the soft green hue.
Spiced Pumpkin
Shades of orange are perennial favorites for a reason: they never fail to read rich and cozy. This autumn, take inspiration from seasonal squash and sweet pumpkin desserts.
Adding mid-tone leather furniture is one way to incorporate the warmth of pumpkin into your rooms. We love the rich look of a set of camel leather armchairs.
For a dose of low-commitment fall color, spread out a pumpkin-toned blanket on your bed. Neutral linens and pillows will temper the effect.
Consider yourself a maximalist? You’ll find pumpkin is one of those colors that looks great en masse, too. Try it on throw pillows, upholstery, rugs and accent pieces.
For a seasonal floral arrangement that doesn’t skew too theme-y, try filling a vase with a couple sculptural, berry-laden branches in an orangey-red hue.
Reupholstering a bench or ottoman in saturated orange velvet will deliver a luxe look that works year-round.
Harvest Wheat
Autumn is the season of the harvest, so it makes sense that we’re drawn to the warm, toasty tones found in wheat fields and artisanal bread (how stunning is this seeded loaf?). These hues are especially appealing on chilly days.
To create a snug vibe in a bedroom or den, go for wheat-toned walls (especially if you have sleek furnishings and want to keep the space from skewing cold).
In a sea of bright white kitchens, cabinetry painted in a neutral shade of wheat feels unexpected. The color also pairs particularly well with knotty wood flooring.
A decorative wheat sheaf is a classic symbol of the harvest. Source a plump bundle and set it out wherever guests will get to enjoy it, like in a hall or entryway.
Nubby, wheat-toned linen is a go-to choice for slipcovers due to its forgiving nature. We think it works particularly well in this rustic cottage dining room.
For a cozier ambience this autumn, accent an all-white bedroom with different tones of toasty brown, warm gold and soothing beige.
Juicy Cranberry
Cranberry sauce is the jewel of the Thanksgiving table — and we’re obsessed with its opulent, deep red hue. (Looking for a fresh recipe for this seasonal condiment? This chutney recipe works in a bit of ginger for a bright, not-too-sweet taste.)
Cranberry red is a stunning, statement-making choice for a sofa. Here, plush velvet upholstery ups the luxury ante even further.
Bold cranberry artwork — like this abstract canvas by West Coast artist Bobbie Burgers — feels perfect for fall and winter, but will catch the eye in every season.
For just a touch of autumnal red, take inspiration from designer Youssef Hasbani and use cranberry gerbera daisies and slim vases to create a modern display.
Source a deep red lumbar pillow to inject a bit of fall’s blazing color into your bedroom, then offset the intense hue with more sedate shades of rose and grey.
A set of cranberry red glass votives is the perfect pick for for fall gatherings (of course, they’ll look beautiful scattered across on your Christmas table, too).
Mulled Wine
Mulled wine brings together some of the most iconic flavors of fall — cinnamon, clove, orange — and boasts a deep purple-brown hue we can’t get enough of. (Mouth watering? Try out this red wine-spiked cake recipe from Cory Vitiello.)
A deep shade of cabernet paint — like Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal (222), shown here — has a way of turning small spaces like powder rooms into luxe destinations.
Dark, moody purple is also a sophisticated choice for vases. Fill them with warm brown foliage to intensify the “mulled wine” effect.
Shades of wine are a beautiful choice for traditional kitchens, too. Here, designer James Davie paired them with plenty of wood for a rustic look.
Layer a hit of robust purple underfoot — like this plush patterned rug — for an extra hit of sophistication.
A wine-hued tablecloth is the perfect backdrop for all manner of Thanksgiving dishes. (Top it off with these pretty savory bread puddings to delight your dinner guests.)