When it comes to autumn decor, no one is saying you shouldn’t place a rustic leaf wreath on your door or pumpkins on your stoop. But here’s the thing: There’s no reason that everything about fall decor needs to be—dare we say—so basic.
No, this autumn, designers are all about going off book with cozy but timeless looks that can last well into winter and even next spring—with nary a gourd, cornhusk, or pine cone in sight.
Read on for some truly inspired autumnal ideas you can steal.
Crushed velvet
Photo by Houzz
Crushed velvet has more of an embossed, crumpled texture than regular velvet, giving it more luster and shimmer. It’s beautiful but it can easily take over the room, so it’s best to temper it, recommends Drew Henry, principal designer and blogger at Design Dudes in San Antonio.
“Crushed velvet will definitely add a warm and luxurious feel to your space, especially as the weather gets chilly,” he says. “I would incorporate it in small doses, like some accent pillows or even an accent chair if you love the look.”
What to buy: Wayfair Best Crushed Velvet Throw Pillow, $28; West Elm Pressed Velvet Pillow Cover, $29; All Modern Velvet Side Chair, $270
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‘Moody’ blues
Photo by Making Spaces
Typically, as the weather turns cooler, so do our moods. And you might as well embrace the feeling, says Natalie Stenzel, senior designer and owner of LBF Interiors in San Francisco.
She’s been waking up her clients’ kitchens with islands in moody blue hues such as indigo and ocean sapphire. If you’re not sure whether this trend is for you, start small.
“We are seeing a lot of contrast islands in moody blue colors, but for your home, it can be as simple as selecting a rug or piece of furniture with a similar color scheme, or adding in a bold throw pillow,” Stenzel says. “You can even try a moody blue accent wall color to really emphasize drama in the space.”
What to buy: Serena and Lily Mirabelle Rug, from $598; West Elm Indigo Stripes + Diamond Pillow Cover, $49
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Oversize floral prints
Photo by eleven11DESIGN
Nope, florals aren’t just for spring anymore. Flowery wallpaper is especially hot for fall, Henry says. And if you want to have more of a warm look that will last through winter, just pick a darker background like navy or black instead of a bright or pastel background.
“It would be cool to incorporate [an oversize floral print] with some accent wallpaper—as the backdrop to built-ins, or on an accent wall,” Henry says. “If you want a smaller project, you can get a similar effect by incorporating the pattern through artwork.”
What to buy: Graham and Brown Muse French Navy Wallpaper, $120; Edna Removable Wallpaper, $4.18 a square foot; Etsy Large Floral Print by Jessica Kenyon, $390
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Gold accents
Photo by dk INTERIORS
Metallics have been trending for a few seasons now, but this fall is really time to go for the gold, Henry says.
Gold can add that Midas touch to make your space look opulent. It’s an aesthetic that works in any room, and it will look great on your table when the holidays roll around.
“Gold is trending for fall, and I think the color adds lots of warmth to a space,” Henry says. “You can incorporate it by switching out hardware, in artwork or fabric, or even getting a set of gold flatware for your table.”
What to buy: West Elm Gold Flatware Set, from $39; Joss and Main Gold Cabinet Bar Pull, $6
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Black and white palette
Photo by Legacy Construction Northeast LLC
It may be timeless, but black and white decor is still what’s new for this fall, says Janet Lorusso, principal designer at JRL Interiors.
“There is a trend toward dramatic spaces with high-contrast black with white as the main colors,” she says. “Black-and-white graphic wallpaper, black walls with crisp white trim, or black kitchen cabinetry with white backsplash tile and light counters are all ways to adopt this classic trend in a new way.”
What to buy: Wayfair Black Kitchen Island, $370; Graham and Brown Linear Black and White Wallpaper, $85
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Natural textural elements
Photo by Landmark Building Inc
The start of fall also marks the beginning of many months hibernating inside, away from frigid temperatures. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring the outdoors in, Lorusso says. Now’s the time to play up all the natural elements you can in your decor.
“The warmth of natural textures adds so much to a room and is right on trend,” Lorusso says.
Layer shades of woven wood such as matchstick blinds under the curtain panels on your windows. Add natural wicker storage containers and trays to shelves, or add wicker or cane chairs into the mix. Finally, throw in some pillows and blankets in a heavy textured macrame-like knit.
What to buy: Wayfair Panel Headboard, $554; Wayfair Woven Tray Set, $51
