Beyond Orange & Pumpkin: The Fall Color Palettes Designers Swear By in Atlanta

When folks in Atlanta think of fall, images of cozy sweaters, crisp air, and a whole lot of orange often come to mind. However, in the realm of interior design, fall 2025 is taking a different turn.

Recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue indicate that the usual fall décor staples are stepping aside for more sophisticated palettes. This year’s combinations focus less on seasonal kitsch and more on adding depth, calm, and lasting style that transcends the fleeting pumpkin spice season.

Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the season, preparing to list it on the market, or simply keeping up with the latest trends, here’s a look at the designer-approved fall palettes making waves in our region this year.

Sapphire, navy, and charcoal are standing in for black

If you’re aiming to create a grounded atmosphere without diving into a moody vibe, 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.

The beauty of these colors lies in their contrast. Instead of painting an entire room, designers recommend using navy for feature walls, charcoal for bookshelves, or dark blue cabinetry paired with lighter neutral furnishings. Introduce warm wood tones or a few gold accents, and the space feels intentional rather than heavy.

If you’re considering an update for a room that gets plenty of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades can create a cozy atmosphere that feels elevated, not seasonal.

Plum and ochre feel luxe but not loud

The combination of plum and ochre is making its mark in everything from textiles to wall paint this fall. Plum is being embraced in velvets, deep florals, and statement art pieces. Ochre, reminiscent of soft gold or muted clay, is appearing in accent chairs, pillow fabrics, and ceramic decor.

Both colors are saturated enough to catch the eye but 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 incorporated through art, textiles, or accent furniture.

For homeowners in Atlanta considering small 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

If there’s one theme that’s holding steady this fall, it’s 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 feeling dated or flat. It also gives potential 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 autumn accents.

Burnished gold and oxblood are replacing bright metallics

This season, traditional golds and brassy finishes are being swapped out for more muted versions—burnished gold, aged brass, and brushed bronze. These finishes still add warmth but with less shine, helping a room feel composed instead of flashy.

At the same time, oxblood is making its entrance into interiors in small, impactful doses. You might find 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 points of interest. If you’re adding seasonal accessories or highlighting a built-in feature, this is a simple way to add depth without committing to a major overhaul.

Earthy greens are being used as calming accents

Greens remain a popular choice, but they’ve 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 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 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 can be introduced in small doses. You don’t need 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 very much in style. A navy or charcoal wall in a bedroom, dining room, or home office can instantly shift 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 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 are enough to 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 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 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 thinking about how your home will show to potential buyers, these palettes offer a solid place to start. 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.