Beyond Orange & Pumpkin: Fall Color Palettes for the South Puget Sound

When you think of fall in the South Puget Sound, you might picture cozy sweaters, crisp air, and an abundance of orange hues. However, the interior design scene for fall 2025 is taking a different direction.

Recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue indicate that the typical fall décor staples are giving way to more sophisticated palettes. These new combinations focus less on seasonal kitsch and more on creating depth, tranquility, and lasting style that extends beyond 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 this year.

Sapphire, navy, and charcoal are standing in for black

If you’re aiming to ground a room without diving into a moody atmosphere, dark blue is your best bet. Homes & Gardens highlights blue as one of fall’s standout shades, 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 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 receives a lot of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades create a cozy ambiance that feels elevated rather than seasonal.

Plum and ochre feel luxe but not loud

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

Both colors are saturated enough to create visual interest 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 introduced through art, textiles, or accent furniture.

For homeowners in the South Puget Sound considering small updates before selling, these colors can 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. Designers are favoring what they call mushroom tones. These are soft grays and taupes with brown undertones, warmer than traditional gray and easier to pair with both cool and warm colors.

In homes being prepared for 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 provides potential buyers with 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

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 rather than flashy.

At the same time, oxblood is making its way 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 an easy way to add depth without committing to a major update.

Earthy greens are being used as calming accents

Greens are still trending, 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, yet they still bring a sense of nature indoors.

Earthy greens are particularly useful 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, introducing this kind of green through art, vases, or soft textiles brings just 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 integrated 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 style. A navy or charcoal wall in a bedroom, dining room, or home office can instantly change the mood. Painted built-ins or shelving units are 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 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 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 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 you're thinking about how your home will show to potential buyers, these palettes offer 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.