6 Fall Design Trends Experts Are Obsessing Over

After a sweltering summer in California, it’s hard to believe pumpkin spice season has arrived. And while some homes like this rustic retreat stay fall-friendly year-round, others require a routine update. 

“I always think the transition from summer to fall should be subtle and atmospheric rather than literal,” explains Christine Markatos Lowe of Christine Markatos Design. “There’s no need to completely reinvent a room with each season. Instead, I prefer introducing a few thoughtful, warmer elements that naturally shift the mood of a space. The best fall interiors aren’t necessarily fall-themed—they simply feel warmer, richer, and more inviting.”

Design by Christine Markatos Lowe of Christine Markatos Design; Photo by John Merkl Photography

With this promising less-is-more approach to autumnal decor, Markatos Lowe and several other West Coast interiors experts shared their hot takes on outfitting your home for the cooler months ahead.

1. Making small seasonal swaps.

While Lucy Condolora, founder and principal Designer of Miller James and Mary, is admittedly wary about following trends, she’s all about seasonality. Most notably, the summer-to-fall transition takes place through cut flowers. “Every week I go to the L.A. Flower Mart (your local Trader Joe’s works, too, and they have fantastic flowers) and pick some beautiful stems. In the fall, I transition to big branches with autumnal leaves, deep purple dahlias, and limelight hydrangeas. For exteriors, I love to litter my clients’ front porches with pumpkins, gourds, and mums.”

Design by Ashley Clark of Skout Interior Design; Photo by Ryan Garvin

Both Ashley Clark of Skout Interior Design and Alexandra Azat of Plaster & Patina agree that refreshing your space with fall-forward pillows or layering throw blankets with warmer, cozier textures (think velvet and mohair) can instantly change the overall look and feel of your home. 

“We also love printing a few recent photos from your phone and placing them in wood frames,” Clark adds. “It’s such an easy, personal update.”

2. Choosing fall decor that’s not too literal.

If those 12-foot-tall skeletons aren’t speaking to you this year, that’s more than okay, says Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox. “Lately, I haven’t been the biggest fan of seasonal decor that is too literal,” he says. “I’m more into earth-tone colors, textures like velvet and chunky knits, and natural elements like wood and baskets. Pumpkins, gourds, dried corn, and cornucopias can be really fun for centerpieces at parties and dinners, but I don’t think they are always necessary to bring in for the fall.”

Design by Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox; Photo by Michael Clifford Photography

But there’s good news for my grandma, who’s mildly obsessed with acquiring witches to fill any empty space in her home. “With that said, if you have kids or grandkids, don’t be afraid to sacrifice a little chic to make it magical and fun for them. It’s their house, too!” Scott says.

3. Collecting, not over-styling.

Over the past few years, designers have prioritized more relaxed spaces that don’t feel overdone. “We’re drawn to rooms that feel increasingly collected rather than perfectly coordinated—with vintage pieces, natural materials, pattern mixing, and a little patina,” says Katie Labourdette-Martinez of Hearth Homes Interiors. “These elements help give a home warmth and character, but they also have longevity beyond a single season.”

Design by Katie Labourdette-Martinez of Hearth Homes Interiors; Photo by Public 311 Design

4. Bidding farewell to beige.

Beige is a comforting, albeit boring hue. Designers are straying from this staple in favor of more color, pattern, and personality. “I’m loving deeper, more nuanced color palettes for fall,” says Markatos Lowe. “Rather than relying solely on traditional autumn colors, I prefer incorporating muted plums, mossy greens, tobacco, oxblood, and warm neutrals in subtle ways through upholstery, drapery, artwork, or accessories. It creates that cozy, fall feeling without making a space feel themed or overly seasonal.”

Photo by Ashley Clark of Skout Interior Design; Photo by Ryan Garvin

5. Not letting the weather control your design decisions.

A pro and con of living out West? We don’t always experience an authentically autumnal season. So, if the month ends in “er,” you should break out the aforementioned colors and textures. “Speaking as a Californian, I say lean into the transitions or you might almost forget they’re happening,” Azat says. “We usually still have full sunny days well into November, so with that said, bring on the pumpkins and layer on the throw blankets; otherwise, you could miss the transition!”

6. Taking your time.

Though the fall months are upon us, don’t rush your process. “I am loving the discourse I see online about how good design takes time,” Condolora says. “With fall and winter coming up, I find that a lot of families take the back to school season or end of summer as an opportunity to clean out pieces that have been collecting dust. Finding antiques does not happen overnight, so take this upcoming season to capitalize on estate sales, online auctions, and antique markets.”