Five Fall Interior Design Trends for the Polished and Upscale Home

Decorators are embracing the organic luxury palette, opting for shades of olive green, deep terracotta, warm beige, and muted gold. Designers pair these colors with organic materials such as wood, stone, and leather.

Living rooms are being adorned with rich terracotta-hued upholstery while bedroom walls are painted in deep, chestnut browns or muted olive greens. This color palette, reminiscent of a forest floor blanketed with fallen leaves, is further accentuated by the tactile allure of organic materials. 

Coffee tables crafted from reclaimed wood exhibiting a grainy texture and raw finish are a prominent example of the use of organic, natural materials. Accents like handcrafted clay vases, housing goldenrod or wheat, and soft furnishings made from natural fibers like jute or linen, introduce a tactile depth. 

According to interior designer Valentina Fussell, this is the most important design trend of 2023, defining organic luxury as “a design style that emphasizes natural, organic materials and shapes. It’s all about creating a connection between the indoors and outdoors, bringing nature inside the home.”

Earthy hues, with their innate warmth—from the comforting embrace of a sienna sofa to the subdued glow of taupe walls—naturally evoke a sense of sanctuary. The use of reclaimed wood, natural stone, or handwoven textiles not only imparts a tactile richness to spaces but also underscores a commitment to sustainability. 

The resurgence of retro vintage revival transports homeowners back to yesteryears with a fresh, contemporary twist. Living spaces are adorned with mid-century modern furniture pieces, from teakwood credenzas with their distinctive tapered legs to iconic egg chairs swathed in jewel-toned velvets. 

Walls echo nostalgia with Art Deco wallpapers, showcasing bold geometric patterns or the soft pastel palettes reminiscent of the 1970s. This throwback is further emphasized by the reintroduction of retro lighting fixtures: think large, orb-shaped pendant lights or brass-finished arc floor lamps. 

These features complement accessories such as rotary phones transformed into quirky decor items or vintage radios carefully placed atop repurposed trunks, marrying functionality with aesthetics. 

So, what’s old is new again. Vintage pieces give a space unique character, telling a story that newer items often can’t, and they add charm with patterns and hues. As stated in a House Beautiful article published August 23rd, “For autumn/winter 2023, homes become more confident and joyful, with strong retro references, and a playful and youthful colour palette.” 

Embrace retro vintage elements by incorporating aged wood grains, faded fabrics, or patinaed finishes to add depth and narrative to your space. Economically and environmentally, repurposing vintage finds also translates to sustainability, reducing the demand for new resources and curbing the throwaway culture. 

Ultimately, the retro vintage revival isn’t merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a conscientious decision that weaves history, craftsmanship, and sustainability into the fabric of contemporary living spaces.

This fall, home interior design combines the sophistication of quiet luxury minimalism and the charismatic allure of retro vintage revival. Imagine a space where sleek, minimalist sofas in muted tones rest atop expansive, bare wooden floors reminiscent of the 1960s, with the furniture’s simplicity amplifying the wood’s rich patina. 

On this same expanse, a minimalist glass coffee table might cradle a singular vintage artifact, such as an Art Deco vase or an ornate brass lamp from the roaring ’20s. Bold mid-century modern art pieces or vintage mirrors with ornate, aged frames occasionally punctuate walls painted in understated neutrals. The kitchen, with its clean, handle-free cabinetry and state-of-the-art appliances, juxtaposes this modernity with retro terracotta tiles or a refurbished 1950s refrigerator. 

According to an April 25th article from Homes & Gardens, subtle color palettes and natural influences are used to emphasize understated elegance and timeless appeal. Quiet luxury “prioritizes simplicity and refinement, creating serene, calming spaces that reflect a sense of sophistication without ostentation.”

This clean backdrop then serves as the ideal canvas for vintage elements, infusing warmth, character, and a sense of history into the environment. This juxtaposition provides homeowners with the flexibility to curate and showcase meaningful, timeless vintage pieces without the risk of spaces feeling cluttered or overly nostalgic. 

Economically, investing in high-quality minimalist pieces ensures longevity and timeless appeal, while interspersing with vintage finds can be cost-effective and sustainable, repurposing treasures from the past rather than buying new. Together, this design synergy creates a dynamic that is both functional and emotionally resonant.

Textural layering creates depth, warmth, and a sensory richness that invites touch. Picture a living space where a plush velvet sofa, reminiscent of autumn leaves in deep burgundy or burnt orange, sits against a backdrop of raw, exposed brick, with its rusticity contrasting the sofa’s smooth opulence. 

Floors adorned with handwoven jute rugs provide a tactile counterpoint to the sleekness of polished wooden coffee tables placed atop them. Layers of throw blankets in varying materials, from chunky hand-knit woolens to soft cashmere, drape casually over seating areas, while cushions in leather, suede, and embroidered fabrics punctuate them. Windows, often dressed in airy linens, can be further layered with heavier drapes in rich brocades or tweeds, introducing yet another level of textural play. 

In a recent article, Baessler Homes praises the layering of textures as a method to add “depth and dimension to furniture and décor,” also stating that “textured fabrics effortlessly elevate living spaces, filling your home with a comforting, inviting atmosphere perfect for the season.”

From a sensory perspective, a blend of tactile surfaces invites touch and engagement, nurturing a deeper, more intimate connection with the environment. This variety also amplifies the coziness factor—a soft rug underfoot, the gentle caress of a velvet cushion, the rugged feel of a natural wooden table—each layer contributes to a cocoon of comfort. 

Beyond the sensory, textural diversity can cater to functional needs. For instance, thick drapes insulate against cold drafts, and robust upholstery withstands wear and tear. Also, the incorporation of layered textures often involves the use of natural materials, promoting eco-friendly choices and enhancing indoor air quality. 

This fall, the allure of green as an accent color is redefining the aesthetics of home interiors. In living rooms, we are witnessing the revival of moody forest greens through plush throw pillows or elegant ceramic vases, serving as focal points against neutral backdrops. 

In bedrooms, muted sage green bed linens or curtains introduce a calming and restorative ambiance, reminiscent of walks among morning leaves. In kitchens, a dash of vibrancy emerges with backsplashes in emerald-green tiles or cabinets painted in subdued olive tones, complemented by brass or gold fixtures. 

Even smaller details, such as framed botanical prints in hallways or green-tinted glassware displayed in open shelving, underscore this trend. These deliberate green accents, whether bold or understated, bridge the gap between the indoors and the autumnal outdoors.

Homeowners are turning to green as an emblematic representation of nature, renewal, and sustainability. In all its varied shades, green offers a refreshing break from the often-overpowering autumnal palette, introducing a calm serenity reminiscent of a lush forest. According to a January 25th article in Elle Decor, “Green shows no sign of fading in our homes, whether you opt for a soothing sage or a pale pistachio—the hue will remain in fashion for years to come.”

Green, intrinsically tied to nature and growth, inherently brings a sense of renewal and vitality to interiors. When used as an accent, it punctuates spaces with bursts of fresh energy without overwhelming. From an aesthetic standpoint, green effortlessly complements the earthy, warm tones synonymous with fall, creating a harmonious palette that’s both trendy and timeless. 

Moreover, green’s versatility—from deep emeralds to soft sages—offers designers the latitude to adapt it to various styles, whether it’s the elegance of a classic setting or the chicness of a modern abode. Beyond pure aesthetics, green accent pieces, especially when sourced from sustainable materials or colored with eco-friendly paints, also champion an environmentally conscious narrative, making homes not just visually appealing but also aligned with eco-friendly values.