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

When you think of fall in Ann Arbor, you might picture the colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and, of course, the abundance of orange. However, in the world of interior design, fall 2025 is taking a different direction.

Recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue indicate that traditional fall décor is being overshadowed by more sophisticated palettes. These new combinations focus less on seasonal clichés and more on creating depth, calm, and enduring style that lasts well beyond the pumpkin spice season.

Whether you're refreshing your home for the season, preparing to sell, or just 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 dark and moody territory, dark blue is your go-to. Homes & Gardens highlights blue as one of the most sought-after shades this fall, particularly in deeper tones like charcoal blue and navy.

What makes these colors effective is their contrast. Instead of painting an entire room, designers suggest using navy for feature walls, charcoal for bookshelves, or dark blue cabinetry alongside 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 an update for a room that gets plenty of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades can create a cozy atmosphere that feels elevated rather than 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 featured in velvets, deep florals, and statement art, while ochre—think soft gold or muted clay—appears in accent chairs, pillow fabrics, and ceramic pieces.

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 into a space through art, textiles, or accent furniture.

For homeowners in Ann Arbor looking to make small updates before selling, these colors can easily elevate a space without the need for a complete repaint.

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 beautifully with both cool and warm colors.

In homes being prepared for market, mushroom works well 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 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 see 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 but still bring a sense 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 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 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 a popular choice. 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 full room transformation.

Layer texture with color

The colors designers are recommending this season also lean heavily on 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 completely 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 helpful for homeowners who appreciate 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 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.