Beyond Orange & Pumpkin: Fall Color Palettes for Connecticut Homes

When you think of fall in Connecticut, cozy sweaters, crisp air, and the familiar sight of orange leaves often come to mind. However, in the realm of interior design, fall 2025 is steering us toward a fresh perspective.

Recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue indicate that traditional fall décor is evolving. This season, the focus is on sophisticated palettes that prioritize depth, tranquility, and enduring style, steering clear of the usual pumpkin spice clichés.

Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the season, preparing to list it on the market, or simply want to stay in the loop, let’s explore the designer-approved fall palettes making waves this year.

Sapphire, navy, and charcoal are standing in for black

If you’re aiming to create a grounded atmosphere without diving into dark moody tones, deep blue is the way to go. Homes & Gardens highlights blue as one of the most desired shades this fall, particularly in rich hues 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 paired with lighter neutral furnishings. Incorporating warm wood tones or a few gold accents can create a space that feels intentional rather than heavy.

If you’re considering updates for a room that receives plenty of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades can create a cozy yet elevated ambiance that fits the season beautifully.

Plum and ochre feel luxe but not loud

The combination of plum and ochre is emerging in various forms this fall, from textiles to wall paint. Plum is making its mark in velvets, deep floral patterns, and striking artwork, while ochre—think soft gold or muted clay—appears in accent chairs, pillow fabrics, and ceramic pieces.

These colors are saturated enough to draw the eye but soft enough to harmonize with neutral tones. Vogue’s recent color trend feature notes that purples and golds are making a comeback, but in more subtle, 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 Connecticut contemplating minor updates before selling, these colors can easily elevate a space without the need to repaint every wall.

Mushroom neutrals are the new go-to base

This fall, neutrals are still a staple, but the trend is shifting toward 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 tones work beautifully for upholstery, rugs, and even painted cabinetry. Unlike stark white or builder beige, mushroom adds warmth without feeling outdated or flat. It also offers potential buyers a sense of calm and flexibility, making it easier for them to envision their belongings in the space.

If you're staging or refreshing a room this fall, mushroom tones create a solid 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 options—burnished gold, aged brass, and brushed bronze. These finishes still provide warmth but with less shine, helping a room feel composed rather than flashy.

At the same time, oxblood is making its presence known in small, impactful doses. You might spot it in a leather ottoman, a piece of abstract art, or a bold accent pillow. This rich hue adds depth 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 straightforward way to introduce depth without committing to a major overhaul.

Earthy greens are being used as calming accents

Greens remain a popular choice, but the trend has shifted from olive and emerald to more grounded, earthy tones. Homes & Gardens highlights moss, sage, and dill as top picks for fall. These shades are muted enough to feel subtle but still bring a touch of nature indoors.

Earthy greens are particularly effective in kitchens, entryways, and home offices—anywhere you want a color that fosters both structure and relaxation. We’re seeing them incorporated into cabinetry, painted furniture, and even window treatments.

In homes that already lean neutral, adding this kind of green through art, vases, or soft textiles can provide just the right amount of seasonal energy without overwhelming the space.

How to update a space without a full redesign

One of the appealing aspects of these 2025 fall palettes is their versatility; they can be introduced in small doses. You don’t need to repaint your entire house or replace all your furniture. Many of these tones can be integrated through textiles, accessories, or a few strategic paint choices.

Try a bold wall or built-in

Accent walls remain a popular choice. A navy or charcoal wall in a bedroom, dining room, or home office can instantly transform the mood. Painted built-ins or shelving units are another effective 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 undertake a full redecorating project 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 elements are easy to change out later, which is beneficial for homeowners who appreciate variety and for sellers looking to refresh 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 beneficial for sellers who want their home to feel current without being overly stylized.

A season for subtle shifts

Fall often inspires a desire to make spaces feel more comfortable and grounded. These updated palettes assist in achieving that without relying on the typical seasonal themes. They exude warmth and composure, steering clear of excessive decoration.

If you're considering a small refresh this season, or thinking about how your home will appeal to potential buyers, these palettes provide a solid starting point. A few thoughtful choices can significantly alter the feel of a room without requiring a major investment.

Looking to refresh your space this fall? Let’s talk color, not clutter.