Beyond Orange & Pumpkin: Fall Color Palettes for Greater Sarasota

When you think of fall in Greater Sarasota, you might picture sunny days, beach walks, and the occasional pumpkin spice latte. However, the world of interior design is shifting away from the typical autumn hues. As we move into fall 2025, the color palettes emerging are more refined and stylish, steering clear of the usual clichés.

According to recent reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue, the traditional fall décor is evolving. Instead of leaning into seasonal kitsch, designers are opting for combinations that add depth and calm, creating a look that lasts well beyond the fleeting pumpkin spice season.

Whether you're sprucing up your home for the season, preparing to sell, or just want to stay in the loop, let’s take a closer look at the designer-approved fall palettes making waves this year.

Sapphire, navy, and charcoal are standing in for black

If you want to ground a room without diving into dark and moody territory, dark blue is your best bet. Homes & Gardens highlights blue as one of the most sought-after shades for fall, particularly in deeper tones like charcoal blue and navy.

The beauty of these colors lies in their contrast. Instead of painting an entire room, consider a navy feature wall, charcoal bookshelves, or dark blue cabinetry paired with lighter neutral furnishings. Warm wood tones or a few gold accents can elevate the space, making it feel intentional rather than heavy.

If you’re updating a room that gets plenty of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades can create a cozy atmosphere that feels sophisticated rather than seasonal.

Plum and ochre feel luxe but not loud

This fall, the combination of plum and ochre is popping up in everything from textiles to wall paint. Plum is making a statement in velvets, deep florals, and bold art pieces, while ochre—think soft gold or muted clay—appears in accent chairs, pillow fabrics, and ceramic decor.

These colors are saturated enough to create visual interest while remaining soft enough to blend with neutral tones. Vogue’s recent color trend feature notes that purples and golds are making a comeback, but in more restrained, tonal ways. This palette works beautifully when layered over taupe, greige, or mushroom tones, and can be incorporated through art, textiles, or accent furniture.

For homeowners in Greater Sarasota considering small updates before selling, these colors can make a space feel thoughtful and modern without the need to repaint every wall.

Mushroom neutrals are the new go-to base

One consistent theme for fall 2025 is 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 well with both cool and warm colors.

In homes being prepared for the market, mushroom works wonders 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 solid backdrop for layering in deeper autumn 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 bring 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 striking piece of abstract art, or a bold accent pillow. This rich color 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 add depth without committing to a major overhaul.

Earthy greens are being used as calming accents

Greens are still in vogue, 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 muted shades bring a sense of nature indoors while remaining subtle.

Earthy greens work particularly well in kitchens, entryways, and home offices, where 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 their versatility. 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 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 emphasize texture. Velvet, wool, boucle, and natural ceramics enhance 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 beneficial for homeowners who enjoy 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 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 hefty investment.

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