Welcome back! With the September equinox behind us, we’re bringing you the final installment of our two-part Fall 2019 Interior Design Trends series. 14 more interior design experts share their thoughts on all things fall as we move into the cooler months.
Make a Few Small Changes
Looking for some simple changes to keep up with the trends? Kirsten Grove of Simply Grove has a few tips:
Anything rust-colored or velvet is a winner for this fall! Try using this trend on a throw pillow or ottoman. You can quickly swap it out for the next season.
Vintage ceramics add so much texture and character in a space. Fill your ceramic with olive tree branches for an organic look.
Cable knit throw blankets are a great way to add that much needed cozy factor to your living space or bedroom. Drape a blanket at the end of your bed or on the arm of your sofa.
Kirsten Grove
Interior stylist and author Kirsten Grove has always had a passion for interior design. Well, at least since she was nine years old and was given free reign at decorating bedroom. Back then, she chose an eclectic palette of rainbows, polka dots, and stripes. Today, Kirsten uses Simply Grove as a creative outlet for all things aesthetically beautiful. Started in 2008 as a way to show off eye-catching design and décor from all over the world, Simply Grove has become a hangout for like-minded creatives with a love of interiors and an appetite for design eye candy. Kirsten has styled and designed for clients all over the world.
Don't Break the Bank
Designer and blogger Roxanne Kwiecinski recommends using the outdoor sights to inspire indoor décor.
Fall is all about vibrant color, both indoors and out. I like to keep my décor neutral so that seasonal color can be added in throughout the year. The big color that will be on trend this fall is deep mustard yellow. It pairs so well with the popular gray tones we’ve been seeing for the last few years. Hunter green is another popular color to be on the lookout for.
Caned furniture really had its moment this year, and I think that trend will only continue to grow. Caning has been around for decades; it’s never really gone out of fashion. It’s a great classic pick for furniture both now and for years to come.
Lastly, never underestimate the power of plants. Adding a few tall branches or bringing in seasonal flowers will bring your room to life without breaking the bank!
Bring in the Outdoors
Not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? Martha Knake from the Simple Cozy Charm blog has some tips for that.
When I ponder design trends for fall 2019, my mind immediately thinks velvet. Velvet is being integrated more and more, and with virtually every color available, it’s proven to carry throughout the seasons. Whether you incorporate a statement piece of furniture, or simply add in a few deep-colored velvet pillows, it’s a surefire way to cozy up for fall.
Bringing the outdoors in has always been a favorite way of mine to incorporate nature, and I feel this method is timeless. Plants are not only great space fillers, but they also provide warmth and coziness to any given space. If you have the space needed and good lighting, try bringing in larger trees for even more interest. When adding shelving, I prefer using natural, salvaged wood pieces if possible. Choose picture frames that are made of wood and mix them with brass or copper accessories. The amount of character repurposed wood brings is undeniable. Rattan furniture is another way to mimic elements of the outdoors.
Copper, rose gold, and brass are definitely warm and inviting accents. They bring a sense of elegance and incorporate nicely with pretty much any decorating style.
Patterns, Color, and Biophilia
Darcy Kempton of Simple Stunning Spaces says there are three main trends to think about this fall.
While we always strive to create timeless designs for our Simply Stunning Spaces clients, it’s fun to incorporate some current trends into their homes as well. Some fall 2019 trends that are on our radar are boldly patterned backsplashes, pops of color against white palettes, and biophilia. Firstly, adding a bold-patterned backsplash such as mixed colored subway tiles, Moroccan tile, or starburst hex tiles is a great way to liven up a simple or minimal kitchen.
Another trend we’re excited to experiment with in our designs is pops of color against white palettes. We like to keep our primary color palette neutral in our home designs since it’s timeless. However, it is fun to incorporate color trends in areas that can be easily changed, such as area rugs, art, throw pillows, plants, and accessories. Some on-trend colors that we like to splash into our design are pistachio, rich coppers bronze tones, navy, and misty blues.
The last trend we want to highlight is Biophilia, which is emphasizing the relationship between humankind and nature. Some ways to incorporate this trend into your interior design projects this fall include incorporating live plants, natural materials – such as wood or quartz – and floor-to-ceiling windows. Frank Lloyd Wright was a pioneer of this trend in the 1950s; we’ve seen it re-emerge several times since then because we are innately drawn to nature as humans. We want our spaces to look good, feel good, smell good, and awaken all of the senses. We’re excited for all things fall, including these amazing trends. Follow us on social media to see how we incorporate these trends into our client’s homes!
Darcy Kempton
Darcy Kempton, principal designer at Simply Stunning Spaces, founded the design firm with creativity, design expertise, and a genuine desire to help people. Simply Stunning Spaces serves clients in San Diego and Orange County, working with clients to help them visualize, decide, and realize their dream home -- from start to finish.
International Inspiration
The Balance Design Team based out of Atlanta recommends getting inspired by ideas from around the globe.
We are very excited about cooler temps in sunny, hot Atlanta! The trend we are watching this fall is using the spicy turmeric color. We are loving [bright colors], and finding lots of ways to use them – upholstery, bedding, window treatments, and, of course, pillows. Whether these colors are in velvet, linens, leathers or sheers, they are mesmerizing.
Parisian Salon style [is also a trend to look out for]. Try combining a vintage rug with art nouveau rounded furnishings in jewel tones and black and white accents. Oh! Don’t forget the silk curtains – they are back!
[Finally,] the simplicity of Japanese style. With Marie Kondo’s TV show helping us understand how to let extra items go unless they spark joy, we are attracted to her adorable persona as well as her message. Is it a trend if it is just sensible good advice? In an age of wanting to not feel anxious or overwhelmed, we think she is speaking directly to our industry, and perhaps humanity.
Balance Design Team
Since inception in 2002, Balance Design has found that careful listening and collaboration create the most original yet timeless and authentic interiors. Utilizing environmentally sustainable materials, local artists and craftspeople, hand knotted rugs, and unique furnishings, Balance Design is a collaborative team of creatives and analysts working together to provide you with not just beautiful designs, but the chance to be an integral part of a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Instantly Cozy
Whether you’re looking for major changes or small, quick touches you can add to your home this fall, Noelle Oakman of A White Farmhouse has some advice for you!
There are some really exciting trends in home interiors this fall, and the best part is that anyone can easily incorporate these into their homes to instantly make their space feel cozier. While all-white interiors will always feel chic and timeless, this fall it’s all about incorporating high contrast dark accents and lots of warming neutrals.
We are beginning to shift away from stark-white monochrome spaces in favor of dark accents. My current favorite look is a dark accent wall, preferably a very dark green or blue. You can also create this high-contrast look with dark painted doors, curtains, furniture, or even décor. The idea is really to just break up an all-white space to add a little drama and visual interest. Dark colors have been huge over the last couple of years, and they aren’t going away any time soon!
Another trend that is everywhere this fall is layers of earthy neutrals. Soft, buttery, leather accents, rough textured rattan pieces, and simple wood tones warm up any room in a fresh yet understated way. Not ready to invest in new decor this season? A stack of wood logs placed neatly near the fireplace or gathered branches or greenery in a large vase will do the trick!
While decor trends can be fun and inspiring, the best way to make your home feel cozy and ready for fall is to fill it with the items and people you love most!
Find Something Bright and Fun
There’s a lot going on in the world today; Laurie Gorelick of Laurie Gorelick Interiors recommends using interior designs as a way to combat the “doldrums we’ve been culturally experiencing.”
- Yellow – From the runway to the living room, yellow is a color that will be appearing with greater frequency in design. Historically popular in kitchens, bedrooms, and baths, it will be seen more in living spaces in the coming months. Yellow is warm and stimulating to boost us from the doldrums we've been culturally experiencing. More importantly, yellow spices up neutral tones, like gray and beige, which have recently dominated residential interiors. Expect to see everything from bright yellows to mustard tones in this palette.
- Curvaceous Upholstery – Upholstered pieces in curvaceous forms are replacing orthogonal-shaped sofas and club chairs in today's living spaces. What's great about these shapes is that because they have attractive silhouettes and look great from any angle, they can float in space. More interesting and unexpected furniture arrangements are, therefore, a welcome design outcome.
- Focus on Sustainability – Fears about climate change are slowly altering consumer behavior, even in home furnishing purchases. Expect to see a mix of old and new as vintage and antique furnishings are reused and up-cycled to shake up contemporary interiors. Consumers will invest in quality pieces with longer useful lives to move away from easily disposable pieces that contribute to waste and landfill. Natural materials and fibers like grasses and wool will take the place of synthetics. Plants will be increasingly used as decorative accents, not just because of their forms, but also because they improve indoor air quality.
Laurie Gorelick
Laurie Gorelick is an award-winning, nationally-recognized interior designer known for her custom work and playful mixing of color and pattern. Combining vintage and modern with a dose of whimsy, Laurie translates her clients' wants and needs into bespoke spaces that equally delight the eye and comfort the soul.
Let Go of the All-White Kitchen
Tennille Wood of Beautiful Habitat says that it’s time to change up all the colors – everything from accents to what we define as neutrals.
Matte black is the hot metal for kitchen and bath hardware, including faucets and lighting. With the rising trend and availability of matte black options, now is the time, more than ever, to incorporate mixed metals in interior design. Matte black is also absolutely stunning paired with brushed gold or chrome.
We’ve been slowly moving away from the all-white kitchen. This trend will continue as homeowners embrace more color in backsplash tiles and in the base cabinets of the island. White quartz and marble countertops will continue to dominate kitchen design, keeping the kitchen trend light and bright overall. The popular kitchen colors have been charcoal gray and blue in 2018 and 2019. Shades of green, from bright apple to deep emerald, will become the new trend in kitchens this fall.
Grays from silver to charcoal have been the popular neutrals for nearly 10 years. I expect this fall will start to bring more of the browns and creams back into home design. I predict that deep chocolate walls will be a trend through the fall and winter. These walls will look particularly stunning with traditional fall décor in orange and yellow.
Tennille Wood
Tennille Wood of Beautiful Habitat is an award-winning designer in Denver. Her design style is inspired by classic European design combined with the causal, airy feel of her Colorado roots. In her 10 plus years as an interior designer, she and her team have worked on everything from new construction to renovations; they’ve rethought 1890’s farmhouses and 1910’s bungalows to make them 21st century-friendly. Tennille has been featured by magazines and design blogs, and designed a home for HGTV’s House Hunters Renovations. When she’s not creating beautiful habitats, Tennille is often out exploring the world: surfing in Bali, running relays through the Rocky Mountains, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and, always, walking her dogs Zander and Pedro.
It's All About Color & Texture
By focusing on two main areas, says Raquel Skrobarczy of Heather Scott Home & Design, you’ll have a fall aesthetic in no time.
In the fall, we love to introduce feminine, warm tones into a client’s home. These colors include hues like soft blush, dusty pinks, persimmon, or other spiced colors. These tones pair beautifully with neutrals and can make a space feel fresh and new, while also being perfectly appropriate for fall. Rich shades of forest green are a popular-yet-timeless color story we are also drawn to, particularly for the fall season.
Beyond color, introducing plenty of texture makes a home feel interesting and layered. Animal hide rugs, cozy throws, and grasscloth wallpaper are my favorite ways to bring in sophisticated texture that you will want to keep in your home in the fall and beyond.
Pumpkin Frost
Embrace fall while keeping in mind that winter is right around the corner with these design tips from Needed in the Home’s Amy Marohl.
What I am seeing as a popular trend for the fall is what I am calling, "Pumpkin Frost." It is where you include the pumpkin color with a hint of frost. The frost could be silver, white, cream, or off white. This creates a seasonal effect that shows you are embracing fall without fear of the winter to come.
This look can be achieved in your main living areas by having dark-orange, pumpkin-colored throw pillows or a cream pillow with a printed pumpkin on it, with a cream-colored throw blanket and a few silver-colored trinkets about the living room. Replace a large wall hanging in your living area with a large canvas of a pumpkin with a cream or white stem with some white, cream, or silver edging, swirls about the pumpkin, or some fall leaves in the picture. Curtains could either be pumpkin with a white or cream arbor chiffon draping over in a swoop, or the other way around. The dining room table can display a centerpiece of a wooden caddy holding white painted mason jars holding orange artificial flowers.
With these design features, your home will show you are enjoying fall and have hope for the next season of your life.
Make the Most of Small Touches
Peggy Fuller from By Design Interiors, Inc. has a few concepts you can incorporate in big and small ways.
- Impactful Backsplash – I’ve seen tons of colorful, unique, and geometric mosaics, porcelains, and ceramic tiles making their way through our studio this year. From Ann Sacks to Interceramic Tile to Materials Marketing, there’s a variety of fun and eye-catching backsplash options available right now. This trend is going to continue as we enter the fall 2019 season! It is a great way to elevate a simple kitchen or mix in a client’s bold personality into a space. A bold backsplash makes an impact – it adds sophistication to a space while being both unique and youthful. It allows you to create a focal point using color, texture, and prints that will catch all your guests’ eyes.
- Florals, Florals, Florals – It is no secret that florals are a constant in the design world, and this fall they are blooming in a bold way. I am expecting to see large scale floral prints being used in everything from upholstery to wallcoverings. Florals never really go out of style – but this fall they are going to be used in a ‘maximized’ way. This trend is so versatile, ranging from subtle and sweet to big and vibrant. The level of impact is all in the color, style, and scale you are wanting to incorporate into your design.
- Feminine Designs – I expect to continue to see feminine details in interiors this fall: The blush, lavender, dusty tones mixed with warmer natural tones of taupe, mushrooms, creams, and neutrals. This combination is so soothing – perfect for a bedroom.
Peggy Fuller
Peggy Fuller, owner and founder of By Design Interiors, Inc., is an interior designer who has been practicing design since 1984. Her experience and knowledge of the industry have allowed Peggy to succeed in delighting her clients. She works successfully with homeowners, architects, home designers, builders, and remodelers to create uniquely beautiful spaces. Peggy's designs have been featured in several publications including Houston Design Resource, Texas Home, and Living Magazines.
Focus on the Kitchen
If you want to choose just one room in the house to focus on, Michele Schweppe from The Redesign Habit suggests that the kitchen is the way to go.
Adding more personality to your kitchen in order for it to tie in with the look of the rest of your home is fast becoming a trend. We tend to think of our kitchen as a utilitarian space that somehow is separate from the other rooms in our home. Lately, I’ve seen evidence that this long-held mindset is changing.
While all-white kitchens can be stunningly beautiful, we are seeing the introduction of darker, warmer wood finishes and the growing popularity of cabinets painted just about any color you can imagine. By adding finishes to your kitchen that tie in with the rest of your home’s color palette, you naturally enhance the flow from one space to the next for a more unified look and feel.
If you really want to take your kitchen to the next level, check out the new appliance lines with unique finishes to complement your wall, flooring, and cabinet choices. You’ll find everything from mixed metals, such as a stainless steel body with copper handles, to dramatic colors like reds or even purples. Of course, you should be thoughtful about how your choices may impact resale, especially if you may be selling soon. But most of us want to create a home that reflects our personality and sense of style. Since the kitchen is the one space in your home where everyone is guaranteed to hang out, why not make hanging out there feel even more comfortable and personal?
Do Some Experimenting
Ellen Bliss of Ellen Bliss Home knows that color is making a comeback, and she wants to encourage you to be brave and try out something new!
One of the major trends for fall 2019 is the infusion of more colors in interiors. After a long reign of whites and neutrals, color is coming back and warming up homes this fall. We are seeing the return of oranges, yellows, and warm browns with a modern twist, in a more streamlined and simple approach to the season. Gorgeous jewel tones are also trending with emerald greens, cherry reds, and raspberry pinks bringing a fun and unexpected look to fall.
Elegant stems and flower arrangements are taking center stage in a more sophisticated look that can last the entire season without tiring the eyes. As your own color palette and decor style evolve, don't be afraid of experimenting with different colors and decor in your home. A small can of paint can transform dated decor for a fresh and updated look that the whole family will love!
Ellen Bliss
Ellen Bliss of Ellen Bliss Home is an interior stylist with a passion for creating interiors that are beautiful, timeless, and effortlessly attainable. A two-time Amara Interior Blog Awards nominee and shortlisted for the 2018 Amara Award for Best New Blog, Ellen maintains a website and blog, sharing home decor resources, tools, and styling ideas, inspiring her readers to create beautiful home spaces where unforgettable memories are made with loved ones.
Run with Authenticity
The best advice for fall design, according to Carrie Leskowitz of Carrie’s Design Musings, is to be the most honest version of yourself you can.
Florals are on trend. They feel fresh again, which is in keeping with my passion for bringing the outside in. Biophilia is a word coming up more often. People understand they feel enriched by having a connection to nature. Using natural materials, incorporating all the senses, and being mindful of simple pleasures for overall wellness is a trend that is growing and evolving.
Introducing antiques, or handmade items, into your décor — organic materials or those with patina – ensure a feeling of layered luxury and express who you are. That’s the real takeaway. Express yourself authentically and you’ll never go wrong.