The only 4 color trends you need to know about this season, according to trend forecasters and designers

We're counting down the days until the arrival of fall, in anticipation of the cozy evenings and festive celebrations to come. Not least however on our list of things we love about fall, is the opportunity to elevate home decor with a refresh to mark the changing seasons.

It can be somewhat daunting knowing where to start when it comes to decorating with paint (not just for fall but all year round) which is why we spoke to color expert Ashley McCollum from paint company Glidden to learn all about the most popular paint trends that are ideal for creating warming fall decor ideas. 

Whether you want to make a statement with a bold color or keep things pared-back with elevated neutrals, these four color trends have you covered for fall 2023 and beyond. 

Create warmth with autumnal aubergine

Perhaps the hottest interior trend for fall 2023, aubergine autumn is all about adorning the home in warming and rich purple and red hues.

'Rich jewel tones such as plums like Purple Basil are perfect for fall. Plum can create the warm and cozy atmosphere we all crave during the fall months,' explains McCollum.

McCollum suggests these rich purple hues are perfect for cozy living room ideas, and says that you can 'create emotional nostalgia by pairing this tone with rounded furniture and neutrals for a space that hugs and nurtures.' 

Referring to these darker colors, McCollum also adds that they are 'great options for bringing deep, rich, sophisticated autumn vibes into your home without looking like a pile of leaves. These hues can anchor your space and allow lighter accent hues to add an ethereal spark.'

Ashley McCollum

Ashley McCollum is a Marketing Manager and color expert for PPG’s Architectural Coatings business in the U.S. and Canada. Prior to joining PPG in 2017, Ashely’s career was heavily focused on color and visual merchandising for retail environments. Ashley earned her MBA in Marketing/Management from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

Opt for a muted take on classic greens and reds

Greens and reds are classic colors that can most definitely make a statement in the home. While they can look good in all their vibrant glory, opting instead for muted variations of these colors promotes a more relaxed look.

'Sweet Spiceberry is a hot and trendy take on red that fully embraces the warmth and coziness that autumn brings without feeling like holly jolly holiday red. This spiced shade brings a richness to cabinets and walls alike – perfectly transitioning the beauty and vibrancy of summer into the fall season,' says McCollum. 

If you do opt for these fall-inspired shades in the home, it's important to style them in a way that makes them liveable all year long, not just for fall, as McCollum explains: 

'Be sure to complement these autumn colors by using white or light natural wood elements in the space. Dark woods and accents may make your space feel too dark and overly autumnal in the spring and summer months. These lighter wood tones will balance the deep, warm colors that perfectly embody fall vibes.' 

Energize the home with golden hues

If you're instead drawn to more earthy colors in your home decor, embracing golden hues is a subtle nod to fall that looks instantly sophisticated and timeless.

'Gold tones like Caramelized Pecan transition well from season to season. It will energize the room without being too bright or standing out as overly-fall,' explains McCollum.

When it comes to styling the rest of the room around a golden hue, McCollum suggests opting for gold and bronze finishes for the most effective look.

Play it safe with timeless neutrals

Thanks to their versatility, decorating with neutrals works well all year round and is a fail-safe choice if you prefer to keep your decor style understated. While you may not naturally associate neutrals with fall, they can work well in providing a calming backdrop in the home amongst the more seasonal and colorful decor. 

While there's a wide range of neutrals to choose from, McCollum suggests opting for a light neutral for fall that uplifts the home. 

'A lighter hue like Limitless, Glidden’s 2024 Color of the Year, provides a fresh and energizing take on a neutral color. This color adds a brightness to the deep, warm and cool tones of the season.'

FAQs

Feeling inspired by the warm and seasonal fall color trends? We've rounded up lots of other ways to start decorating for fall if you're not looking to paint your home.