One of the best questions I got last week was how to decorate for fall when you are not a fan of the color orange. If Fall is a season about warmth, abundance, and gratitude (all represented by warm colors, by the way), it’s only natural that we tend to decorate in those colors at this time of year.
And orange haters, I hear you. I really do. Although I am personally a huge fan of the hue, I realize that it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. And to be fair, I really don’t enjoy traditional fall colorways as a group (orange, brown, red all together) and I definitely don’t gravitate to that arrangement in the clothes I wear. So what’s a fall decor-loving girl to do when pumpkins are everywhere in every shade of that dreaded hue? Time to get outside the box a little bit and modernize your fall decor to feel less traditional.
Decorating for fall also doesn’t have to be some huge overhaul of your home. It’s about candles, swapping out summer pillows for something a little more comforting and warm (velvet, anyone?) and layering on the blankets and maybe a fluffy rug (still love these).
MOODY BLUES
Moody, stormy dark blues can feel perfectly luxe for cooler weather. This makes me want to layer on the sweaters, boots and socks. Look for a variety of blues from pale ice to medium hydrangea blue all the way to rich formal navy. Mix it up with warm metallics (copper!) or if you’re more a fan of a preppy look go for chalky white. And of course, create depth with different fabrics like velvet and fur.
BLUE VELVET PUMPKIN BY PLUSH PUMPKIN (take 15% off w/ code PS15) // SENNELIER ACRYLIC PAINT // COPPER MEASURING CUPS (similar) // LUCITE LINK BRACELET (sold out but here’s the necklace)
PLATINUM + FUCHSIA
Jewel tones are always a favorite for fall, and my personal current favorite is the pairing of bright fuchsia with platinum. It’s icy and hot all at once — I’m still in love with that Tobi Fairly for CR Laine vignette above from High Point in April. Experiment with different metallics, both warm and cool and toss in some deep charcoal or black for added drama and depth. (All those metallics — platinum in particular — keeps this color scheme from going over-the-top girly.) This is just nonstop chic.
VELVET PUMPKINS & ACORNS BY PLUSH PUMPKINS (take 15% off w/ code PS15) // SENNELIER ACRYLIC // ANTHROPOLOGIE NAPKIN // BOW EARRINGS (sold out but similar)
AQUA AND ROUGE
This is a perennial favorite color scheme for me. I love the warm/cool mix of candy apple red with cool aqua. It’s oh so chic and unexpected. Think rich fleece throws, red lipstick, scarves and ice skates. And hot chocolate. LOTS of hot chocolate. 😉 But really, this is another one where the aqua can be more of a neutral if you choose a paler tone. It feels cozy with brown or beachy preppy with white/cream.
VELVET PUMPKINS AND ACORNS BY PLUSH PUMPKIN (take 15% off w/ code PS15)// BOBBI BROWN LIPSTICK // EARRINGS (SOLD OUT BUT SIMILAR)
Finally, a quick list of things that suggest warmth, abundance, and harvest in fall decorating that don’t necessarily equate to the color orange :
- Wood
- Chalky whites
- Jewel tones
- Candles (warmth!)
- Chalky greens (think sage, eucalyptus, etc.)
- Apples (greens, bright reds)
- Warm metallics
- Baskets
- Nuts
Love coming up with color schemes? I’ve created a color scheme inspiration board as well as a fall/Halloween board over on yonder Pinterest so follow along!
Are you into these? Love? Hate? Do share, Internet.
