Fall Color Trends for Charleston and the Islands: Beyond Orange & Pumpkin

When folks in Charleston think of fall, they often picture cozy sweaters, cooler weather, and, yes, a lot of orange. But in the world of interior design, fall 2025 is shaping up to be a bit different around here.

Recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue suggest that the usual fall décor staples are taking a backseat to more sophisticated palettes. These new combinations focus less on seasonal clichés and more on adding depth, calm, and style that lasts well beyond the pumpkin spice season.

Whether you’re sprucing up your home for the season, preparing to sell, or just want to keep your space looking fresh, here’s a look at the designer-approved fall palettes making waves this year in Charleston and the surrounding islands.

Sapphire, navy, and charcoal are standing in for black

If you’re aiming to ground a room without diving into a full moody aesthetic, dark blue is the way to go. Homes & Gardens highlights blue as one of fall’s most sought-after shades, especially in deeper tones like charcoal blue and navy.

What makes these colors work is contrast. Instead of painting an entire room, designers recommend navy feature walls, charcoal bookshelves, or dark blue cabinetry paired with lighter neutral furnishings. Add in warm wood tones or a few gold accents, and the space feels intentional, not heavy.

For those with rooms that get a lot of evening light, these cooler, smoky shades create a cozy atmosphere that feels elevated rather than seasonal.

Plum and ochre feel luxe but not loud

The combination of plum and ochre is popping up in everything from textiles to wall paint this fall. Plum is being used in velvets, deep florals, and statement art. Ochre, which can be thought of as soft gold or muted clay, is appearing in accent chairs, pillow fabrics, and ceramic pieces.

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

For homeowners considering small updates before selling, these colors offer an easy way to make a space feel thoughtful and current without the need to repaint every wall.

Mushroom neutrals are the new go-to base

If there’s one theme holding steady this fall in Charleston, it’s neutrals—but not just any neutrals. The new favorite is what designers are calling mushroom. These are soft grays and taupes with brown undertones, warmer than traditional gray and easier to pair with both cool and warm colors.

In homes being prepared for market, mushroom works well for upholstery, rugs, and even painted cabinetry. Unlike stark white or builder beige, it adds warmth without feeling dated or flat. It also gives future 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 grounded backdrop for layering in deeper fall accents.

Burnished gold and oxblood are replacing bright metallics

Traditional golds and brassy finishes are being swapped out this season for more muted versions—burnished gold, aged brass, and brushed bronze. These finishes still add warmth but with less shine, helping a room feel composed instead of flashy.

At the same time, oxblood is making its way into interiors in small, impactful doses. You might see it in a leather ottoman, a piece of abstract art, or a bold accent pillow. It brings richness 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 an easy way to add depth without committing to a major update.

Earthy greens are being used as calming accents

Greens are still trending, 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 shades are muted enough to feel subtle but still bring a sense of nature indoors.

Earthy greens are especially useful in kitchens, entryways, and home offices—anywhere 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 the right amount of seasonal energy without going overboard.

How to update a space without a full redesign

One thing that makes these 2025 fall palettes so approachable is that they work well in small doses. 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 very much in play. A navy or charcoal wall in a bedroom, dining room, or home office instantly shifts the mood. Painted built-ins or shelving units are another way to bring in color without committing to a full room transformation.

Layer texture with color

The colors designers are recommending this season also lean heavily on 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 but still cohesive.

Use art and accessories to rotate seasonally

You don’t have to fully redecorate to acknowledge the season. Wall art in oxblood or moss green, decorative bowls in soft ochre, or even books grouped by color are enough to set the tone. These are easy to change out later, which is helpful for homeowners who like variety and for sellers looking to update 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 a home to feel current but not overly stylized.

A season for subtle shifts

Fall tends to bring out a desire to make spaces feel more comfortable and grounded. These updated palettes help with 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 great starting point. A few thoughtful choices can shift the entire feel of a room without requiring a major investment.

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