These are the fall decor trends to steer clear of – according to designer Jeremiah Brent
These are all of Jeremiah's 'controversial' design trends to avoid for fall


With fall finally upon us, it's the perfect time of year to start thinking about cozy decor as we spend more time relaxing indoors. While there are of course so many stylish design ideas to experiment with, there are also lots of outdated fall decor trends, and interior designer Jeremiah Brent has warned of decor he avoids during fall.
Sharing a video to Instagram, Jeremiah begins by acknowledging that: 'a lot of this is going to be very controversial' but that 'we don't all have to agree'. So whatever your stance is on fall decor – whether you like to go all out with warm colors and sentimental prints or prefer to keep things pared-back – we've rounded up Jeremiah's five no-gos when it comes to cozy season decor.
A post shared by JEREMIAH BRENT (@jeremiahbrent)
A photo posted by on
1. Flannel Sheets
You may think of flannel sheets as the ultimate bed sheet trend for fall, but Jeremiah isn't a fan. He says: 'I don't think that they transition well throughout the year.' He's got a point; this cottagecore aesthetic is a niche style so it's certainly not the best pick if you're hoping for functional bedding that looks great throughout the seasons.
Instead, consider refreshing your fall bedding with cozy throws to create a fall-appropriate look whilst they can easily be swapped out into various rooms throughout the home all year long.
2. Silk Plants
Silk plants, otherwise known as artificial plants, or a big no-go for Jeremiah. Calling them 'dust collectors', this isn't just a fall decor trend to avoid, but an all-year-round one.
To capture a more practical and natural look, opt for real plants to bring the outdoors in, or experiment with displaying branches in a vase for a fun take on creative fall craft ideas.
3. Orange
While decorating with orange is strongly associated with fall, Jeremiah doesn't bring this hue into his home for fall. He instead prefers colors 'with a little bit more brown in tone-wise' such as terracotta.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
As Jeremiah suggests, opting for more muted warm tones of orange is a far more subtle approach to fall decor. For a layered and cozy look, experiment instead with different textures across soft furnishings, such as pillows, to capture an inviting sofa setup that transcends the seasons.
4. Burlap
His next fall decor to avoid is burlap, which he calls 'the modern-day doily.' While he admits it can look good in moderation, 'it shouldn't be overlapping and layered on every tabletop' and notes that it's itchy and sheds, so perhaps not the most practical of decor choices either.
For a more understated approach to fall table decor ideas, opt instead for natural linens in rustic hues that will stand the test of time and bring an organic feel to the table.
5. Pumpkin Scents
'One of the most important things that I try to avoid seasonally is anything pumpkin-scented' he says. While it's perhaps his most controversial point, Jeremiah isn't a fan and prefers to steer clear of this hallmark fall decor.
If you're not so much a fan of overly sweet scents, you may agree with Jeremiah on this one. There are lots of other equally warming fall candles to embrace at this time of year that are less sickly sweet, such as sandalwood and fig.
Whether you agree with Jeremiah or not, fall decor is all about having fun and channeling your own personal tastes, so make sure to experiment and not get too caught up in the design rules.

Emily is a freelance interior design writer based in Scotland. Prior to going freelance in the spring of 2025, Emily was Homes & Gardens’ Paint & Color Editor, covering all things color across interiors and home decor for the Homes & Gardens website. Having gained specific expertise in this area, Emily is well-versed in writing about the latest color trends and is passionate about helping homeowners understand the importance of color psychology in home design. Her own interior design style reflects the simplicity of mid-century design and she loves sourcing vintage furniture finds for her tenement flat.
-
How to grow a nutmeg tree – professional gardeners reveal the secrets behind cultivating the tropical evergreen for treasured spice
You can get two highly-prized spices from one tree if you live in a warm climate
-
Salvador Dalí's '60s terrace embodies the Spanish landscapes that inspired a generation of modern artists – now, Mediterranean gardens are trending again
Archival images of the surrealist painter's terrace show the cypress trees, olives, and limestone that exemplify the Costa Brava – it will never go out of style
-
Drew Barrymore's unorthodox sleep aid helps keep her in a comfortable position all night long and upgrades her rest – starting under $25
The actress started sleeping this way when she was pregnant and never stopped after realizing how restful it could be – we explore its benefits
-
Martha Stewart says 'well-made sheets are a big part of being comfortable in bed' – her bedding is quietly reduced for a short time
'Getting enough sleep is a big part of being healthy, and really nice sheets help create a cozy bed': Shop her expertly designed pieces for under $20
-
Naomi Watts' favorite bedding brand launched a mattress – it's made from all sustainable materials for a natural and healthy night of sleep
Coyuchi's sustainable bedding has long been Naomi Watts's go-to brand for linens – now they're expanding their offerings to include a premium mattress
-
Martha Stewart never uses linen or cotton sheets during the winter – her time-honored bed-making method is essential for this season
Stewart uses flannel sheets, down comforters, and textured throw pillows to keep her beds extra cozy in the wintertime – her technique is easily replicable
-
Miley Cyrus' cozy and opulent bedding taps into the most fashion-forward trend of 2025 – the luxe style is fit for a rockstar
The singer is known for her unique and independent personality, and her bedroom certainly matches, borrowing a trend from the 2025 runways
-
Kathy Hilton's kitchen cabinet color scheme is a deep-toned marvel that will be trendier than ever in 2025
This unexpected shade of blue is predicted to be the biggest kitchen color trend this year
-
Reese Witherspoon's classic bedding makes timeless elegance surprisingly affordable – her collection starts under $18
The actress's latest home collection for Draper James has a luxe look that will elevate any bedroom at an accessible price point
-
Kelly Clarkson's holiday must-haves include snuggly blankets, trees, and a Christmas village – her favorites begin under $50
The singer revealed that she likes to have multiple trees in her home for the holidays – along with cozy linens and gingerbread houses