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

Jeremiah Brent and fall decor mantel
(Image credit: Left, Future | Right, Getty Images, Theo Wargo)

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 While there are of course so many stylish design ideas to experiment with, there are also lots of outdated fall decor trends, and interior designer Jeremiah Brent has warned of decor he avoids during fall.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.

1. Flannel Sheets

Berry gingham bedding on a bed next to a nightstand piled with dandles and books

(Image credit: Piglet in Bed)

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

Large potted houseplant on living room coffe table next to two brown leather chairs

(Image credit: BRENT DARBY PHOTOGRAPHY LT)

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

Anthropologie rustic fall living room

(Image credit: Anthropologie)

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. 

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

Fall table decor ideas with layered grey linen and natural wood accessories

(Image credit: Future)

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

Pumpkin candles

(Image credit: Pottery Barn)

'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 Moorman
News Writer

Emily Moorman is a News Writer at Homes & Gardens, working across a range of topics spanning interiors, celebrity and emerging trends. With a background in the fashion industry, Emily is well-versed in the world of design and trend cycles. Her undergraduate degree was in Fashion Communication and Promotion which she studied at Norwich University of The Arts, specialising in writing and digital communications.