This is what interior designers think of your favorite fall decor – expert takes on the season’s signature looks

With autumn comes a brand-new slew of home decor, ready for spaces everywhere to undergo a stylish seasonal refresh. And each and every year, we see a returning cast of fall decor classics. From wicker accents to rich autumnal florals, the season brings some of the best (and worst) design schemes the year has to offer.

It’s difficult to strike a balance between spooky and chic, and many of the tried-and-true decorative accents can easily tip the balance, making a sleek and sophisticated space look kitschy in an instant. But the good news is that these missteps are easy to remedy. Here, we’ve gathered some honest takes from interior designers on the fall decor ideas making your home shine – and those you’d best avoid.

What interior designers have to say about your fall decor

None of these seasonal decorating spruces are completely off-limits – instead, designers suggest taking a pared-back, considered approach. These are five of the most common fall decorating ideas that designers say need a bit of a lift to get the job done.

1. Loads of pumpkins

It wouldn't be fall without a pumpkin or two – or ten. And while designers have no major objections to decorating with pumpkins, how you execute the task is paramount to keeping your scheme subdued.

‘Pumpkins aren't just for porches anymore – try arranging them in a centerpiece, tucking a tiny one onto a bookshelf, or even going bold with a painted cluster,’ suggests Jeannine Rose founder of Sweet Humble Home. ‘It’s all about seeing the extraordinary magic in the everyday pumpkin.’

For Michele Salazar, principal designer and founder of Cozy Salazar Design, it is also essential that the pumpkins are real – or at least realistic. ‘Stay away from plastic decor for the interior of your home,’ she continues. ‘Nothing feels less fall than a plastic purple pumpkin.’

Stacy Borocz, founder of etúHOME, adds that pumpkins and gourds do have a place in fall decor, but they shouldn't take center stage.

'While they have their moment to shine, I prefer them as part of the decor but not as the focal point,' she says. 'For example, mini pumpkins and gourds running down the center of a fall table, playfully interspersed between loads and loads of amber and green glass candlesticks elevate the everyday dining experience.'

2. A complete decor swap

If you are wondering how to start decorating for fall, changing out all of your decor is a good place to start. However, having a total overhaul is not the best approach for a relaxed fall scheme, says Michele.

‘Proceed with caution when changing furnishings and decor each season,' she continues. 'There are beautiful ways of doing this, but avoid turning your home into a craft or department store!'

‘My take on adding fall touches to my decor and furnishings would be, perhaps, swapping an existing blue throw out for a burnt orange throw or swapping out your pastel throw pillows for some solid linen ones in a fall color,' says Michele. 'Don't go overboard here! A couple of the additions to your home discussed above should do the trick.’

'Go for pieces that you could technically incorporate into your home year-round,' adds Bria Hammel, CEO and creative director of Bria Hammel Interiors. 'I don’t believe in investing a lot of money in something you can only have up for a month or so. But, if you do want to lean heavily into the seasonality of it, do so with smaller accessories.'

When it comes to fall color schemes, Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, founder and principal of Resaiki Interiors & Architecture, says it's better to start with neutral tones and layer in subtle accents, rather than redoing the entire scheme.

'Start with neutral and versatile bases for larger items such as upholstery,' she says. 'Introduce autumnal colors through smaller, interchangeable elements like cushion covers, quilts, and comforters. This approach allows for the infusion of seasonal warmth without overwhelming the space while minimizing clutter and storage concerns.'

3. Wicker furniture and accessories

Many take advantage of the season to switch out sleek, modern accessories for more rustic materials that connect your decor to nature. And one of these prized materials, wicker, is a common choice. But often, according to Jeannine, it doesn't live up to its full potential.

‘Those woven wonders are more than just chairs and baskets – too many of which can overtake the space or make your home look more like a conservatory,' she says. 'I recommend using them to add textural variety with wicker lampshades or even decorative screens. Wicker pieces are a subtle way to introduce the feel of fall – it’s all about being a bit creative.’

Other natural materials can easily elevate your fall design scheme too, says Stacy. 'I love the texture and layering of natural wood pieces for serving, particularly if they are well-loved and vintage ones,' she says. 'They tend to bring the outdoors in and add a sense of utilitarian history to your home and tablescape.'

4. Fall foliage

Whether woven into a fall wreath, draped for fall mantel ideas, or placed pride of place on a dining table, fall foliage is another must for a autumn-ready home.

However, as with pumpkins, it is essential to go for the real thing – or at least a well-made realistic piece instead, says Michele Salazar. There is little worse than a plastic leaf with a thick fake stem standing garishly in the corner of your living room.

‘Natural elements like fall foliage, pine cones, autumn fruit, and homemade potpourri are great additions to your fall decor,' she says. 'A fresh bowl of pinecones at your coffee table, a vase full of autumn leaves in the foyer, or a bowl full of pears or apples at the kitchen island are all great ways to exude feelings of fall and bring a touch of nature's beauty and warmth into your home.’

5. Halloween decor and motifs

'While I love the season so much, I don’t necessarily love fall decor, to be honest!' says Bria. 'I’ve never been a fan of spooky Halloween decorations and Thanksgiving accessories often lean too country or shabby chic for my personal style. So, it can be tough to find fall decor that fits with my own personal aesthetic!'

'I love seeing fall decor that celebrates the natural textures and color palettes of the season versus literal imagery (i.e. pumpkins, leaves, etc.),' she continues. 'So, a cozy cashmere throw blanket or a velvet pillow in a warm, moody maroon is a perfect choice in my opinion. Even something as simple as a scented candle can truly transform a space.'

Halloween is great for kids, and your outdoor Halloween decor can be frightfully chic for the big day itself. Indoors, however, and for the rest of the season, it is best to err on the side of caution, says Cyble Rizwan, of Persimmon Design:

‘Halloween decor can be fun but often lacks sophistication,' says Cyble. 'To improve it, choose a color scheme that complements your existing decor, opting for more elegant or minimalist subtle Halloween decorations rather than cartoonish ones to decorate tastefully for Halloween.’

Jeannine reminds us that ‘it's not all cackling witches and plastic bats.' She suggests 'crows perched on mantels, vintage apothecary labels for vases, or lacy spider web doilies' instead. 'Our favorite pieces are those that whisper Halloween, not shout it.’

If in doubt, opt for a less traditional but still somewhat spooky theme, such as dark academia. It emphasizes dark colors and antiques, and adds a touch of mystery to your home without the giant cartoon skeletons.

When it comes to decorating for the new season, consider looking to fall decor trends for some inspiration from designers, rather than diving headfirst into the seasonal aisles of your favorite shops. This way, you can plan your scheme ahead of time, rather than be lured in by the bright colors and excitement of a new decorating project.