Fall 2025 Decor Trends Designers Think Should Fall Away
We often discuss what designers love, but rarely do we speak about trends they rather “dislike”! Here are a few of them to avoid for fall 2025.
While fall brings beloved cozy aesthetics, interior designers Maria Ramirez of BB Interiors and Lauren MacDonald of Elle Macque Interiors are pushing back against seven specific trends they believe undermine sophisticated design this season.
Pumpkin Overload
The excessive use of pumpkin decor creates what Ramirez calls a “kitschy” rather than cozy atmosphere. Instead of scattering pumpkins throughout every room, designers recommend selecting one or two standout pieces that maintain elegance while still referencing the season. This restraint allows pumpkins to serve as intentional focal points rather than overwhelming the space.
Vegetable-Shaped Vessels
Gourd, squash, and pumpkin-shaped bowls, vases, and mugs may flood stores each autumn, but MacDonald finds them lacking in timelessness and versatility. Unless your aesthetic leans heavily into “cottagecore” (where they can work cohesively), these novelty pieces tend to read as cheesy rather than chic.
Oversaturated Fall Colors
Overreliance on strong autumnal hues like bright orange, rust, and heavy brown can make interiors feel dated and light-starved. Ramirez notes these colors “swallow light and flatten a space, which is the opposite of inviting.” Instead, opt for their unsaturated counterparts, such as muted ochre or earthy olive, which echo the season while bringing fresher, more timeless warmth.
Seasonal Word Art
Signs proclaiming “Welcome Fall” or “Hello Pumpkin” feel more like decorative filler than meaningful design elements to MacDonald, who describes them as resembling “a word search” rather than contributing to a home’s personality. Better alternatives include expressing warmth through rich fabrics, textured textiles, and thoughtfully chosen accessories that show character without spelling it out.
Artificial Plants
Despite advances in faux plant quality, Ramirez remains unconvinced: “Faux plants promise zero maintenance, but they also deliver zero soul.” For those unable to maintain living plants during colder months, she recommends sculptural branches or fresh herb arrangements, which provide both visual interest and sensory appeal.
Faux Foliage
Similarly, artificial autumn leaves, whether in garlands, wreaths, or bouquets, fail to capture nature’s beauty. Their glossy plastic finish and uniform coloring compete with existing decor rather than complement it. Ramirez suggests displaying foraged leafy branches, dried autumnal blooms, or seasonal fruit arrangements as authentic alternatives.
The Bigger Picture
What unites these disliked trends is their tendency toward theatrical representation of fall rather than genuine seasonal integration. Designers are advocating for restraint, authenticity, and materials that age gracefully. These principles also happen to align with the broader Fall 2025 movement toward collected, curated interiors over mass-produced seasonal decor.
Read the full article: Fall Isn’t Here Yet, But These Decor Trends Already Give Designers the Ick – The Spruce
