Fall colors, and how to use them

by Patricia M. Cove
Posted 10/20/22

When people are asked about their favorite season, I always tend to hear fall as a quick reply.

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Fall colors, and how to use them

Posted

When people are asked about their favorite season, I always tend to hear fall as a quick reply. It is my favorite season, and in thinking about the reasons why so many love fall, one discovers that the reasons are varied. 

Many people enjoy the cooler temperatures and the sun being lower above the clouds. The moon always appears larger in that mid-October sky, and the chilly mornings and shorter days are harbingers to what lies ahead. There is also the aroma of burning leaves and the laughter of children as they make their rounds at Halloween.

But I think the main reason people love the fall has to do with the colors. They are rich and warm, vibrant and soothing, silent and melodious, and when put together they create one of the most calming yet harmonious palettes. People who love the fall will even gravitate toward those colors in their wardrobe selections, but especially when choosing colors that will grace their home.

When considering a Fall color palette, and the variations in tone between rich rusts, deep burgundies, hunter greens and toasty golds, lean in the direction of using these vibrant colors on upholstery, window treatments, or accent pieces. Using softer shades on the walls provides a soothing, warm backdrop to a room and allows the richer, darker colors to stand out and meld together.

Soft and warm neutral shades like camel, taupe, oatmeal or putty, the warmer colors of fall, will create the overall feel of the room. When using these shades on the walls, be sure to use the same shade or slightly lighter on the ceiling. So often you see basic white used on a ceiling, which will inevitably disrupt the feel of the space. The room will lack the unity you are aiming for.

The color palette of fall is so popular, you won’t have any problem finding numerous fabrics that will work to create the warmth you are seeking. One tried and true method of combining upholstery fabrics and colors is to choose a solid for the largest piece, which is usually the sofa. Whether it be a velvet in the color of a red maple leaf, a chenille in a deep pumpkin, or a soft camel wool, using a solid fabric will then give you the option of placing a beautiful print on  lounge chairs and accent pillows.

A smaller print that incorporates the chosen color scheme can then be considered for window panels, and smaller upholstered pieces like ottomans and benches.

Because the colors of fall are the colors of nature itself, you won’t be surprised at the result – a room that brings in all the shades of the season. Add lots of greenery and decorative accents in brass, bronze or copper, and you will be able to enjoy fall all year long. 

Patricia Cove is Principal of Architectural Interiors in Chestnut Hill, and can be reached through her website: patriciacove.com