Autumn brings with it some of the coziest decor trends, and what better way to welcome the season than to refresh your home with a few fall decorations? But as The Spruce reports, just because a trend is well… trending, it doesn’t mean it’s worth embracing, at least according to the experts.
Designers have strong opinions on trends, and some styles instantly make them cringe, whether that’s because a look is overdone or it simply doesn’t work. I spoke to two design pros to find out which fall trends they would rather skip this season. Read on to find out what they said.
Too Many Pumpkins
Can you ever have too much pumpkin decor? The answer is a resounding yes if you ask Maria Ramirez, founder and design director of BB Interiors.
Pumpkins are a classic representation of the season, and while Ramirez appreciates the natural beauty of these gourds, it’s their overuse in fall decor that she objects to. “Pumpkins are beautiful in nature, but when they’re used excessively indoors, it can feel more kitschy than cozy,” Ramirez says.
Focusing on one or two standout pumpkin-related pieces creates a bigger impact, in Ramirez’s opinion. When you do this, “the seasonal reference still feels festive but remains elegant and intentional,” Ramirez adds.
Veggie Shaped Vessels
As soon as the cozy season nears, out come veggie-shaped bowls, vases, mugs, and vessels of every description. Whether gourd-shaped, squash or pumpkin-shaped (or any other fall vegetable), this is one trend that Lauren MacDonald, owner and principal designer of Elle Macque Interiors, just can’t get on board with. “While I understand the seasonal inspiration, they rarely feel timeless or versatile in a home,” MacDonald says.
There’s one caveat, though, says MacDonald: if your space leans heavily into the cottagecore aesthetic, it can work; otherwise, these vessels end up looking more cheesy than chic.
Oversaturated Fall Colors
During sweater season, shades like orange, rust, and brown are found in abundance outdoors. For Ramirez, that’s where they should be left because bringing these hues inside can make a room feel heavy and dated. “Strong autumnal colors have a tendency to swallow light and flatten a space, which is the opposite of inviting,” Ramirez says.
But their unsaturated counterparts, like muted ochre or earthy olive, “will still echo the season but bring warmth in a way that feels fresher and more timeless,” Ramirez adds.
Word Art
One way to welcome the new season into your home is, well, with a welcome sign. Except MacDonald isn’t a fan. Whether it’s a simple “Welcome Fall” sign or something more cutesy like “Hello Pumpkin,” all seasonal word art “feels more like a word search than meaningful decor,” MacDonald says.
Signs like these are intended to be warm and inviting, and while MacDonald can see their purpose, there are better ways to express this, in her opinion. Why not show the personality and feeling of your home with rich fabrics, warm textiles, and cozy accessories, MacDonald adds.
Artificial Plants
Though the artificial plants of today have come a long way, Ramirez is still not sold on this growing trend. “Faux plants promise zero maintenance, but they also deliver zero soul,” Ramirez says.
Real greenery is always a good idea in an interior, but if you’re not able to care for real plants, which can be more challenging in the colder months, there are better options for Ramirez. Instead of the artificial versions, Ramirez says, “cheat smart with a sculptural branch or a big vase of herbs—it’ll smell better and look better.”
Faux Foliage
Fall foliage is a great way to bring a little bit of the outdoors in, but for Ramirez, this is only true if it’s the real thing. Much like artificial plants, artificial autumnal leaves are best skipped, according to Ramirez.
Whether in the form of a garland, wreath, or bouquet, any decorations with red, gold, orange, or burgundy leaves, though meant to represent the season, end up looking more like props than design, says Ramirez. “The glossy plastic finish and uniform colors rarely capture the beauty of nature and can compete with existing decor rather than complement it,” Ramirez says.
For an easy alternative, display foraged leafy branches, dried autumnal blooms, or simply some seasonal fruit, suggests Ramirez.
—
Photo Credit: Photographee.eu / Shutterstock.com