With the leaves slowly changing and temperatures starting to dip, I think it’s safe to say that cozy season is upon us. Fall invites us to amp up the warmth, and that goes beyond heavy knits and throws. Autumn color palettes mimic what’s happening in nature, and this season’s paint color trends give a sophisticated twist to the usual orange, red, and brown.
Featured image from our interview with Kate Arends by Suruchi Avasthi.
7 Fall 2024 Paint Color Trends for a Fall Refresh
Fall 2024 paint color trends are all about embracing the familiar shades of the season, while going deeper, richer, and bolder. Ahead, I chatted with interior designers to get their take on this season’s color trends. Read on for all the deets!
Warm White
A paint round-up wouldn’t be complete without neutrals, and leading the pack this year is warm white. “Neutral colors are and will always be my number one, however I have found myself gravitating more and more toward warm neutrals in the last few years,” Allison Handler of Allison Handler Designs says. This is definitely in line with this year’s trends—cooler colors have gradually been on the outs. Not sure what the best warm white is for your home? Handler isn’t shy about her personal favorite. “I am a ride or die Sherwin Williams girl and my go-to color is Sherwin Williams Greek Villa. It’s the perfect warm white in my opinion,” she shares.
Forest Green
What’s a fall 2024 paint color trends story without some shade of green? This season, forest green takes the cake. Shaolin Low of Studio Shaolin recommends Beverly by Farrow and Ball, a mid green that will appear bolder in bright light, and more subdued in low light. “Pair Beverly with earthy neutrals to balance its rich green. Enhance the cool tones with brass cabinet pulls, door handles, and light fixtures,” Low recommends.
If you’re not sure how to furnish a forest green room, Low has a few suggestions. “Ground the space with walnut or oak coffee tables, sideboards, or accent chairs featuring wooden legs for an organic feel,” she says. “Choose furniture with bronze, matte black, or brushed brass accents for a modern edge that complements the green tones.”
Brown
With warm neutrals trending this year, brown is having a moment, especially for autumn. “For fall, and always, we love to use warm saturated colors—think earthy greens and brown burnt umbers,” Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio shares. “When painting a room in one of these colors, we do the entire space including the walls, ceilings and trim to really give an amazing effect and cover the room in warmth.”
A color-drenched brown room? Talk about cozy! All shades of brown are currently trending, from deep, rich espressos to mild and soft beiges and tans. Opt for a lighter shade of brown to create a calm atmosphere or go bold with a deeper brown for more drama.
Clay
Clay absolutely deserves its own spot as a fall 2024 paint color trend. Mixing red and brown gives you the best of two trending colors—a terracotta that makes an excellent neutral. Handler includes Sherwin Williams 2023 color of the year, Redend Point, in her favorite paint colors of this season. This color would be fantastic in a bedroom, bathroom, or anywhere you spend time slowing down. Pair clay walls with warm woods and cozy textiles for a calm and luxurious space.
Greige
Grey and cool neutrals have been gradually falling out of fashion, so this trend came as a surprise. Handler is finding herself drawn to greige—a mix of grey and beige. The beige warms up stark and cool grey, making it a popular neutral. This is a great choice if you don’t want white walls but are a bit cautious about color. It can also create subtle contrast in an all white room. “I love to paint the trim a pop color and keep the rest of the room neutral,” Handler says. “I’d paint a whole room in Sherwin Williams Greek Villa and the trim with Shiitake. It adds another level of unexpected detail.”
Muddy Tones
To round out the brown hues that make up fall 2024 paint color trends is what one designer considers muddy. “This fall, we’re seeing a strong trend toward muddy colors—those rich, nuanced hues that change with the light throughout the day,” Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors shares. “These colors have a unique quality: in full sunlight, they appear lighter and brighter, bringing warmth and vibrancy to a room. But as the day turns to evening and the lighting softens, they take on a darker, moodier character, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.”
Muddy tones can be any color with brown undertones, which give the paint color depth and versatility. “We love using muddy tones to color drench a room,” Roe shares. “This creates an enveloping, cohesive look that’s both bold and comforting.”
Rosy Hues
Even though I’ll personally be a forever fan of Barbie pink, fall 2024 paint color trends are skewing to a slightly more subtle shade. “I have been gravitating toward mauve and rosy tones lately,” Handler muses. Mauve is a delicious blend of pink and purple that’s lovely for fall, and rosy tones like raspberry or magenta can pack a sophisticated punch.
Roe recommends Sherwin Williams Concerto, a warm berry red. This would be a fantastic color drench choice for a dramatic look. “Don’t hesitate to carry these colors into your drapery, upholstery, and rugs for a fully immersive experience that feels both luxurious and grounded,” she states. For a softer, more relaxed vibe, opt for an easy-going mauve or dusty rose.
