No matter what the calendar or thermostat may say, it is time to start thinking about autumn. Direct your focus to falling leaves, cozy sweaters, toasty beverages and a refresh of our homes.<\/p>\n
In the interest of putting a rush job on fall while putting the kibosh on this summer of swelter and discontent, I took a dive into what lies just ahead.<\/p>\n
Autumn 2026 interior design shifts toward “cocooning warmth,” replacing stark minimalism, cold greige and cool white with rich, restorative mineral colors, high-shine lacquered finishes and tactile fabric layering. The focus centers on timeless, comforting spaces rather than temporary novelty.<\/p>\n
Do you remember the rich jewel tones, plaids, paisleys and velvets of the Ralph Lauren-driven 1980s? They\u2019re back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just returned from market,\u201d said Penny Francis, a celebrated local interior designer and owner of Eclectic Home. \u201cThere was a clear shift \u2014 more confident, more layered and unapologetically design-driven.\u201d<\/p>\n
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For this stunning formal dining room, designer Whitney Wilkinson indulged her fondness for muddy greens that mix so well with other colors. The rich textures of the velvet upholstery and the statement chandelier add warmth and visual complexity.<\/p>\n
Photo by Laura Steffan<\/p>\n
Dark, mineral-toned wall palettes include smoky jades, eucalyptus sages, oxblood, rich plum and chocolate brown instead of stark neutrals. Pair these with warm accents to add depth\u00a0\u2014\u00a0burnt orange, rust, ochre and deep golds are best used in cushions and small accessories rather than for entire walls. Also trending are shades of pale blue paired with organic greens and warm, pared-back neutrals.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m loving warmer, more enveloping colors and textures that add depth and make a room feel cozy without feeling dark or heavy,\u201d said designer Whitney Wilkinson, a masterful guru of color according to her clients. \u201cMuddy greens mix so well with other colors, and rich textures add warmth, helping a space feel comfortable, inviting and lived-in.”<\/p>\n
New Orleans interior designer Curtis Herring echoed these sentiments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I think of fall, I think of warm wood tones, rich leather and classic plaid,\u201d Herring said. \u201cThis season, I\u2019m seeing those timeless elements return in fresh, elevated ways. Natural wood paired with leather. Antique pieces bring warmth and depth while plaids add a sense of nostalgia. Incorporating these materials creates spaces that feel layered, inviting and collected. These qualities make a home feel especially welcoming while we transition into fall.”<\/p>\n
So, there you have it. Adios to cool white, beige, cold gray and pale washed-out whatnot.<\/p>\n
Antiques and \u201cbrown\u201d furniture are definitely back as statement pieces, as are pieces made of, or veneered with, travertine.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrown furniture is firmly back,\u201d Francis said. \u201cParticularly in medium to darker tones. Burled woods leaned deeper in finish, and we saw the introduction of vellum and parchment tops adding subtle texture and warmth.\u201d<\/p>\n
High-shine lacquered finishes \u2014 think burgundy coffee tables or cabinets \u2014 and glossy surfaces are, again, bringing us right back to the 1980s, but this time with an overlay of modern mod-vintage energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cLacquered furniture was everywhere,\u201d said Francis of the 2026 High Point Market of home furnishings in North Carolina, \u201cshowing up in richly saturated colors across stools, tables and credenzas. The high-gloss finishes gave pieces a depth and presence that felt fresh and intentional. The 1970s and ’80s certainly were calling.<\/p>\n
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At the recent 2026 High Point Market in\u00a0North Carolina,\u00a0New Orleans interior designer Penny Francis noticed an abundance of furnishings with high-shine lacquered finishes, from stools (like those pictured here) to larger pieces such as credenzas and dining tables.<\/p>\n
Provided by Penny Francis<\/p>\n