5 Outdated Fall Decor Trends That Are Suddenly Back in Style, Designers Say

What’s old is always new again, and this fall, many decor trends that may have been seen as outdated in recent years are officially making a comeback. If you’re someone who enjoys decorating with rich, sumptuous fabrics or bringing natural touches into your home, just to name two examples, you will certainly be in luck this season.

Keep reading below to read our full, designer-approved list of trends that will be making their way to the forefront this autumn.

Velvet

Fall is all about embracing cozy materials, and velvet is here in full force this season. Pros certainly aren’t mad about it.

“Over the last decade or so, I think velvet has been seen as a little too formal or dated, but I think it’s safe to say it’s officially back and better than ever,” says Kaylee Pauley, the founder of Kaylee Pauley Interiors.

She adds that jewel-toned velvet will especially be having a moment this season in a fresh and bold way.

When it comes to velvet, there are so many different applications one can use, too. “Whether it’s a statement sofa or a few throw pillows, velvet adds a rich, tactile layer to a room,” Pauley says.

Wondering what to style the fabric with? Pauley will often turn to materials such as linen or boucle to play with textural depth.

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Brass and Aged Materials

When it comes to metals to bring into your home this fall, Pauley is happy to report that brass is back, in a big way.

“For a while, cooler metals like chrome and brushed nickel had their moment—but in recent years, living finishes, especially brass, have taken over,” she says.

She attributes this change to the resurgence of a traditional, classic aesthetic. Paulee says people are moving away from stark, cooler rooms and are now drawn to warmer tones such as antique brass, aged bronze, and burnished copper. She explains that these finishes create a timeless, curated look in interiors.

That said, there’s no need to get rid of your more contemporary pieces for good—the designer is all about embracing an artful mix.

“I often incorporate aged metals alongside sleek surfaces for contrast—the patina tells a story and adds soul to a space,” she says.

Themed Wreaths

Could your front porch use a refresh this fall? Don’t underestimate the power of a seasonal -hemed wreath, notes Ashley Fiocco, the founder of Ashley Fiocco Designs. When done right, what might be seen as a dated type of fall decor can look quite stylish, Fiocco says.

“You can find some really beautiful floral ones these days, or even DIY one with some fresh eucalyptus or other seasonal greenery,” she says, noting that the next time you’re out on a walk, it’s worth looking around to see what you might be able to repurpose at home.

Harvest Decor

Harvest-inspired decor, when it contains natural elements, is majorly back in style this season, explains Joe Waroquier, the founder of Joe Waroquier HOME. He recommends using gourds, branches, and dried florals and making sure that they are styled with “restraint and artistry, moving away from kitschy displays toward arrangements that feel organic and sculptural.”

Again, these are great items to keep an eye out for while walking. This look being in vogue goes back to the notion that classic designs are having a revival, as highlighted earlier.

“These once ‘outdated’ motifs resonate again because they offer a sense of comfort and tradition, while new colorways and cleaner styling make them feel current and refined,” Waroquier says.

Plaid and Tartan

Waroquier anticipates seeing a greater use of plaid and tartan this autumn, and says that these patterns are “now being reimagined in fresh, modern palettes.”

This means thinking beyond basic reds and greens, he adds. The designer notes that both designers and homeowners are embracing plaids in shades like deep navy, camel, and rust, which convey a refined and sophisticated look.