2025 Fall Interior Design Trends: Cozy Decorating Ideas

Pumpkin spice, falling leaves, and crisp autumn air—there’s nothing like the transition from summer into fall. This season brings not only cooler weather but also fresh inspiration for how we decorate our homes.

As an interior designer, I’ve had the joy of helping 100's of families refresh their spaces for the new season. My own design services are often the perfect fit for the DIY homeowner or family on a budget who just needs professional guidance, a curated shopping list, and a clear visualization to bring everything together. Think of it as approachable, personalized design you can implement at your own pace.

But for those seeking a luxury, full-service experience, I point to my friends at Custom Living. Having worked closely with Shelby Black and her team during my time there, I saw firsthand how they take on every detail—from demolition and construction to ordering every last finish (yes, from lumber to lumbar cushion!). Their clients enjoy a seamless, turn-key process with an extraordinary outcome.

Both paths create beautiful results. One gives you the tools and confidence to shop and style your own home; the other delivers a complete remodel handled by an expert team. Wherever you find yourself this season of life, there’s an option to make your home feel refreshed, cozy, and uniquely yours.

To celebrate the 2025 fall interior design trends, I invited my friend and former colleague, Shelby, to share her favorite seasonal decorating tips and insights from the Custom Living perspective.

A: “We're seeing a strong resurgence of bold, saturated colors—think deep burgundy, rich wine reds, plums, and even shades of brown making a notable comeback. These hues are appearing across the board, from wallpaper and cabinetry to fully color-drenched rooms and statement lighting fixtures.”

A: “I would love to see more wallpapers used in homes. They can make a huge impact. A few of my favorite brands are York, Thibaut, Anthropologie, Chasing Paper and Sandberg. And if you’re feeling even more adventurous, pair a color drenched room with a bold wallpaper pattern on the ceiling. Chef’s kiss right there.”

A: “I don’t usually go all out for Fall in my home, but I do change a few small decorations- such as dried florals in muted warm fall colors, throw blankets and pillows, and a few art pieces. I like to style my entry table with a beautiful pumpkin painting by Emma. It's the perfect Fall touch. 

However, I do like to go all out for Halloween. It’s my birthday month (I was born a few days before Halloween) so it’s always been one of my favorite holidays. I deck out my porch and pick a new theme every year. Last year I did lots of spiders- big and small all over my porch. I haven’t decided what I’m gonna do this year but I’m thinking lots and lots of pumpkins in some way.”

A: “I typically start with discovery questions in the beginning phases of planning and design around how a client likes to use their space throughout the year. Do they like to decorate for each holiday and how? I then take that feedback and design a plan around each client’s needs and wants. For example, if a client has lots of decor for each holiday I will likely recommend that we have a few places of open shelving - both in cabinetry areas or furniture. Another example might be how much they use a fireplace when the weather starts turning colder. If they like the coziness of a fireplace providing lots of warmth to their home we would look at options that either have a blower to push extra heat into the room or have a venting system that we integrate into the fireplace that also provides more heat in the room. ”

A: “If you’re interested in working together on a remodel or design project, you can reach out to me -  shelby@customlivingusa.com. I’ll put you in touch with our amazing team and see how we can work together. You can also check out our new website for more information, and fill out the appointment request form. 

Thank you so much, Shelby, for sharing your expert insight!

Having worked alongside Shelby at Custom Living in the past, I can personally say she is one of the most talented and thoughtful designers I’ve collaborated with. Together, we completed many remodeling projects where I got to see firsthand how Custom Living’s process transforms a client’s vision into a luxury, turn-key experience.

For those who may not know, Custom Living is a full-service remodeling studio in Indianapolis, Indiana. They handle everything from demolition to selecting and purchasing all materials for you—removing the stress and creating a seamless, high-end experience. If you’re looking for a team that can take you from concept to completion with elegance and detail, I would hands down recommend working with Custom Living.

Shelby has navigated the ever-changing design trends with so much grace, and her ability to pair bold, seasonal updates with timeless style is unmatched. If you live in the Indianapolis area and are searching for a truly thoughtful, full-service renovation partner, Custom Living should be at the top of your list.