Beyond Orange & Pumpkin: Fall Home Design Ideas for Lexington & the Midlands

When most people in the Midlands think of fall, they picture cozy sweaters, cooler weather, and football weekends at Williams-Brice Stadium. But when it comes to home design, Fall 2025 in Lexington and surrounding areas is taking a fresh direction.

According to recent color trend reports from Homes & Gardens and Vogue, the usual pumpkin-orange palette is being replaced with richer, more refined tones that add warmth, calm, and depth, perfect for homes in South Carolina’s changing light this time of year.

Whether you’re updating your home for the season, prepping to sell, or just love design that feels current, here’s what’s trending in Midlands interiors this fall.

Sapphire, Navy & Charcoal:  the New Neutrals

For homeowners in Lexington and Columbia who love depth without drama, dark blues are taking center stage. Designers are calling it the “new neutral.”

Instead of black or gray, think charcoal blue, navy, and deep slate. These tones ground a space beautifully — especially in rooms that catch golden afternoon light.

Try them on:

• A navy accent wall or built-in bookshelves
• Charcoal kitchen cabinetry paired with warm brass pulls
• Deep blue décor against natural wood or gold accents

This palette works beautifully in Lake Murray homes with open layouts.  It adds a hint of sophistication without feeling heavy.

Plum & Ochre:  Rich, Southern Warmth

Plum and ochre are this season’s most unexpected pairing and they feel right at home in the South. Plum brings depth, while ochre (a soft golden clay tone) adds subtle warmth.

Designers are layering these shades through:

• Textiles (velvet pillows, throw blankets)
• Statement art
• Accent chairs or ceramic décor

In Midlands homes where taupe and greige dominate, these colors create interest without overwhelming a space. If you’re staging a Lexington or Chapin home for sale, this combo looks fresh, elevated, and move-in ready.

Mushroom Neutrals:  The New Foundation

If your home still leans on white or builder beige, it might be time to meet mushroom.

This new neutral trend blends gray and taupe with warm undertones creating a soft, livable backdrop that works in everything from downtown Columbia condos to Gilbert farmhouses.

Why locals love it:

• Adds warmth without darkening the room
• Works beautifully with both cool and warm accents
• Makes spaces feel calm, clean, and current

It’s especially useful for staging homes.  Mushroom gives buyers that cozy, “I can see myself here” feeling.

Burnished Gold & Oxblood:  Quiet Drama

Say goodbye to flashy golds. This season, metallics are muted and moody. Burnished gold, aged brass, and brushed bronze are showing up in Midlands kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces while adding quiet elegance.

Designers are pairing these finishes with oxblood, a deep red-brown tone that instantly elevates a space. Think leather ottomans, abstract art, or even statement lamps.

If you’re updating a space before listing, this is a smart way to add richness and dimension without major remodeling.

Earthy Greens:  Nature, Inside and Out

Greens continue to trend strong across South Carolina but this year, they’re softer and more organic. Moss, sage, and dill are replacing emerald and olive, giving rooms a natural, restful feel.

Perfect for:

• Entryways or mudrooms in Lake Murray homes
• Kitchen cabinetry with warm brass hardware
• Home offices needing calm focus

Even a touch of earthy green in art, vases, or textured textiles can help your space feel seasonally fresh without a full overhaul.

Easy Ways to Refresh Without Redesign

If you’re not ready for a full re-do, here are a few budget-friendly ways Midlands homeowners are bringing in 2025’s fall trends:

1️⃣ Try a bold accent wall:  A navy, charcoal, or sage wall adds depth to dining rooms, offices, or guest spaces.
2️⃣ Layer texture with color:  Combine mushroom boucle, velvet pillows, and gold lighting for that modern Midlands mix of cozy + classy.
3️⃣ Use seasonal art & accessories:  Swap in art or décor in oxblood, moss, or ochre. It’s subtle, easy to change, and adds an instant update for fall photos or showings.

Designer-Approved Fall Palettes for Midlands Homes

• Navy + Mushroom + Aged Brass
• Plum + Ochre + Soft White
• Moss + Charcoal + Walnut
• Oxblood + Taupe + Brushed Bronze
• Sage + Ivory + Burnished Gold

These combinations feel fresh across Lexington, Columbia, West Columbia, and Chapin homes, whether your style leans modern, farmhouse, or traditional.

A Season for Simple Shifts

Fall in the Midlands invites all of us to slow down, cozy up, and reimagine our spaces. These 2025 color trends bring warmth, calm, and timeless style all without screaming “seasonal décor.”

If you’re thinking about selling this fall or just want design advice that fits your neighborhood and price point, reach out to the Lakeside Team at Real Broker.

We LOVE helping homeowners in Lexington, Lake Murray, Gilbert, and beyond get their spaces, and listings, market-ready.