Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to expert commentary from interior designer Rebekah Murphy, co-founder of Murphy & Moore Design, as published in The Spruce.

As autumn approaches, many homeowners reach for pumpkins, hay bales, and 'Hello Fall' signs to celebrate the season. But according to interior designer Rebekah Murphy, co-founder of Murphy & Moore Design, these common choices can actually make a home look cluttered and inexpensive. In a recent interview, Murphy shared seven fall decorating pitfalls to avoid, along with practical swaps that prioritize natural materials and thoughtful styling.

Murphy emphasizes that the most successful fall decor is built on atmosphere rather than accessories. “Fall decor feels most elevated when it is layered in thoughtfully rather than copied from a Pinterest board,” she said. “Fall is about slowing down and embracing a cozy feeling. The best seasonal decor starts with atmosphere, not accessories, and focuses on building warmth through texture, mood, and color.”

Her advice comes at a time when many retailers are pushing mass-produced seasonal items, but Murphy warns that these often miss the mark. “Some fall decorating trends have aged poorly because they rely on mass-produced items rather than thoughtful design,” she noted. “Mantels crammed with faux leaves, glittered pumpkins, and 'Hello Fall' signs feel more party store than personal.”

Natural Materials Over Mass-Produced Decor

Murphy suggests swapping synthetic decorations for natural materials such as linen, wool, leather, wood, ceramic, and aged brass. She also recommends incorporating dried florals, branches, and textured pottery to add depth. A muted color palette—rust, olive, ochre, burgundy, charcoal, and warm neutrals like oatmeal, taupe, and clay—can create a sophisticated look that feels cohesive with the rest of the home.

One of the most common mistakes she sees is over-styling coffee tables with themed trays and small trinkets. “Prioritize quality over quantity,” Murphy advises. Instead of multiple themed objects, she suggests a single arrangement of dried florals in a handmade vase. “Drape a cozy blanket over a chair instead of displaying a bowl of fake acorns, and avoid over-styling so the space feels lived-in rather than stiff.”

Dining Tables and Porches: Avoid the 'Party Store' Look

When it comes to dining tables, Murphy cautions against plastic pumpkins and burlap accents, which she says “often look cheap under natural light.” She recommends replacing plastic with natural pumpkins, and swapping burlap and faux foliage for linen, raw wood, or dried botanicals. A linen runner, tapered candles, and moody-toned fruit can elevate the table setting.

Front porches are another area where homeowners often go overboard. “Porches stacked with hay bales, scarecrows, and identical pumpkins can resemble roadside farm stands,” Murphy said. She suggests replacing scarecrows and hay bales with planters filled with ornamental kale, grasses, or pansies. Mixing heirloom pumpkins with potted mums, real candles in lanterns, and wood crates can add height and variety without looking staged.

Lawn Ornaments and Faux Foliage: Less Is More

Lawn ornaments, such as inflatable turkeys or solar-powered pumpkins, are another trend Murphy advises against. “These choices tend to feel staged, repetitive, and disconnected from the home’s character,” she said. Instead, she recommends focusing on natural elements that complement the home’s architecture.

Faux foliage is another common culprit. Overly bright plastic leaves can look garish and off-putting. Murphy suggests choosing handmade or foraged wreaths made of eucalyptus, dried hydrangea, or bare branches instead of store-bought versions.

Novelty Pillows: A Cheesy Final Touch

Finally, Murphy warns against seasonal novelty pillows, which she describes as cheesy and saccharine. “Skip novelty throw pillows in favor of bouclé, wool, or mohair in seasonal tones,” she said. The key, she adds, is to blend seasonal pieces seamlessly into the existing home. “Start with what you already have and build on your current palette and style so seasonal pieces complement rather than compete.”

Murphy’s approach reflects a broader trend in interior design toward sustainability and personal expression, moving away from disposable, one-size-fits-all decorations. By focusing on texture, color, and natural materials, homeowners can create a fall atmosphere that feels both welcoming and refined.