Top Design Trends For Custom Homes This Fall

Every fall, we see new ideas popping up in custom home design trends. This year, we’re noticing people want homes that feel warm, comfortable, and connected to nature. Folks are picking materials and colors that bring the outdoors in, and more people are asking for smart and practical features. We’ve pulled together a list of the top trends we’re seeing this season. Whether you’re planning a new build or just dreaming, these ideas might spark something for your own place.

Key Takeaways

• Warm earth tones and natural materials are popular for making homes feel cozy and inviting.

• Open spaces, big windows, and indoor-outdoor living make homes feel brighter and more connected to nature.

• Smart tech and bold hardware choices are showing up in more custom homes this fall.

1. Warm Earth Tones

When fall rolls around, we always look forward to adding a little more warmth inside. Warm earth tones, from sandy beige to rich terracotta, are everywhere this season. These colors help create a welcoming, grounded environment that just feels right as the weather cools. We notice clients leaning toward these shades for walls, large furnishings, and even cabinetry. Browns, rusts, and muted greens work especially well when paired with natural textures like wood or linen. Here’s why these hues are having a big moment this fall:

• They echo what’s happening outside, as leaves turn and landscapes soften.

• They’re easy to mix and match with both new and existing décor.

• Earthy tones have a timeless vibe—we don’t get tired of them season after season.

If we had to pick one thing that instantly makes any room cozier for autumn, it would be a shift to these warm, grounded colors. It’s such a simple change, but the impact is real.

2. Natural Stone Accents

Natural stone accents are showing up everywhere in custom homes this fall, and for good reason. Stone brings a sense of authenticity and quiet strength that you just don’t get from synthetic materials. Whether it’s a backsplash, a chunky fireplace surround, or even just a part of the entryway floor, a bit of stone can quickly make a space feel grounded and welcoming.

We see homeowners going with all sorts of stone, but these are the favorites:

• Marble: Classic and versatile, great for kitchens or bathrooms

• Slate: Has that rugged, earthy look that says “fall” without even trying

• Limestone: Soft, subtle, and blends nicely with both modern and traditional styles

When we walk through a finished home with these touches, it’s impossible not to notice the energy that real stone brings to each room. It somehow makes things quieter, cozier, and more interesting all at once.

It doesn’t have to be everywhere—sometimes a single accent wall or a few stone shelves are all you need. Stone naturally pairs well with wood, warm metallics, or neutral colors, so it fits comfortably into almost any design style this season.

3. Sustainable Materials

Right now, more of us want our homes to look good and be better for the planet. That's why we're seeing so many folks request eco-friendly materials. We’re all starting to realize that it’s possible to build beautiful spaces with less waste and smarter choices. It isn’t just about ticking off a box — it’s about knowing that what we put under our roofs matters for the future.

A few ways we’re seeing sustainable materials show up this fall:

• Salvaged wood flooring or beams, bringing warmth and a story to any space

• Recycled metal for accent pieces and hardware

• Insulation made from renewable fibers, like sheep’s wool or hemp

Here’s a simple comparison of common sustainable material options we’ve noticed homeowners considering:

Material	Feature	Popular Use
Bamboo	Grows fast	Flooring, cabinets
Recycled glass	Lowers waste	Countertops, tiles
Cork	Renewable harvest	Floors, wall panels

Choosing sustainable materials isn't only about trends or checklists. It's about building homes where we feel good now and down the line.

4. Open-Concept Living Spaces

Lately, we've seen a real shift toward breaking down walls—literally. Open-concept living spaces are everywhere this season, and for good reason. Combining the kitchen, dining, and living room into one large area totally changes how a home feels and functions. With fewer barriers, we get these bright, airy rooms that are great for both everyday living and bigger gatherings.

This design approach often leads to:

• More natural light moving throughout the house

• Easier flow between rooms, especially for families and guests

• The feeling of a larger space, even in homes that aren’t huge

Plus, it’s way easier to keep an eye on the kids while you’re cooking, or catch up on conversation without missing a beat. One thing we’re still figuring out, though, is how to keep things organized—open layouts make controlling mess a real challenge, since everything’s visible.

Open spaces make life feel less boxed in, but we always have to strike a balance between openness and a little privacy when we need it.

5. Floor-To-Ceiling Windows

When we talk about bringing in light and opening up a space, nothing matches the effect of floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows let the outside in, giving us a true connection to the changing colors of fall. They turn any room into a bright, open space, even on shorter autumn days.

There are a few solid reasons we keep seeing these windows in custom homes:

• They make rooms feel bigger and airier, even if we're working with limited square footage.

• Floor-to-ceiling glass really shows off a great view, turning ordinary backyards or wooded lots into the centerpieces of our homes.

• They help us cut down on artificial lighting during daylight hours, which is good for energy use during fall's longer evenings.

A quick look at some benefits:

Feature	Advantage
More natural light	Lower energy use, healthier feel
Visual connection to outdoors	Boosted mood, relaxing offers
Modern appearance	Clean lines, simple style

Sometimes, it's the simple shift, like installing bigger windows, that makes a home feel completely different come autumn. We keep finding new ways to blend comfort with the best of the outdoors, and these windows keep delivering year after year.

6. Statement Lighting Fixtures

This fall, we're noticing that statement lighting fixtures are grabbing everyone's attention in custom homes. Large, bold lights do more than just brighten a space—they actually set the mood and can show off some real personality. Folks are swapping plain fixtures for ones that really stand out, whether it's a big vintage chandelier, sculptural pendant lights, or unique modern shapes.

Here are a few types of statement fixtures we're seeing more of lately:

• Oversized chandeliers above kitchen islands or dining tables

• Sculptural ceiling lights in living rooms

• Fixtures with mixed materials like glass and wood

• Art-inspired wall sconces in hallways

The neat thing about this trend is the creative freedom it brings. Even a simple room feels special with the right lighting centerpiece. And sometimes, it's the unexpected designs—like wallpapers for lights or fixtures in unusual shapes—that get people talking.

Sometimes, updating the lighting is all it takes to make a room feel completely fresh. When a new fixture catches the sunlight or glows at night, the whole mood really shifts.

7. Textured Wall Finishes

When we plan custom homes these days, flat painted walls just don't have the same appeal they used to. Texture is back in a big way this fall, showing up in subtle but striking ways throughout living spaces. Textured finishes help rooms feel more inviting, breaking up plain surfaces with tactile details and visual interest.

We're seeing a few different techniques make their way into modern design:

• Venetian plaster for a soft, natural look with hints of polish

• Limewash for old-world character and gentle color depth

• 3D panels and wall cladding, adding shadow and shape without feeling too bold

• Subtle troweled or brushed textures in paint for a handcrafted feel

Even understated textured finishes can create warmth and personality in your home, no matter if you lean classic or contemporary.

It’s all about layering. Instead of bold colors, more designers are focusing on different textures to give walls their own personality without overwhelming the space. Whether in the living room or the bedroom, a smart textured wall is easy to care for and a nice change from the ordinary.

8. Indoor-Outdoor Living

We keep seeing more folks wanting to blur the line between their homes and the outdoors, especially in the fall. There's just something about those crisp evenings and golden afternoons that make us want to open up our spaces. Indoor-outdoor living isn't just a trend—it's becoming a must-have for people who love fresh air and natural light.

It's not only about having a patio or a deck. There's a bigger movement at play, and it goes beyond sliding doors. Here’s what we’ve been noticing:

• Retractable walls or wide glass doors that pull back, letting the inside flow straight outdoors

• Covered patios and outdoor kitchens, perfect for entertaining even if the weather gets iffy

• Flooring and furniture choices that carry the same style out onto patios, making indoor and outdoor spaces feel united

• Thoughtful landscaping—think trees for privacy, firepits, and seating that draws you outside

Sometimes the best parts of the house aren't really "inside" or "outside"—they're that comfortable, in-between space where you feel connected to your backyard and still have everything you need close by.

It's clear that in the fall, people want to make use of every bit of sunlight, keep the indoor comfort going, and enjoy the long evenings. And let’s be honest—even a simple morning coffee on a covered porch just feels right this time of year.

9. Smart Home Technology

Bringing smart home technology into our custom homes this fall changes how we experience everyday living. It's not just about convenience—it's about making life more comfortable and safe. We keep noticing that more homeowners want their homes to adapt around their routines, not the other way around. Whether it's the thermostat that learns when we're home, or smart security cameras we can check from anywhere, these systems make home life a little easier.

Here's what we're seeing gain the most popularity:

• Automated lighting systems that adjust throughout the day

• Voice‑activated assistants that manage reminders, shopping lists, and even control appliances

• Smart security features, including doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and remote locks

Feature	What It Does	User Benefit
Smart Thermostat	Adjusts temperature settings	Saves energy, stays cozy
App-Controlled Locks	Lock/unlock doors remotely	Peace of mind
Connected Appliances	Preheat, monitor, or diagnose	Less hassle, more info

Smart home tech isn’t only for tech lovers—it’s quickly becoming part of an everyday routine, quietly running in the background and making things work a bit smoother for all of us.

10. Matte Black Hardware

Matte black hardware is showing up everywhere in custom homes this fall, and honestly, we can't get enough of it. We're seeing this look pop up for everything from cabinet pulls to door handles, and it's making an impact without shouting for attention. The matte finish cuts glare, so it feels a bit understated, while still being modern and interesting. Having hardware in matte black is a smart move for those who want that contemporary look without going overboard.

The reasons we keep coming back to matte black hardware are pretty clear:

• It works well with almost every material—wood, stone, or tile.

• Fingerprints don’t show as much, so there’s less cleaning.

• It holds up to daily use and doesn’t scratch easily.

A lot of us have noticed that matte black hardware gives spaces a fresh, slightly bold feel, but it's easy to match with different color palettes and furniture. Even if the trends change next year, it stays looking sharp and current.

If you're thinking about switching out your handles or faucets, matte black is a safe and stylish pick for the season.

Wrapping Up: This Fall's Custom Home Design Trends

So, that's what we've noticed about custom home design this fall. Trends come and go, but it's always interesting to see which ideas stick around and which ones fade out. We think it's all about making spaces that feel good to live in, whether that's through color, layout, or the little details. If you're thinking about building or updating your home, maybe some of these trends will spark an idea or two. At the end of the day, it's your space—so pick what feels right for you. Thanks for reading, and we hope you found something useful here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we add fall design trends to our current home?

We can add fall design trends to our home by using warm earth colors, adding natural stone details, or switching to matte black fixtures. Even small changes, like new lights or textured walls, can make a big difference.

Are sustainable materials expensive to use in custom homes?

Sustainable materials may cost a bit more at first, but they help us save money over time. They last longer and can lower our energy bills, making them a smart choice for our homes.

What are the benefits of open-concept living spaces?

Open-concept living spaces make our homes feel bigger and brighter. They also let us spend more time together as a family, since there are fewer walls to separate us.