Autumn Palette

Autumn Palette Style Stories


Darren Palmer has a broad portfolio, having studied fine art & graphic design, originally working in advertising and owning his own graphic design company. After succumbing to his true passion, Darren now operates his own interior design studio and has been a judge on numerous seasons of The Block.

If you’re looking for an autumn colour update that embraces the big trends predicted for this year - look no further than nature for your inspiration. The colours of autumn, whilst generally warmer tones, are predicted for 2018 to be more muted and greyed, whilst still packing a punch of nature-inspired colour. Look down at the leaves on the ground for a starting point. What do you see? Reds, oranges and yellows, some turning to brown, some still clinging to green. There you have the basis of your autumn 2018 colour palette.

Reds this year are about deep, dark and sultry maroons.

It’s a rich and dark tone, leaning into brown and orange hues and moving away from the pink or purple based colours that typically come to mind. It’s a sophisticated elevation of a colour that otherwise could be relegated. 

Brown and orange based colours seem to be the direction du jour across the palette for autumn this year.

Terracotta, quintessentially a blend of orange and brown, will get an uptick of saturation, giving the potentially dreary colour a fresh boost. 

Saffron is the yellow of the year.

A deep and rich gold colour, with ochre undertones, saffron feels lush and glorious. We’re not referring to sun yellow, sand yellow, canary yellow or any of the more brash and bold yellows. Saffron is something that invokes ideas of spices and the orient, of rarity and luxury. Blend these orange and brown tones together, just like you see in nature, and you have a winning combination for your sofa or bedroom soft furnishings update. If that’s all a bit too warm for you, never fear, there is a compliment to foil the warmth, without leaving you cold. Olive, again with the dial turned up in terms of saturation but still with a greyed base, becomes the perfect addition to your style. You can find a nice balance through accessories, homewares and other soft furnishing inclusions. Cushions, throws and even artwork or plants will bide you over the cooler months until nature comes back out to play.

Autumn Palette Flooring Inspiration

Get the Carpet Court Look

1. Engrained in Ironbark

2. Palazzo in Mocha Oak Matt