10 Fall Design Motifs
These fall design motifs are here to stay! Let's explore some eye-catching examples.
Welcome to autumn! It’s a special time of bountiful harvests and celebrations. The days may be shorter, but inspiration is endless.
The minute Labor Day ends, Americans are ready to decorate for fall. Front doors are covered with festive wreaths or hand-painted signs. Stoops are incomplete without pumpkins, bats, ghosts, skeletons, and other iconic symbols. From greeting cards and candles to soaps and coffees, stores usher in the “cozy” aesthetic!
What are some brands that jump on the holiday bandwagon? Olipop, Dunkin’ Donuts, Target, Magnolia Home, Yankee Candle, Le Creuset, and Casetify are only a handful.
One significant case study is Starbucks. Inspired by the success of their Peppermint Mocha, they launched the PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) in 2004. According to AdAge: “Starbucks has sold hundreds of millions of ‘PSLs’ totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Lifetime PSL sales will soon surpass the $1 billion threshold.”1 Love it or hate it, the Pumpkin Spice phenomenon is here to stay. Since Starbucks formulated this blend, it has taken the world by storm.
Everyone is familiar with traditional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove. Yet, “Pumpkin Spice” has become the quintessential fall flavor. Capitalizing on this trend, companies have created candles, soaps, lip balms, pasta, and even dog treats.
Do fall marketing trends and designs influence buying habits? The answer is a resounding yes. The Harris Poll discovered that 73% of U.S. adults will likely purchase seasonal or limited-run fall grocery items. Those in the 35-54 age range, especially women, increase the odds to 83%!
But what causes this frenzy? Holidays provide a wondrous escape. For many, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas represent the best times. Families enjoy game nights. Friends take part in potlucks and movie nights. Fairs award ribbons for the “best apple pie.” Schools host fall dances. Local farmer’s markets and festivals showcase live musicians. There is always an event on the calendar to look forward to!
What comes to mind when you think of fall? Let’s explore the magic of the season with 10 design motifs!
Warm & Neutral Color Palettes
Goldenrod, tangerine, burgundy, and coffee hues are only the beginning of autumnal color palettes!
Comforting neutrals are also easy on the eyes. Some of the favorites are porcelain, beige, mauve, and sage.
What is the common theme? These color palettes are inspired by the natural world and fall traditions!
Handmade Fonts
Cursive fonts evoke the past. They remind people of inked letters or love notes. Even if some variations are less legible, they still resonate with audiences and feel unmistakably imperfect, endearing, and personal.
During autumn, creatives are also inclined to incorporate uppercase types. Most are minimalistic, yet impactful.
Fall signs tend to juxtapose both styles!
Natural Elements
Fall decor brings the great outdoors inside. Leaves, mushrooms, acorns, pinecones, branches, and feathers are widely sought-after.
Bold Silhouettes
There is nothing like striking sunsets behind a tree-lined mountain range or brisk fall evenings with the fireplace blazing bright. Many artists spread bold silhouettes of plants, sweaters, or scarves across their works.
Charming Characters
Adorable critters like squirrels, raccoons, birds, and deer play big roles in the grand fall story! Designers even bring pumpkins, ghosts, and skeletons to life. These charming characters can serve as mascots in and around homes or stores. They’re even popular amongst brands with seasonal campaigns!
Intricate Patterns
Intricate patterns are everywhere during fall! On napkins, plates, stationery, shirts, blankets, and other physical products.
In the digital space, they are common across websites, posters, and social media posts.
Organic Textures
Speaking of nature, this season’s designs are filled with organic textures that add realism and dimension.
Special Effects
Fall graphics emulate artistic techniques like watercolors, pastels, and stamps. These “special effects” transport viewers.
Vintage Styles
It’s no secret that people are nostalgic during the holidays. To this day, retro commercials, posters, billboards, and print ads inspire artists and designers around the globe.
Fall designs incorporate vintage styles including key symbols, patterns, fonts, mascots, and dynamic compositions.
Layered Artwork
Most posters and shirts contain layered artwork. A stereotypical design might feature a central character (pumpkin or ghost), supporting elements (flowers or sparkles), a catchphrase, and a background pattern (checkerboard).
Where did this motif originate from? Collages and scrapbooks!
Which of these fall design motifs is your favorite?
Warm and neutral color palettes
Handmade fonts
Natural elements
Bold silhouettes
Charming characters
Intricate patterns
Organic textures
Special effects
Vintage styles
Layered artwork.
Let us know in the comments below!