Autumn is here! Which means I have a themed material palette for you! I created this palette for the Design Resource Center and Campfire Collaborative Architecture & Design firm, where I work part time while wrapping up my interiors degree.

This palette features the rich changing colors of fall with natural accents and cozy textures.

This got me thinking about another way that I create material palettes - starting with a theme. This is both an easy and difficult way to start material selection. The tough part is choosing materials that aren’t too cliche for your theme… the pieces should still have interest and value, without being cheesy, over-used, or outdated. But, it can be easy in terms of putting together colors that are already defined for your theme - like the autumn season, warm rich colors.

In this palette, I love the leaf upholstery. It exhibits the falling leaves of autumn without the overly garish patterns you often see for autumn with brown maple leaves and pears. The textures I brought in balance the crispness of the brisk fall air through smooth and hard materials with the coziness we seek during the season through soft and plush materials.

Themes like these can be a fun way to explore material selection, because you learn how to create a palette that speaks to something specific (like a season) but can still function beautifully during anytime of the year. Try it out next time you get your hands on materials.

Check out the Design Resource Center’s instagram, link below.