Fall is slowly knocking at the door, and interior design maverick Mia Johnson has the key. As homeowners trade the bright hues of summer for autumn’s rich palettes, we sat down with the Behr Paint Designer Council member and founder of Mia Johnson Interior Design to decode the colors defining the season—and how to bring them into your home without a complete overhaul.

With 15 years of transforming spaces under her belt, Johnson has developed what clients call her “sixth sense”— an almost eerie ability to match personalities with palettes. Unlike designers who force clients into current trends, Mia’s spaces feel autobiographical, as if the rooms themselves are telling their occupants’ stories. Her work balances intellectual design theory with a gut-level comfort, creating environments that photograph beautifully, but more importantly, feel like home when the cameras are gone.

This philosophy explains her cult following among both design enthusiasts and practical homeowners looking for livable luxury. As we dive into fall’s most compelling color directions, Johnson offers insights that feel less like design dictates and more like permission slips to experiment. Whether you’re contemplating a complete color overhaul or just flirting with the idea of an accent wall, her perspective might be the inspiration you need to finally retire that paint chip you’ve had taped to your wall since last spring.

Painting Tips For Beginners:

“When it comes to painting, beginners often focus on just picking a color, but the details make all the difference,” Johnson says. “I always recommend looking at undertones, that’s where mistakes usually happen. A beige that leans pink or yellow will look completely different once it’s up against your flooringNeed a Refresh? The Top Fall Paint Colors to Try This Season or countertops. Scale matters too, paint at least a 2′ x 2′ sample so you can really see how the color reads across a larger surface.”

Behr Paint Colors To Keep In Mind For Fall 2025:

Death by Chocolate

“I love Death by Chocolate for its richness. It has that cocoa-meets-red-wine depth that instantly makes a dining room or library feel more dramatic,” Johnson advises.

French Truffle

“French Truffle is a softer, indulgent brown that works beautifully in living spaces,” says the interior designer. “It’s cozy without being heavy and pairs so well with textured fabrics or natural stone.”

Chakra

“Chakra is bold and playful. I’d use it sparingly, on an accent wall or in a creative space,” Johnson explains. “This color will bring personality without overwhelming the room.”

Stonewashed Brown

“Stonewashed Brown is such a versatile neutral,” says Johnson. “It has that subtle sandstone effect that makes it a great choice for all-over walls where you want calm sophistication.”

Hidden Gem

“And of course, Hidden Gem, Behr’s Color of the Year, is a favorite. It’s a lush green that feels timeless,” Johnson says.