We're enchanted by this paint trend that looks like 'something we adore seeing in nature'

The 'painted arch' is gaining significant traction on Instagram as a new and cost-effective decorating trend, offering a way to introduce architectural detail into homes. This trend is being adopted across various rooms, from hallways and kitchens to living rooms and bedrooms, demonstrating its versatility and broad appeal. Instagram accounts like Lissi (@oxfordone) and Medina (@grillodesigns) are prominent proponents of this style, showcasing how a simple paint application can transform a space. In hallways, a painted arch can create a striking first impression. For instance, a punch-pink arch around a front door can immediately captivate guests and hint at the home's creative interior. Another example features a vibrant coral arch in a kitchen, overlaid with an aquamarine square to enhance its visual impact, serving as an ideal backdrop for display shelves. This layering of colors and shapes within the arch further accentuates its decorative potential. For home offices, the painted arch trend proves to be an addictive and effective way to infuse personality and structure. Medina (@grillodesigns), a known enthusiast, has successfully implemented this trend, highlighting its transformative power even in functional spaces. In living rooms, the arch can be used to frame and embolden artwork, creating a cohesive and art-gallery-like feel. The strategic use of color combinations within the arch can elevate the entire room's aesthetic. Bedrooms also benefit from this trend, where painted arches can cleverly highlight furniture placements, such as bedside tables, or create an illusion of built-in architectural features where none exist. This technique can mimic the sophisticated look of niches or alcoves, adding depth and interest to flat walls. Furthermore, the painted arch can emphasize existing design elements, such as doorframes, by extending the arch effect to frame the space more artistically, effectively transforming a simple doorway into a focal point. Even in homes with actual alcoves, the arch effect can be leveraged by painting the depth in a contrasting color, like white, to make the arch stand out more prominently. This approach allows homeowners to mimic classic architectural elements without significant renovation. The painted arch trend is seen as a contemporary alternative to traditional feature walls, offering a low-budget, high-impact solution for those seeking to refresh their interiors with a modern and artistic touch. #PaintedArch #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #DIYDecor #InstagramTrends #BudgetDecorating #PaintIdeas #ArchitecturalDetail #CreativePainting

Los Angeles designer Alexandra Azat of Plaster and Patina undertook the design of a colonial-revival home's primary suite in Pasadena. Having recently lost her own home, Azat sought to create spaces that provided a sense of safety and visual tranquility. The result is a deeply personal and moody design that emphasizes texture, comfort, and unique aesthetics. The suite encompasses a bedroom, sunroom, sitting area, bathroom, and closet, showcasing how trusting personal instincts and integrating meaningful materials can lead to a beautiful space. Azat describes her style as grounded, utilizing nature-inspired colors, akin to painting a piece of art. Her design approach, termed 'pattern drenching,' can be applied to various homes through five key strategies. First, establishing a rich, nature-inspired color palette is crucial. Azat avoids high-contrast combinations, preferring layered neutrals to build dimension. For instance, in the bedroom, she drew colors from the natural world, incorporating deep browns, earthy reds, and warm honey tones. Her background as a 'horse-girl' influences her frequent use of rich browns, and she advocates for layering tones within a similar color family, such as rust, caramel, and espresso, through fabrics, wall treatments, and natural materials like wood or stone, to prevent stark contrasts in private spaces. Second, patterns are utilized to tell a story. Stripes, checks, and even scenic murals are integrated thoughtfully. In the closet, a hunt scene mural references Azat’s equestrian past, a recurring motif in her work. The main room features a vintage nature-inspired tapestry from Roweam, positioned behind a custom curved sofa, adding old-world charm and serving as a conversation starter. The key to mixing patterns harmoniously is varying their scale and maintaining restraint. For a large bedroom, Azat focused on grounding the space to make it feel livable rather than overwhelming. She suggests pairing patterns of different scales, such as a wide stripe with a small check or a graphic tile with a soft mural, while keeping colors within the same tonal family for cohesion. Third, incorporating texture is vital for creating a soulful atmosphere. Every surface in the suite boasts a unique tactile quality, from Holland & Sherry wool upholstery on the curved sofa to Larsen mohair on the bed. Azat, influenced by her travels through Europe, values furnishings and finishes that possess an aged, authentic character. She highlights finishes that 'are alive,' like imperfect real wood, patinated unlacquered brass, or marble that has 'lived many lives.' Woods are varied, with polished walnut, distressed elm, and other finishes mixed to avoid monotony. She notes that combining old, charming materials with fresh, modern shapes yields an intriguing and appealing result. A practical tip is to combine at least three textures in each room, such as linen curtains, a sisal rug, and a stone table, preferably materials that age gracefully. Fourth, displaying meaningful art and objects personalizes the space. Azat sourced original etchings and paintings from a local Pasadena gallery, ensuring each piece held significance and contributed to the room's authenticity and magic. The bathroom vanity, crafted from walnut, brass, and honey onyx, stands out, especially when paired with curved 'In Common With' sconces and black-border encaustic cement tiles, transforming the space into an elegant retreat. The advice here is to curate rather than just decorate, selecting artwork and items that resonate with one's personal narrative, even if they are imperfect or unconventional. Finally, allowing personal passions to shape the design is paramount. Azat’s profound love for horses deeply influences her design, permeating her work both directly and subtly. This equestrian spirit is evident in elements like the hunt scene mural in the closet and the elegant curves of the furniture, which evoke riding gear and classic English design. This approach encourages individuals to reflect their own formative experiences—travel, hobbies, or childhood memories—in their design choices. Azat provides specific sources for some of the featured items, including Wallshoppe for striped wallpaper, Villa Lagoon Tile for encaustic tiles, Roweam for vintage tapestries, Holland & Sherry for wool upholstery, and Larsen for mohair, suggesting similar options from Interior Define for a custom bed. #PatternDrenching #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PasadenaRenovation #NatureInspiredPalette #TexturalDesign #PersonalizedSpaces #EquestrianInfluence #AlexandraAzat

The current interior design trend emphasizes desert-inspired palettes and natural materials, moving away from past extremes of overly warm terracotta or bland minimalism. This shift focuses on creating interiors that are timeless, warm, and grounded, resonating with a desire for spaces that feel authentic and connected to the natural world. A prime example is the Desert Wash Residence in Scottsdale by Kendle Design Collaborative, which utilizes actual rammed earth walls instead of painted surfaces, showcasing the material's natural stripes of rose and sand that change with the light. Inside, bright white plaster and warm oak, accented with thin steel frames, maintain a quiet and cohesive aesthetic. The designer, Kendle, highlights that color is not merely decoration but reflects geology, climate, and memory. Rammed-earth construction also offers practical benefits, such as natural insulation that helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without relying on technology. This trend signals a broader desire for homes that feel lived-in and comfortable, rather than cold, minimalist spaces. There's a renewed appreciation for tactile surfaces like clay plaster, linen curtains, and terrazzo. Modern terrazzo often incorporates recycled stone and glass, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces and offering a durable, aesthetically pleasing flooring option with unique color flecks that complement the desert aesthetic. Innovation in sustainable materials further supports this movement, with products like rice husk boards emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wood. Made from agricultural waste, these boards offer a pale, sandy wood-like appearance and are designed to age gracefully. This emphasis on honest materials means embracing imperfections and the natural wear that adds character over time. Achieving this aesthetic at home doesn't require extensive renovations. Incorporating small elements like clay-colored throws, terracotta planters, and layered warm shades can create a similar inviting atmosphere. Matte black accents can add a sharp contrast to warm palettes. Crucially, lighting plays a vital role; warm, soft lighting, akin to candlelight, enhances the textures and colors of natural materials, avoiding the harshness of cool LEDs. This approach extends to outdoor spaces, with designers creating low, cinematic lighting for water features that flatter the environment rather than intensely spotlighting it. This design philosophy prioritizes creating an emotionally calming environment, particularly in private spaces like bedrooms, using blush linens and sand-colored rugs for relaxation. The trend is also being adopted in children's rooms, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering tranquil atmospheres. The enduring appeal of these spaces lies in their use of materials built to last—rammed earth, reusable terrazzo, and upcycled rice husk boards—which age beautifully and connect inhabitants to the land, representing a departure from fleeting trends towards a more grounded and authentic living experience. #InteriorDesign #DesertColors #NaturalMaterials #SustainableDesign #RammedEarth #Terrazzo #EcoFriendlyMaterials #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalTrends

The year 2024 brings forth a captivating array of Colors of the Year, with a predominant focus on soothing earth tones, deep moody hues, and diverse shades of blue. These selections, announced by various paint and design experts, reflect a collective yearning for connection, tranquility, and a blend of modern and traditional aesthetics in home interiors. The overarching trend leans towards nature-inspired palettes, encouraging a sense of calm, warmth, and sophistication in living spaces. Rust-Oleum introduces Satin French Blue, a versatile mid-tone blue spray paint chosen for its ability to revitalize furniture and objects, infusing spaces with joy. It pairs well with crisp whites for a coastal feel or complements moody jewel tones. Pantone's Peach Fuzz, a warm and welcoming shade, promotes closeness and connection, offering a tactile embrace and a modern elegance suitable for relaxation and contemporary design. Benjamin Moore's Blue Nova, a rich and grounded blue, balances depth with classic appeal, representing the fusion of modern and traditional styles, and is complemented by a 2024 color trends report featuring creamy gray, muted orange, pewter gray, deep green, and hazy purple. C2 Paint's Thermal, a mid-tone blue reminiscent of fall skies and winter scenes, aims to restore and redefine mood, fostering loyalty, trust, and confidence. It is ideal for creating soothing bedrooms or relaxing kitchen hangouts and is part of a capsule collection including Brulee and Marshland, inspired by natural color pairings. Dunn-Edwards offers Skipping Stones, a cool, breezy blue that adds mystery and thoughtfulness, signifying a shift from bold, warm-toned colors. It's versatile for accent walls or front doors, designed for timeless appeal. Krylon's Bluebird, a pale pastel with a bold touch, is designed for 'dopamine decor,' sparking joy and contentment. It harmonizes with both warm and cool shades, making it excellent for updating furniture or outdoor accent pieces. Sherwin-Williams presents Upward SW 6239, a bright and breezy blue that promotes peacefulness, encouraging a sense of ease and possibility. It can function as a neutral, accented with earth tones, or used for accent walls and wainscoting. Minwax's Bay Blue wood stain caters to both coastal and sophisticated aesthetics, reflecting the popularity of ocean-inspired shades and the coastal grandmother trend. It empowers DIYers to create custom looks on various wood surfaces. Glidden’s Limitless, a warm, nearly-yellow neutral, is highly adaptable and designed to blend with both warm and cool tones, taking the place of cooler grays. This champagne-inspired shade makes spaces feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming. Finally, Behr’s Cracked Pepper, a deep charcoal hue, adds sophistication and confidence to any space. This versatile, almost-black neutral adapts to diverse design styles from midcentury modern to farmhouse, blending organically with landscapes and plants. #ColorOfTheYear #HomeDecor #PaintTrends #InteriorDesign #NatureInspiredTones #BlueHues #EarthTones #ColorPsychology #DIYProjects

In contemporary interior design, a noticeable shift has occurred from sleek, modern aesthetics, characterized by materials like glass, chrome, and polished wood, towards a softer, more naturalistic approach. This evolution in taste is evident in the increasing popularity of elements such as rattan, cane chairs, ceramics, linen, shearling, and primitive wood pieces, which are becoming staples in many homes. Complementing these layered neutrals is an ancient paint technique known as limewash, which, despite its long history, is experiencing a significant resurgence. Limewash paint offers a unique aesthetic that has captivated designers and homeowners alike. Interior designer Jake Arnold, founder of The Expert, highlights the influence of figures like Axel Vervoordt, who championed textured walls long before they became a widespread trend. Arnold emphasizes that these raw, organic materials provide a rich backdrop, utilizing plaster walls in most of his projects to achieve this effect, employing both darker and warmer tones depending on the specific space. Oliver Gustav, a designer recognized for his warm gray and beige palettes, describes his own journey with limewash paint. His experience began thirteen years ago when he moved into a historic mansion in Copenhagen. Due to strict cultural heritage regulations, he was initially presented with a color study suggesting bright blues, reds, and yellows. However, Gustav successfully proposed a scheme inspired by the paintings of Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershøi, incorporating gray pigments in limestone paint. This experience cemented his fascination with this type of paint and wall finish, making it a cornerstone of his aesthetic at Studio Oliver Gustav. The history of limewash paint dates back to the Roman Empire. Traditionally, it is made from crushed, burned limestone mixed with water to create a lime putty, which is then colored with natural pigments. Jamie Davis, co-founder of Portola Paints & Glazes, established the company with his brother Casey in 1998, driven by an appreciation for the natural beauty of limestone and Roman Clay. He explains that limewash paints are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and contribute to better indoor air quality, while also possessing an inherent beauty. Originally, these paints served as breathable antifungal finishes for various surfaces, from plaster exteriors to tree trunks in tropical climates. Beyond its environmental benefits, the distinctive appearance of limewash paint is a primary draw. Davis notes a current design trend that skillfully blends old and new, elevating the concept of textured walls. Unlike the Venetian plaster and faux finishes popular a decade or two ago, today's textured walls offer a sophisticated way to add design elements without relying on bold colors. Portola Paints offers both Lime Wash and Roman Clay, which, while often used interchangeably, have distinct application methods. Roman Clay is applied with a putty knife or trowel, resulting in a smooth, soft texture, whereas Lime Wash is brush-applied, yielding a more suede-like finish. Both techniques achieve the desired mottled appearance and layered quality, producing cool grays, warm tans, browns, and rich whites and ivories. The visual depth created by the lime interacting with pigments is key to this effect, with lighter shades appearing understated and deeper tones exhibiting more texture and variation. Modern formulations, such as those by Portola Paints, now allow individuals to achieve these effects on various surfaces with the aid of reformulated primers, making this ancient technique accessible to a broader audience. #LimewashPaint #InteriorDesignTrends #EcoFriendlyDecor #TexturedWalls #NaturalisticDesign #HomeDecoration #PaintTechniques #OliverGustav #JakeArnold