Noz Nozawa’s ‘earth-toned rainbow’ of brick reds, burnt oranges and turquoise blues

The article explores how to effectively integrate bold colors into home interiors, drawing insights from designer Noz Nozawa’s work at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach. Many individuals are often reluctant to use vibrant shades in their homes due to concerns about overwhelming the space. However, the Show House demonstrated that vivid colors can significantly enhance a room’s atmosphere and encourage more daring design choices. Nozawa emphasizes that color holds substantial power in transforming a room’s mood or purpose. Nozawa, a San Francisco-based designer, provides practical advice for incorporating bold colors. She suggests that before selecting a color palette, individuals should observe colors that naturally attract them in their surroundings. This involves paying attention to hues noticed outside the home and reflecting on how they evoke certain feelings. Understanding personal preferences for colors, or lack thereof, serves as a crucial starting point for interior designers. Nozawa also notes that seeking a decorator’s advice, even for a color consultation, can help translate external color inspirations into suitable interior schemes. Once a primary color is chosen, consideration can then be given to the extent of its application and the complementary shades it will be paired with. Furthermore, Nozawa advocates for the use of color theory, specifically referring to the color wheel, to identify suitable complementary shades. For instance, when working with a warm, vibrant color, she often selects a bold cool shade from the opposite side of the color wheel to achieve balance within the room. While the color wheel is a useful guide, Nozawa also highlights the value of experimentation and intuition in creating compelling color schemes. She recounts how an unexpected combination of lavender with olive greens and tomato reds emerged from discovering a particular textile. This highlights her belief that some of the most exciting color palettes originate from physically experimenting with fabric swatches and paint chips to assess their aesthetic appeal. For those venturing into bright colors, Nozawa recommends minimizing the use of multiple patterns, suggesting that solid colors are easier for the brain to process without causing a sense of being overwhelmed. The objective is to achieve a harmonious balance that prevents guests from feeling overly stimulated by a colorful environment. Conversely, if patterns are preferred, she advises choosing designs with a limited color story to guide the overall room palette. Nozawa also encourages a bold approach, rather than starting with small accents like pillows or rugs. She asserts that a strong desire for vibrant change often indicates a readiness to fully embrace bold shades. She points out that even if an initial bold choice is not entirely satisfactory, colors can always be re-influenced or altered by introducing other layers of color or patterns, implying that color is dynamic and can be adjusted through further experimentation. #InteriorDesign #ColorTheory #HomeDecor #BoldColors #NozNozawa #KipsBayShowHouse #DecoratingTips #InteriorStyling

Terra cotta, with its rich blend of orange, red, and brown, is presented as a trending color choice that offers both vibrancy and neutrality to interior design. This article showcases nine distinct products, ranging from fabrics and furniture to tiles and wallcoverings, all featuring terra cotta-inspired hues, highlighting how this earthy tone can bring warmth and character to various living spaces. Each product is detailed with its unique features, materials, and design inspiration, offering designers and enthusiasts a curated selection of items to incorporate this popular color into their projects. First on the list is the Toulin Fabric in Russet from Romo, which combines a clean-lined, large-scale diamond motif with stippled, ikat-style edges and a brushed cotton-linen ground, providing a softened, yet statement-making textile. Following this, Élitis introduces the Vernon Fabric in Grand Canyon, a vibrant water-resistant jacquard designed to enhance poolside aesthetics with its bold color. Lulu and Georgia feature the Yucca Sofa in Rose Vintage Velvet by Carly Cushnie, a plush piece characterized by pillow-like armrests and channel-tufted upholstery, emphasizing comfort and visual appeal. For wall applications, Thibaut offers the Lauderdale Wallpaper in Pumpkin, a basketweave-style paper crafted from woven palm leaves. This particular design comes in nine colorways, with Pumpkin being a burnt-orange option. New Ravenna presents the Luca Mosaic in Rojo Alicante, a mosaic crafted from a variety of stones, including clay-colored Rojo Alicante marble, drawing inspiration from Venetian architecture. This piece is described as striking and luxurious. Romo also features the Aerial Fabric in Clove by Kirkby Design, a sustainable option woven from 63 percent recycled cotton. This fabric is notable for its graphic mixed-pile pattern, which is inspired by the intricate designs found in crop circles. Ngala Trading introduces the Woven Outdoor Dining Chair in Zanzibar, a weather-safe chair made from 100 percent recyclable cane fibers and available in various powder-coated colorways, including the rusty red-orange Zanzibar. Ultrasuede contributes to the selection with the HP 3586 Fabric in Terra, a high-performance fabric made from partially plant-based polyester. This fabric, available in 97 solid colors, offers a buttery soft suede-like finish. Finally, Porter Teleo showcases the In the Wild Wallcovering in Cadmium Red, a hand-painted wallcovering featuring unruly linework in a shell-themed design, which creates an illusion of rhythm and movement. The products are sourced from BOH’s Collections vertical, which highlights new debuts from leading brands in the industry. #TerraCotta #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EarthyTones #FabricDesign #Furniture #Wallcoverings #Textiles #DesignTrends

The article details a color palette report from WGSN, a global authority on consumer trends, and Coloro, a leader in color excellence, predicting the dominant hues for autumn and winter 2027 and 2028. This forecast identifies four key colors: russet, peaceful lilac, maize, and deep green. The selection of these colors is attributed to current societal conditions, including global conflicts and economic instability, reflecting a consumer need for comfort, restoration, and purpose. Clare Smith, Senior Color Strategist at WGSN, emphasizes that each color in the palette contributes to impactful messaging, ranging from feelings of freedom and expression to trust and groundedness, aligning with prevailing consumer emotions. The report elaborates on each of the four predicted colors and their potential applications within home interiors. Russet, a red-brown pigment, is described as reminiscent of fertile land, ripening fruit, and autumn. Its earthy tone conveys feelings of groundedness, emotional stability, reassurance, and courage. This shade is seen as broadly appealing across cultures, satisfying an appetite for deep, visually soothing colors. In interior design, russet can introduce a dramatic and rich touch to a room, effectively commanding the space. Peaceful lilac, a futuristic light purple, is intended to balance darker tones within the broader palette. It is associated with rave culture and an expansion of consciousness, catering to individuals seeking heightened sensory experiences and empowerment for both internal reflection and external engagement. This modern pastel offers lightness and an energetic quality to home spaces, allowing for sophisticated and fresh design interpretations. Maize is presented as a warm, radiant golden hue with wide seasonal appeal, offering a richer alternative to butter yellow. Evoking images of grains, maize embodies nurturing and grounded qualities, resonating with a growing cultural emphasis on sustainability and respect for resources. This joyful tone is designed to inspire optimism and happiness, making it suitable for kitchens, living rooms, and sunrooms. Its richness lends a luxurious feel, similar to ochre or amber. Finally, deep green is characterized as an opulent, mysterious hue that captures the haunting beauty of nature's wild essence. This color aims to evoke both empowerment and melancholy, drawing consumers in with its emotional depth. Positioned as a sophisticated alternative to black, deep green offers broad, gender-inclusive appeal for modern design. It is anticipated to make a significant statement in intimate, curated home spaces, appearing on walls, furnishings, and decorative accents. The article underscores that while home design should not solely revolve around trends, color forecasting remains crucial for both new builds and refreshing existing spaces, illustrating the evolution from minimalist grays and millennial pinks to today's preference for rich, moody jewel tones. #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WGSN #Coloro #Russet #PeacefulLilac #Maize #DeepGreen

This article explores the rising popularity and versatile application of the blue-green color combination in home decor. While not a novel pairing, its current resurgence is marked by specific tonal variations: a moody sage green and a blue with a subtle periwinkle hint. This distinct interpretation creates an alluring dynamic that is both complementary and subtly contrasting, appealing to both seasoned decorators and those new to design. The piece highlights various ways to integrate this classic yet reinvented duo into different areas of a home, offering practical inspiration for readers. The article demonstrates the application of the blue-green combination on walls, citing photographer Annabel Mehran’s LA home as an example, where blue details accent the walls and a moody sage is introduced through a sculptural coffee table in the living room. For furnishings, the suggestion is to rethink kitchen table arrangements, proposing a green table with blue chairs, or vice versa, and noting how Bar Botanique effectively utilizes this concept with an unexpected yellow accent. The material suggestions include green marble for tabletops and velvet for seating to create visual and tactile contrast. Another low-commitment approach involves incorporating the color pairing through dinnerware. The article encourages mixing and matching patterns, showcasing an intricately decorated set complemented by lighter-colored options with pink and red accents. For more permanent fixtures, the use of blue-green in geometric tiles is presented, drawing inspiration from an LA home where a vivid pairing appears in the flooring of a modern bathroom, set against a sleek vanity and warm wood paneling. This subtly integrated trend demonstrates an understated yet impactful design choice. Finally, the article suggests using art as a high-impact, low-effort method to introduce the blue-green trend. It recommends an oversized piece of wall art in a room devoid of superfluous decor, especially when placed against a colorful backdrop. Specific paint recommendations, Farrow & Ball's Pitch Blue and Calke Green, are provided for those looking to paint their walls in these hues. The overall message emphasizes the timeless appeal and modern versatility of the blue-green color combination, offering numerous ways for individuals to incorporate it into their living spaces. #ColorCombo #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #BlueGreen #DesignInspiration #ColorTrends #HomeStyling #DecoratingTips

The article details significant interior colour trends emerging in Australia for 2025, emphasizing how diverse palettes are reshaping home aesthetics. It highlights the crucial role of colour choice in creating spaces that reflect personal style and complement lifestyle. New build markets and insights from leading paint brands like Wattyl, Dulux, Haymes Paint, and Taubmans are central to identifying these evolving trends, which collectively aim to introduce warmth, nostalgia, and modern vibrancy into residential interiors. Four major colour trends are identified and discussed. The first trend is 'Warm neutrals,' presented as the foundational element for room palettes, offering tranquility and refined elegance. Wattyl's "new neutral" shades, such as Warm Sand, are noted for their compatibility with natural, organic materials, making them suitable for various rooms including kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. Dulux contributes to this with its Still palette, featuring calming shades like Mellow Beige and Clay Pipe. Haymes Paint draws inspiration from Australia's diverse landscapes, offering natural tones like Sand Haze, which provides a serene effect through its desaturated quality. Taubmans extends this category with Manhattan Snow and Stowe White, reinforcing the enduring versatility of warm neutrals. Secondly, 'Earth shades' reflect a growing commitment to sustainability and biophilic design. Haymes' Daintree palette, inspired by ancient rainforests, includes deep greens, mossy hues, and earthy browns, with Contrast, a yellow/green, evoking the Eucalyptus flower. Dulux's Clay Court (from the Still collection) and Faded Terracotta (from the Recollect palette) are highlighted for their grounding qualities, connecting residents to the natural world. Terracotta, particularly, is a popular choice in new build styling, as seen in Sarazin's Murcia Residences. Wattyl's desert-inspired terracottas, such as Terracotta Tone, add depth and can complement softer pastels and vibrant yellows and reds. The third trend, 'Rustic reds,' brings vibrancy and a sense of history to interiors. These shades are designed to create lively atmospheres that honor craftsmanship and heritage, serving as prominent focal points. Dulux's Recollection palette includes impactful hues like Red Clown and Auburn Flair, aligning with a forecast for rich burgundies and wine hues to gain prominence in residential design. Haymes Paint offers deep reds, like Worn Red, inspired by Australian landscapes, which are ideal for 'colour drenching' techniques. Taubmans’ Rebel Wine is recommended for living and theatre areas in its 2025 Colour Trends guide. Finally, 'Dynamic blues' are emerging as a significant trend, infusing modern energy into spaces. Dulux's Justice, part of its Emerge palette, represents a contemporary blend of serenity and bold expression. Haymes Paint’s Colours of Australia collection includes vibrant blues like Mindful and Faded Blue, perfect for creating tranquil sleeping environments. Sherridon Homes exemplifies the effective use of blue to achieve both modern and comfortable aesthetics in designs like its Lakeport home. These blues are particularly effective in fresh architectural contexts, providing cool and calming influences in well-lit interiors. #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #WarmNeutrals #EarthShades #RusticReds #DynamicBlues #AustralianDesign #NewBuilds

The world is home to an incredible array of diverse buildings, with some standing out for their vibrant hues. This article explores 38 of the most colourful homes across the globe, showcasing how cultural, architectural, and social circumstances contribute to their striking appearances. From candy-striped huts in Portugal to hillside neighbourhoods in Mexico transformed with murals, these properties demonstrate that personality can be expressed boldly on the exterior of a home, not just within its interiors. Key examples include Zhengbin Fishing Port in Keelung, Taiwan, where 16 vibrantly-hued houses line the river bank, and Rainbow Row in Oklahoma City, USA, featuring six three-storey, candy-coloured homes designed by architect Sam Day. Indonesia's Kalisari Rainbow Village, or Kampung Pelangi, received a government-funded glow-up in 2017 to attract tourists, transforming buildings and bridges into multi-coloured murals. In New York, USA, artist Katwise and her partner transformed a rundown farm into a psychedelic wonderland with every colour imaginable, funding their renovations by making patchwork coats from old sweaters. The Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town, South Africa, is known for its brightly painted houses, a tradition that began when freed enslaved people painted their homes in celebration after being allowed to purchase them. Jodhpur, India, is nicknamed the 'Blue City' due to its many blue homes, a colour believed to help keep interiors cool and deter termites. Italy’s Cinque Terre region features vividly decorated houses cascading down steep hillsides, where fishermen reportedly painted their homes in bright tones to spot them from sea. Las Palmitas in Pachuca, Mexico, saw a community project by the 'German Crew' transform a downtrodden area into a living art mural with rainbow-hued homes. Yves Saint Laurent’s Villa Oasis in Marrakesh, Morocco, is a vivid celebration of colour, Art Deco, and Moorish design. Poznań, Poland’s Old Market Square boasts Renaissance-style merchant houses, each unique with mismatched colours and patterns, rebuilt after World War II. Venezuela features old, traditional houses resembling abstract paintings, with strong colour pairings and bold lines. In Pattaya, Thailand, the Xanadu Beach Resort showcases elaborately painted accommodations. Burano, Italy, one of Venice's islands, is known for its rainbow-painted homes, a tradition thought to help fishermen locate their houses in the fog. Valparaíso, Chile, has houses painted with leftover ship paints, creating a vibrant, colourful town. Vienna, Austria, features the Hundertwasserhaus, an unusual apartment building designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, with an art-like quality and colourful exterior. Portland, Oregon’s Nob Hill neighbourhood is filled with historic Victorian and Craftsman homes painted in pretty hues. Singapore's Little India district is home to many bold structures, including a multicoloured, century-old Chinese villa. Ilulissat, Greenland, features brightly painted buildings where colours historically indicated function, and now serve as decoration. Guatapé, Colombia, is dubbed the world's most colourful town, with everything from doorways to balconies painted in eye-catching colours. London’s Primrose Hill and Notting Hill boast pastel-hued and brightly coloured terraced houses, respectively, with trends starting in the 1960s. Muizenberg, South Africa, has colourful bathing boxes along its beach. Caminito in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a street museum revitalized by artist Benito Quinquela Martín, featuring brightly hued houses. Varanasi, India, has chaotically structured, radiant houses on the Ganges, with colours reflecting Hindu symbolism. Tenerife, Spain, shows coastal houses painted in bold colours, likely to help fishermen see them from afar. Bristol, UK, is known for its vibrant buildings, with theories ranging from sailors' navigation aids to a mayor's influence. Innsbruck, Austria, features buildings painted in every imaginable shade against its mountain scenery. Stockholm, Sweden’s Stortorget public square showcases Renaissance-style buildings with uniquely painted façades. Getsemani in Cartagena, Colombia, highlights colourful colonial homes, reflecting its diverse cultural history. Diessenhofen, Switzerland, has adorable painted houses in its main street, thought to welcome visitors. Stykkisholmur, Iceland, and St. John's, Canada, feature unique, bright structures, with traditions rooted in individual expression and making homes visible in fog, respectively. Lüderitz, Namibia, displays colourful Art Nouveau buildings in a Bavarian style, a relic of its German colonial past. Finally, Istanbul, Turkey’s Balat district is recognized for its vibrant, historic wooden homes, and Costa Nova, Portugal, is famous for its candy-striped huts, originally built to shelter fishermen and later painted to attract tourists. #ColorfulHomes #Architecture #GlobalDesign #HomeExterior #TravelInspiration #CulturalHeritage #UrbanArt #VibrantCities #CoastalHomes

The article highlights a significant shift in interior design trends, moving away from traditional stark white walls towards a preference for earthy neutral paint colors. This change is driven by a desire for warmer, softer, and more inviting spaces, aligning with concepts like 'warm minimalism,' 'quiet luxury,' and 'low-key luxe.' Designers note that while white has been a staple, the current trend emphasizes coziness and a lived-in feel, which deeper, more earthy neutrals are better suited to achieve. Several designers champion the return of browns and beiges, which were once overlooked, as versatile and chic options. Eleanor Taylor-Roberts suggests soft creams and warm desert-influenced shades as calming alternatives to clinical whites or overused grays. She also mentions that bolder, deep rusty and terracotta tones can infuse spaces with warmth, reflecting a growing consumer preference for wellness within the home. Kati Curtis further explains this evolution, stating that the 'modern white box aesthetic' is being replaced by richer, warmer hues reminiscent of natural palettes, like the plaster walls of Italy or adobe walls of Mexico, to evoke comfort and tranquility. The article presents six specific earthy neutral paint recommendations from various brands. The first is Farrow & Ball's Oxford Stone, described as a versatile and neutral beige that adds a subtle earthy warmth. This pale brown or taupe works well in layered earthy neutral schemes, pairing effectively with paler beiges and stronger browns to create a warm and welcoming, yet fresh, palette. Joa Studholme of Farrow & Ball suggests using Oxford Stone on walls with a stronger color like Tanner’s Brown on trim to make walls appear lighter and rooms feel more spacious. Benjamin Moore's Venetian Portico is recommended for those seeking a subtle pink-beige. This golden tan hue evokes images of sun-drenched ancient buildings, offering timeless elegance. Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore, notes the increasing popularity of neutrals with pink and red undertones, such as Venetian Portico, which create an earthy, natural feel, especially when paired with natural materials or painted wood in well-lit spaces. Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster is another iconic pink-beige shade favored by designers for its dreamy, in-between color that serves as a unique alternative to traditional white or cream. Designer Nick Cryer highlights its ability to create a relaxing and grounding vibe, noting its use in a 'House of Colour' project where it provided a contemporary backdrop for antique furniture in a master bedroom. Earthy neutrals also extend to greens, with Benjamin Moore's Dry Sage being a prime example. Designer Kathy Kuo praises its 'almost neutral' quality, making it a soothing color ideal for neutral bedrooms or living rooms. It offers an organic and versatile feel without being too heavy. Sherwin Williams' Pewter Green is presented as a darker, more moody, yet soft and cocooning green, perfect for a dark living room. Jennifer Davis explains that these green and taupe shades are gaining popularity as alternatives to white walls, aligning with the current 'moody' design trend and offering a calming ambiance that connects inhabitants to nature. Finally, Domingue's Veneto lime wash is highlighted for its ability to introduce earthy tones with added texture. Tanya Selway of Stelly Selway explains how lime wash paints, particularly in browns and yellows, provide warmth and subtle luminosity. In their 44 East Project, a lighter 'Dauphine limewash' brightened living areas, while a darker Veneto lime wash made a bedroom feel cozier and more textural, with shadows beautifully accentuating the finish in the evenings. The article concludes by emphasizing that earthy neutrals offer an accessible and livable way to incorporate color and depth into homes, serving as a more exciting, slightly bolder, yet versatile evolution from whites, creams, and grays. #EarthyNeutrals #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintColors #HomeDecor #WarmMinimalism #FarrowAndBall #BenjaminMoore #SherwinWilliams #LimeWash

The article explores the growing trend of rich and saturated colors in interior design, marking a significant departure from the minimalist and monochromatic palettes that have dominated since the early 2000s. This shift is characterized by a desire for depth, warmth, and character in living spaces, moving away from neutral grey gradients towards bold colors such as jewel tones, deep greens, blues, reds, and citrus hues. Sophie Alberry-King, an interior designer at City & Country, highlights that this trend allows for greater self-expression and personality in home design. She notes that experimenting with diverse shades and contrasts can enhance the living experience, both mentally and physically, through the psychological impact of vibrant colors. The resurgence in popularity of feature walls and sophisticated, bright accents is presented as a forward-thinking approach to design, diverging from any perception of these bold elements as aggressive or brash. The article emphasizes that the interior design world has observed a definite shift, with highly pigmented, eye-catching shades, ranging from bright to more muted yet rich tones like deeper wine, olive, and mustard variations, becoming increasingly prevalent. The rise of "bold chic" interiors on platforms like TikTok is cited as evidence of this trend, encouraging designers and homeowners to experiment with design conventions. Alberry-King points out the psychological benefits of vibrant colors, suggesting that people are turning to more saturated tones as a form of visual therapy within their homes. For those new to incorporating bold colors, a gradual approach is recommended, starting with smaller applications such as colorful tiles or brightly painted cabinets in bathrooms or entryways, or even introducing colorful dishes and utensils to build up a palette without overwhelming the entire home. To prevent over-stimulation while using vibrant colors, the article advises strategic application and the maintenance of balance. This involves pairing bold hues with contrasting neutral tones such as wood, creamy whites, and complementary shades on accent walls or trimmings. Statement furniture and curated décor pieces are suggested as effective ways to introduce color incrementally, preventing a room from becoming overpowering. Examples provided include using deep green vases, wine-red hardback books, and royal blue cushions or curtains as accent pieces. City & Country’s in-house design team, for instance, incorporates rich shades through plush armchairs and decorative cushions in show homes, aiming for a timeless aesthetic with pops of color. The trend also advocates for layering various textures and patterns alongside bolder colors to add depth and interest. Combining materials like wood, metal, and textured wallpaper can create a visually dynamic yet cohesive space. The article stresses the importance of maintaining a consistent style and theme throughout the home, blending vibrant features with neutral elements to achieve a surprisingly calming balance. Darker shades like rich browns, earthy moss greens, and deep burgundies are noted to complement natural materials such as wood, linen, and boucle, fostering a cozy atmosphere against a neutral backdrop. Color psychology, a long-standing element in interior design, is undergoing a reinvention with the bold and bright colors of 2025. This creates vibrant yet harmonious settings, promoting a new sense of serenity and self-expression through an optimal ratio of color and neutrals. The saturated colors trend is not just a passing fad but a reflection of a societal desire for personalized sanctuaries and vibrant self-expression, pointing towards a future where living spaces are more dynamically and richly colored. #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #SaturatedColors #JewelTones #BoldInteriors #DesignPsychology #AccentPieces #TextureLayering

The master bathroom serves as a space where designers leverage color and finishes to cultivate a specific mood, tone, style, and personality. While white and gray palettes continue to be prominent, designers are increasingly incorporating color to create unique and personalized spaces. Roshele Allison, CMKBD, CLIPP, NW Home Designers, notes the continued popularity of white and gray, viewing them as the 'new neutral' that offers a spa-like and tranquil ambiance. Karen King, architectural designer at Transitions Kitchen & Bath, echoes this sentiment, observing that these shades remain a benchmark for timeless and classic aesthetics, particularly in painted cabinetry. Richard Ryder, designer/builder at Clearcut Construction, often bases his projects on warm whites, allowing for strategic 'pops' of color to add interest. His clients frequently present inspiration images featuring warm white walls and low contrast between trim and walls. Chelsea Newton, of Chelsea Lauren Interiors, notes that her Southern California clients often prefer neutral colors inspired by nature, emphasizing natural materials like wood and stone. Michelle Fee, a designer at Change Your Bathroom, also finds her clients drawing inspiration from nature, moving away from purely monochromatic white and gray towards warmer tones and earth-friendly colors. Fee observes a growing interest in wood, particularly walnut and teak for furniture and cabinetry, as well as incorporating greenery, either through actual plants or nature-inspired accents like blues and greens, to evoke a restorative and calm feeling. When clients do opt for color beyond white or gray, blues and greens are frequently chosen. These hues are often introduced as easily changeable accessories, but also as more permanent features in cabinetry, tile, or semi-permanent paint applications. Allison highlights the tranquil quality of softer blues and greens, citing an example of a master bathroom with bamboo cabinetry, a green glass countertop resembling water, and green subway tile. Another project incorporated various shades of blue through a custom mosaic on vanity walls and accent walls, illuminated by LED-backlit niches, allowing the client to display international artifacts. Allison encourages clients to infuse personal elements into their designs, even with specific color preferences, ensuring the chosen hues harmonize with the space without being overwhelming. Newton's projects also feature green and blue, utilizing glossy handmade tiles with crackled detailing in master and children's bathrooms. She emphasizes that color and finishes can act as focal points, elevating a room's aesthetic. King notes that clients willing to be bolder are selecting deeper blues and greens, such as the dark navy cabinetry paired with warm gold hardware in a recent bathroom, providing a strong contrast to softer neutrals. She suggests that bathrooms, being more private and enclosed, allow for more daring color choices compared to open-concept kitchens. Ryder's clients also gravitate towards darker shades like dark blue, green, and black for pops of color, often maintaining a 75/25 neutral base-to-color ratio for balance, as demonstrated by a tall black cabinet against a white backdrop in a recent bathroom design. Beyond color, finish selections significantly influence a space, particularly in monochromatic schemes. Allison used large-format dimensional porcelain tile in a white and gray palette to create a focal wall in a 'bathing room' and a unique plumbing fixture to add interest. The increasing availability of tiles with varied finishes, textures, and dimensionality allows designers to personalize spaces. King points out the evolution of subway tile beyond traditional sizes, with options like 4"x12" or 5"x22" and creative finishes such as crackled or inverted bevels. Glossy finishes remain popular for their light-reflecting qualities. Grout color variations can also alter the look, from subtle gray for a refined trim to dark gray for a rustic farmhouse aesthetic. Contemporary designs often feature large-format tiles like 12"x24" or even 13"x40", laid horizontally and stacked with minimal joints to create a simplified, textural, and often multi-dimensional appearance. Allison and Fee's clients appreciate large-format tiles, especially those mimicking natural stone like travertine or marble, offering durability and easier maintenance while making rooms feel more expansive. Fee frequently combines natural and faux materials, such as marble shower floors with porcelain tile walls and floors, to achieve a nature-inspired theme. Matte finish plumbing fixtures, including matte black, brushed nickel, and brushed gold, are also popular for their aesthetic appeal and ease of cleaning, with Newton's clients favoring matte black and patinaed brass, and Ryder often incorporating mixed metals for a sophisticated, complementary look. #BathroomDesign #InteriorColorTrends #HomeFinishes #TileDesign #ColorPalette #NatureInspiredDesign #ModernBathrooms #LuxuryBathrooms

As the end of each year approaches, leading companies in the interior design industry announce their 'Color of the Year,' which significantly influences trends across various sectors, particularly interior design. These selections establish the aesthetic tone for upcoming years. For 2023, several major themes and specific colors are anticipated to dominate, as experts weigh in on the upcoming trends. One prominent trend is the resurgence of vibrant orange-y reds. Benjamin Moore named Raspberry Blush, a fiery red-orange reminiscent of a vibrant sunset, as its 2023 Color of the Year. This choice signifies a shift towards bold, warm hues after several years dominated by cooler tones, according to Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore. Bold reds are also making a comeback, with designer Sarah Stacey suggesting pairing red accents, such as dining chairs or small decorative pieces, with neutrals to highlight the color. An example is a lacquered red reading room designed by Kati Curtis, where the intense color creates a striking effect. Warm neutrals, embracing wellness and comfort, are another key trend. Behr’s 2023 Color of the Year, Blank Canvas, exemplifies this. Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr, notes that white serves as a versatile foundation, easily adaptable with other colors, textures, patterns, and materials to achieve an individualized style. Building on the neutral theme, brown ochre tones are gaining traction. Max Gansow, co-founder of Vetsak, highlights a trend toward warm, non-intrusive, neutral materials, such as genuine bovine leather in brown ochre. These tones provide a cozy yet modern and grounding base, as demonstrated in a living room designed by Chad Wood. Softer shades of bold colors are expected to promote tranquility. Christine Marvin, chief marketing and experience officer at Marvin, explains that understated tones facilitate monochrome looks, creating a sense of consistency and allowing homeowners to strategically emphasize specific areas with color. Beige-blush hues also align with the softer color trend. Sherwin-Williams’s 2023 Color of the Year, Redend Point, a blush-beige, reflects macro trends centered around empathy and care culture, as stated by Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. This color is shown in a sipping room designed by Jean Liu. Elemental inspiration, drawing from nature's deeply saturated hues, is on the rise. York Wallcoverings selected Amber as its 2023 Color of the Year. Carol Miller, trend and color expert for York Wallcoverings, describes Amber as an organic gemstone associated with renewal, energy, and power. This trend is embodied in a bedroom by French & French Interiors, featuring warm yellow plaster walls, emerald green linen bedding, and a wood bed frame. Jewel tones are anticipated to create an elegant and moody atmosphere. Designer Sarah Stacey suggests mixing jewel tones with spicier colors like burnt orange for unexpected color-blocked looks. Killy Scheer points to aubergine as a significant color for the year, recommending its pairing with creams and greens for a traditional yet unique combination. An example shows MasterBrand cabinets coated in Sherwin-Williams’s Foxhall Green, adding vibrancy to a kitchen. Finally, versatility is a crucial requirement for 2023 colors. This extends beyond traditional neutrals to include colors with subtle undertones of blush, yellow, purple, or blue. Sue Wadden emphasizes that a neutral can be a color or have colorful undertones, depending on its application in a space. A gray room designed by Lauren Nelson, incorporating purple and clay tones, illustrates this versatile approach. #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #DesignInspiration #WarmNeutrals #BoldReds #ElementalColors #JewelTones

This blog post showcases the transformation of a new-construction townhouse in Manayunk, Philadelphia, into a vibrant and playful living space through the application of bold colors and patterns. Villanova-based interior designer Michelle Gage spearheaded the project, which commenced after a client in her mid-30s sought to personalize her unadorned, approximately 2,000-square-foot home. Gage's design approach emphasized eclecticism, color, and intricate patterns, aligning seamlessly with the client's vivacious style. The design process began remotely, with the client providing listing photos to Gage, who then conceptualized the interior before an in-person visit. The project spanned a year, culminating in December 2017, and focused on creating distinct moods for different areas of the house. The open-concept first floor was designed as a lively entertainment hub, featuring a teal velvet sofa as a central element in the living room. This focal point was complemented by a brass-and-marble coffee table and a neutral leather chair, balancing the sofa's bright hue. Hanging prints were strategically placed to act as "color vehicles," harmonizing with the sofa and introducing subtle pink accents. In the dining area, a vibrant blue patterned wallpaper was chosen to create a cohesive flow with the rest of the main floor. To optimize space, a round CB2 pedestal table was incorporated, paired with leather bucket chairs for textural contrast. The kitchen area was also integrated into this colorful scheme through trendy wall art, connecting the various communal spaces. The second level of the townhouse saw a spare bedroom reimagined as a dressing room, a suggestion from the client. Gage enhanced this space with a floral wallpaper from York Wallcoverings and included a daybed to accommodate guests. This area, while incorporating pattern, offered a distinct functional purpose within the home. For the third-floor master suite, Gage opted for a more subdued palette, primarily using grays and neutrals. This decision aimed to create a private oasis for the couple, offering a serene contrast to the vibrant lower levels. The master bedroom, designed to merge masculine and feminine styles, features a custom-built and upholstered headboard from Chairloom, necessitated by the original bed's inability to fit upstairs. Playful mint green sconces add a touch of personality to this otherwise calm retreat. The overall design effectively illustrates how strategic use of color, pattern, and personalized elements can infuse a new-construction property with character and warmth. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Manayunk #ColorfulInteriors #MichelleGage #TownhouseDesign #EclecticStyle #PatternedWallpaper #CustomFurniture

Pita and Bloom, founded in 2010 by Florencia Pita and Jackilin Hah Bloom, emerged from their collaborative experience at SCI-Arc and Greg Lynn's Form. The firm, a finalist in MoMA PS1's YAP competition in 2014, is recognized for its distinctive approach to architecture, which emphasizes color theory, abstraction, and pop art influences. Their designs integrate bright color palettes, collage, pattern, and geometry, intentionally embracing ornament in an architectural context. The practice is typically small, consisting of the two founders, and occasionally expands to include one or two designers and interns for specific projects. The motivation behind establishing their practice stemmed from a strong working relationship and friendship developed during their time at Greg Lynn's office. This led to a natural collaboration, initially exploring shared ideas on color and form through competition projects and speculative work. This early body of work provided the foundation for their nomination in the MoMA PS1 competition. Over time, their collaboration evolved from self-initiated projects to commissioned architectural work, with their academic roles at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) continuously informing and being informed by their practice. An example of this synergy is Florencia's Los Angeles River studio, which reimagined the infrastructural space as a public landscape through painting the concrete riverbed, leading to the project 'Flat Pools,' featured in 'Art Papers.' One significant challenge faced by Pita and Bloom is grounding their interests and ideas within the rapidly evolving discourse of architecture, which shifts with advancements in arts, technology, and society. Having transitioned from traditional drafting methods to embracing digital technology, and now navigating a landscape where representational techniques define architecture, they employ a range of analog and digital tools tailored to each project. Despite these evolving mediums, their core template remains consistent: defining the parameters of color and form in architecture. Their projects consistently explore color as a material with texture and patterns, and forms that transition from flat to 2.5D through concurrent lines and volumes. The firm does not set specific goals for its size, viewing growth as an organic process. They value the contributions of talented collaborators and project teams, which allows their practice to remain open and experimental while maintaining a serious and earnest approach. The benefits of a small practice, though not always by choice, include the ability to dedicate extensive time and focus to idiosyncratic and self-initiated projects. This affords them the luxury of sustained creative thought and exploration of ideas, contributing to their unique architectural output. The article showcases several projects by Pita and Bloom, illustrating their design philosophy. 'FLAT POOLS' for the Los Angeles River proposes painting the riverbed to transform it into a public landscape. 'LA MEDIANERA' in Tetla de la Solidaridad, Mexico, presents a rural house prototype for Infonavit's 'From the Territory to the Dweller' initiative. 'THE NEW ZOCALO' for Mexicantown, Detroit, was a project for the 15th Venice Architecture Biennale's U.S. Pavilion, 'The Architectural Imagination.' Finally, 'SIGNATURES' is an entry façade installation for the Princeton School of Architecture in Princeton, New Jersey. These projects exemplify their consistent exploration of color, form, and ornament in diverse architectural contexts. #ArchitecturalDesign #ColorTheory #OrnamentInArchitecture #PitaAndBloom #SmallPractice #ArchitecturalInnovation #LosAngelesArchitecture #AcademicPractice #ArchitecturalCollaboration

San Francisco designer Tineke Triggs, known for her firm Tineke Triggs Interiors, draws inspiration from the serene and rich color palette of dusk. She describes how the calming transition from sunset to nightfall, characterized by deep blues and rich plums, evokes a sense of peace and satisfaction that she aims to capture in her designs. This emotional connection to the twilight hours serves as the foundation for her current design mood board, which features a sophisticated blend of earthy hues, dark grays, and inky blues. Triggs emphasizes that her palettes often originate from a feeling, akin to a painter's approach to a canvas. To translate this 'dusk-driven' feeling into a tangible design, Triggs incorporates grounding neutrals and warm textures, creating a multi-sensory experience within the space. The resulting aesthetic merges dusty pinks and aubergine tones with gradient shades of dark blue-gray, reflecting the varied hues of the night sky. The material selection is crucial to achieving this effect, with leather, velvet, and marble chosen for their distinct light-reflecting properties and ability to add visual interest. These materials, along with others, contribute to the overall mood and depth of the design. Triggs provides a detailed breakdown of 19 specific items that inform her current flat lay. Her own 'Tallulah Tile' from the Muziek collection for Maison Surface, initially designed for the 2015 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, exemplifies her long-standing passion for custom design. Personal touches like Celine sunglasses highlight her affinity for pink, while practical elements like Pollack's 'Berlin' high-performance fabric in raisin are noted for their durability and versatility. Artistic pieces such as Adriann Leigh's three-link leather chain and an antique horse from Anthem add unique sculptural elements. Lighting, considered the 'jewelry of the room,' is represented by a vintage horseshoe lamp from Arden Home, selected for its charming aesthetic and suitability for smaller spaces. Fabric selections include S. Harris's 'Efflorescence,' a watercolor floral pattern offering a contemporary twist on traditional motifs, and Opuzen's 'ACDC' fabric in graphite, which combines geometric patterns with a soft, organic flow. Holly Hunt's 'Italian Alcantara' fabric in buff is highlighted for its realistic Ultrasuede appearance without animal products, while Villa Nova's 'Valleta Neptune' washable satin fabric provides a silk-like texture in a durable, double-width cotton-poly blend, ideal for drapery or accent pillows. For flooring, a modern dhurrie rug from Woven in grey/brown contributes warmth and texture. Hardware choices, like Wilmette Hardware's 'Gropius' leather pull in satin brass, are chosen for their elegance, timelessness, and local craftsmanship. The incorporation of 'Calacatta Bluette' marble field tile from Artistic Tile introduces a soft blue-green tone, available also in slab form for broader application. Romo's 'Lolana Midnight' fabric with its Art Deco vibe and butterfly wing jacquard weave adds intricate detail. Symbolic elements like Lili Cement Tiles' 'Dragon' cement tile, representing new beginnings through dragonflies, are integrated into her projects. Jamie Stern's scalloped hair-on-hide leather offers unique texture and scale. Decorative art pieces include Simon Johns’s 'Shale' collection, inspired by natural cliff formations, which function as art pieces adding interest to any room. A bronze lion door knocker by Karl Sanders from Day in the Life Gallery is presented as an artistic accent for an entryway. Finally, Caroline Lizarraga's signature plaster mural, featuring a hand-applied plaster and wax finish resembling crocodile skin, is described as a 'sexy and unique' textural element suitable for various spaces such as powder rooms, stairways, bedrooms, and libraries. This comprehensive selection of items collectively forms a cohesive design vision centered around the evocative mood of twilight. The article highlights the designer’s thoughtful approach to combining colors, textures, and materials to create interiors that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant. #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection #TextileDesign #HomeDecor #DesignInspiration #MoodBoard #LuxuryInteriors #InteriorStyling

The perception of color trends is often complex, with many being fleeting. However, certain color palettes possess a timeless appeal that ensures their enduring popularity in interior design. While 2023 saw a mix of calming and dramatic hues, some colors are predicted to transcend short-lived fads and remain relevant for at least the next decade, offering both aesthetic value and design flexibility. This article explores five such "trend-proof" colors, according to interior designers, detailing why they are expected to maintain their popularity. First among these is earthy neutrals. These shades, including warm taupe, soft ivory, and subtle greiges, are considered the backbone of timeless design. Their reliability and flattering nature make them suitable for any space, providing a serene backdrop that allows furniture and accents to stand out. Designers like Kelly Hoppen emphasize their role as a versatile canvas for personal expression, ensuring homes remain inviting and chic. The specific undertones of neutrals may evolve, shifting from past grey bases to current preferences for mushrooms and various browns, but their fundamental appeal remains. Nadia Watts highlights their ability to bring the outdoors in, seamlessly integrating with organic materials like wood and stone, thus securing their long-term relevance. Muted greens constitute the second enduring color trend. Reflecting nature, these greens offer solace and a connection to the natural world. While the specific shade of green may vary, their consistent presence in interior design is due to their soothing and dramatic qualities. Aimee Wertepny of PROjECT. Interiors notes their boldness yet versatility in pairing with almost any color. Sonya Lee specifically points to sage green as a fresh, modern, and timeless choice, praising its soothing neutrality that prevents it from feeling outdated while remaining exciting. Its adaptability means it can effortlessly accommodate other evolving trends. Bright blues, particularly cobalt, represent the third trend-proof color. Despite their current popularity, these vivid blues have a historical presence in design, having been embraced by designers since the 1960s. This rich heritage suggests their continued adoration. Marianne Shillingford of Dulux explains that blue, in its myriad forms, remains the world’s favorite color, with electric blues offering a new dimension. These clean, crisp, and vibrant shades are ideal for making a bold statement in modern interiors, especially when used with confidence in color blocking or on painted furniture and cabinetry, and accented with contrasting yellows or oranges. Pale pinks are the fourth color deemed to have lasting appeal. Increasingly recognized as a versatile neutral, pale pink, especially with brown undertones, offers a dynamic quality that shifts with light, influencing mood. In bright conditions, it appears airy and fresh, while in shadow, it provides a cozy, cocooning effect. Its inherent red undertones imbue it with positivity and energy. Nadia Watts highlights deep pinks with red undertones for their elegance and historical use in design. She notes pink’s joyous and optimistic nature, and its ability to complement a wide range of warm color schemes, ensuring its enduring presence. Finally, off-whites are identified as a subtle yet powerful trend-proof color. Rather than being a mere absence of color, off-white shades possess a delicate hint of color that designers consistently favor over stark white, which can appear cold. Luke Moloney of Luke Moloney Architecture champions warm whites for their adaptability, non-dominance, and chic aesthetic. Off-whites allow other elements such as art, views, furniture, and textiles to shine, contributing character to a space. Christine Lemieux’s use of Farrow & Ball’s Shaded White exemplifies how these subtle shades enhance interiors. #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #EarthyNeutrals #MutedGreens #BrightBlues #PalePinks #OffWhites #TimelessDesign #HomeDecor

Earthy color palettes offer a sense of calm and cohesion in interior design, regardless of the home's style, whether it's a period home, new build, or a cozy flat. These palettes, inspired by natural elements such as clay, sand, stone, and greenery, are soothing, timeless, and adaptable. In a design landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, drawing inspiration from nature provides a dependable and aesthetically pleasing foundation for home interiors. The grounding quality of earth tones is attributed to their natural origins and the presence of black pigment, which imparts depth, allowing them to look appealing in various lighting conditions, from gray days to sunny mornings. These colors also exhibit an evolving quality throughout the day and across seasons, ensuring that a home consistently feels thoughtfully designed and vibrant. Unlike transient trend-driven hues, earthy palettes possess longevity because they evoke a sense of safety and comfort, fostering an instinctive trust in their appeal. Integrating earthy colors with natural textures like wood, linen, and rattan further enhances the serene and unified atmosphere. For instance, blush walls combined with forest green and natural wood accents create a warm and enveloping environment. Lick's Pink 02, a versatile pink with clay-like undertones, serves as an excellent backdrop for deeper, more saturated tones. The juxtaposition of soft blush walls with a deep forest green sofa provides richness, while honeyed wood tones from floors, doors, and lamps contribute golden warmth, harmonizing the overall palette. This combination of chalky pink, leafy green, and sun-baked wood forms a layered, textural palette that is both calming and intentional. Earthy palettes can also be bold and luxurious, as demonstrated by layered greens, stone, and statement marble in a kitchen. Using Lick's Green 02, a soft, mid-tone sage with gray undertones, for main cabinetry creates a rich and timeless look. The island, painted in Lick's Green 06, a darker olive green, adds depth. Walls and ceilings in White 05, a warm yellow-toned white, complement the greens and enhance natural light. The integration of natural materials, such as creamy limestone and dramatic green marble, elevates the design, resulting in a sophisticated and grounded, nature-inspired scheme. For a cocooning effect, teal depth combined with pattern and warm accents can be employed. Lick's Teal 03, a rich, moody hue balancing blue and green undertones, creates a deeply enveloping space. This backdrop allows for layering patterns, textures, and warm accessories. Mustard yellows, terracotta reds, and dusty pinks in cushions introduce vibrancy, while gold accents from mirrors and lamps add vintage glamour and integrate with the yellow tones, enhancing the overall aesthetic. In bedrooms, taupe tranquility with earthy accents promotes calmness. Lick's Taupe 03, a soothing shade with a subtle mushroom undertone, adds depth without overwhelming the space, making it ideal for rest. This taupe pairs effectively with soft whites and warm natural tones, seen in headboards, terracotta cushions, and wood furniture. The interplay between cool taupe walls, crisp white bedding, and layered textures like bouclé lamps and velvet headboards creates a warm, elevated, and neutral scheme. Ultimately, an earthy color palette is derived from the natural world, encompassing shades of clay, sand, stone, moss, terracotta, and muted greens, all contributing to a relaxed and grounded home environment. #EarthyColorPalettes #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorConsultation #NaturalElements #TimelessDesign #LickPaints #ColorDrenching #DesignTrends

As the year draws to a close, an examination of interior color trends reveals which hues are likely to maintain their popularity into 2025. This analysis, conducted by a color editor, identifies five key color trends that have demonstrated significant appeal throughout the current year and are poised for continued relevance. These trends range from deep, earthy tones to vibrant reds, calming blues and greens, warm neutrals, and a specific painting technique known as color drenching. Dark, earthy colors, including dark green and chocolate brown, have been prominent in 2024, contributing to cozy and dramatic interior spaces. Their relaxed quality, combined with an ability to add depth, makes them suitable for various rooms, even smaller ones. Examples like Shea McGee's dark green pantry remodel and the use of paints such as Benjamin Moore's Dark Olive, Farrow & Ball's Studio Green, and Little Greene's Ganache highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of these rich, moody shades. Their sustained popularity, even through summer, suggests they will remain a staple in home decor through fall, winter, and into the new year. The unexpected red theory, which emerged in early 2024, has significantly impacted interior design. Initially perceived as a bold choice for maximalist aesthetics, this trend has broadened its application, advocating for red in smaller doses to enhance a room's overall appeal. Beyond subtle accents, designers have successfully integrated red into entire room color schemes, proving its potential for sophisticated use. The selection of Behr's 'Rumors,' a rich ruby red, as the 2025 Color of the Year further confirms the anticipated longevity of this vibrant hue, suggesting its continued presence in a refined manner that avoids overwhelming spaces. Calming blues and greens have also garnered attention as a stylish alternative to traditional neutral palettes. These understated shades add visual interest while preserving a classic aesthetic. An instance is a bedroom designed with Farrow & Ball's Cromarty, a muted gray-green, illustrating the elegance of these gentle tones. HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams' announcement of 'Quietude,' a calming blue-green, as its 2025 Color of the Year, reinforces the expectation that these restful hues will continue to be a popular choice for creating serene interiors. Warm neutrals represent another significant trend, surpassing cooler shades in popularity. Throughout 2024, interiors frequently featured warm-toned neutrals, a preference expected to extend into 2025. This shift involves selecting whites with subtle yellow undertones over stark, cool whites, which can sometimes appear cold. The trend also encompasses richer neutrals like beige and taupe, emphasizing those with warm undertones to foster a homey and relaxed atmosphere. This inclination towards warmer palettes is projected to gain even more traction in the coming year. Finally, color drenching, a technique involving the application of a single color across an entire room—including walls, doors, ceilings, trim, and built-in cabinetry—is identified as a prominent and enduring paint trend. This approach creates a cohesive and immersive environment, moving away from the use of accent walls, which can sometimes lead to visual discord. Whether applied with bold colors in compact spaces or mid-tones in communal areas, color drenching is praised for its stylish effect and is anticipated to maintain its popularity throughout 2025. These five trends collectively suggest a movement towards deliberate, cohesive, and mood-setting color choices in home design for the upcoming year. #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #EarthyTones #RedColor #CalmingHues #WarmNeutrals #ColorDrenching