Using the New Olo Color Scientists Discovered in Your Home

The selection of home office colour schemes plays a significant role in influencing mood, concentration, and productivity within a working-from-home environment. Colour psychology in interior design is a smart approach to creating a home office that supports both aesthetic appeal and emotional well-being. The article emphasizes that the right colour choices can prevent distraction and mental drain, encouraging focus and mental clarity. Several colour schemes are recommended by experts. Pairing sage green with beige creates a balanced and harmonious space. Sage green, known for reducing stress and promoting mental clarity, is considered the most restful colour for the eyes, particularly beneficial for prolonged screen time. Beige acts as a warm, understated neutral, allowing for easy layering of other colours and textures without causing distraction. This combination is stimulating enough for productivity yet maintains a calm atmosphere. Colour-blocking is introduced as a modern method to incorporate multiple shades, especially gradients or complementary colours, onto walls. This technique can effectively zone a particular area, such as a desk space, by using colours within the same family but at different gradients, adding interest while isolating the workspace. Yellow is highlighted for its cheerful and optimistic qualities, capable of bringing vibrancy and creativity to a home office. Light or warm yellow tones represent light and positivity, symbolizing a sharp mind, intellect, and curiosity, making them suitable for an office or reading room. Yellow can be paired with natural wood for a warm, autumnal feel, or with blue for a sophisticated contrast. Muted yellows and deeper blues are suggested for an energizing yet comfortable environment. Coral, a blend of pink and orange, is presented as an uplifting and vibrant choice, injecting a "dopamine shot" into the workday. It is particularly effective for small, informal office areas or for creating a distinct, mood-boosting zone within an open-plan space. Coral pairs well with other warm colours like gold, yellow, and peach, as well as cooler shades such as white and pale grey. Blue is scientifically proven to enhance productivity in a home office. Short wavelength blues are considered "intellectual" shades that stimulate thought, communication, and concentration. Light blues promote mental clarity and focus during busy periods, while dark blues are effective in stimulating thought processes, making them ideal for working environments. These shades can also be used to create distinct zones within an open space, such as through painting half walls or panelling behind a desk. Soft and earthy shades of pink are recommended for a calming and positive atmosphere, contrasting with the bolder pinks of previous trends. A gentle blush pink can bring warmth and positivity without overwhelming the space, particularly suited for creative or multi-use home offices. Green, associated with nature and growth, helps bring the outdoors inside, fostering a calming environment. Soft olives or sage tones are ideal choices, with darker greens creating a cosy feel during colder months. Green schemes can be complemented with whites, creams, oranges, and peaches. Sage paint, in particular, is noted for its calming properties, suitable for a serene office space when paired with pastel shades or light yellows, golds, and creams for warmth. Earthy shades, including terracotta, warm blues, greens, and gentle yellows, offer a grounding and inviting feel. These "new neutrals" help create a comforting atmosphere, especially when working from home during colder periods. They are versatile and allow for flexibility in home design. Lastly, Scandi white provides a crisp, zen-like environment. To avoid a sterile look, the best white paint shade for the specific space should be chosen, and pops of colour added through accessories and inspirational artwork to inject personality and character. #HomeOffice #ColourSchemes #InteriorDesign #Productivity #ColourPsychology #WorkFromHome #HomeDecor #PaintColours #ZoningSpaces

The idea of painting a room or even a single wall black can be daunting, often perceived as making a space feel smaller due to the conventional wisdom of favoring lighter hues in design. However, once initial apprehension is overcome, black paint reveals its versatility, capable of creating cozy, transportive, welcoming, and warm environments. Two experts from PPG, senior product marketing manager Jenny Burroughs and senior color marketing manager Dee Schlotter, offer insights and practical advice on integrating this dramatic color into home interiors without overwhelming the space. A fundamental rule when painting walls black, or transitioning to or from dark colors, involves proper priming. Burroughs emphasizes that priming is crucial for effective coverage and ease of future repainting. A gray or deep-hued base primer is recommended for achieving full coverage in fewer coats, making the process of painting over black much simpler than commonly believed. The experts also shed light on the importance of undertones in black paint. Schlotter explains that PPG’s Black Flame features indigo undertones, categorizing it as a cooler black, while other black paints can possess warmer red and brown undertones. Both cool and warm blacks function as grounding anchors for softer colors, with cool blacks particularly effective for trim and doors when paired with hues like Olympic Paint’s Burnt Red or Glidden Paint’s Arctic Blue. Regarding paint finishes, matte finishes are currently experiencing a surge in popularity, not only for kitchen appliances but also for walls. Burroughs notes that flat paint sheens can achieve a luxurious matte effect on interior walls. For high-traffic areas such as playrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, higher-sheen options like eggshell and satin are advised due to their enhanced durability and resistance to repeated cleaning. Flat finishes, conversely, excel at concealing imperfections and are easily touched up, making them suitable for ceilings or dining room walls. For painting technique, Burroughs recommends ensuring the roller is adequately covered with paint and then applying it in 3- to 4-foot sections using a 'W' motion. Moving quickly helps maintain a wet edge, and a final light roll from ceiling to floor helps even out the stipple and blend sections. For touch-ups, using the same applicator and paint from the original bucket is essential for a uniform finish and color. Addressing concerns about small spaces, Schlotter suggests that using a single color for all walls, regardless of the hue, can actually make a small room appear larger. Furthermore, repeating colors at least twice within a room, perhaps through a rug or an accent piece, creates a unified flow and enhances the sense of openness and cohesion. This repetition not only unifies the style but also contributes to the perception of a more spacious room. Finally, the article explores unexpected applications for black paint. Schlotter highlights the growing trend of more mature nursery decor, suggesting that black, paired with a pale pastel ceiling and off-white trim, can introduce sophistication to a baby’s room. Additional suggestions for incorporating black include modernizing kitchens with black matte lower cabinets and open shelving, painting wainscoting black with a neutral upper wall for drama and coziness, using black to paint the back of shelves to highlight white or pale collectibles, and painting ceilings black to draw the eye upward and create a chic statement when paired with a striking light fixture. These versatile applications demonstrate black’s potential to transform various spaces within a home. #BlackPaint #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #PaintTips #ColorPsychology #DesignInspiration #MatteFinish #SmallSpaceSolutions #NurseryDecor #Renovation

This article features an interview with Joa Studholme, a color expert from Farrow & Ball, who shares her insights and recommendations on how to effectively use color in home decor for 2022. Studholme, known for creating iconic Farrow & Ball shades like Stiffkey Blue, Sulking Room Pink, and Joa's White, discusses evolving trends in interior design and offers practical advice for homeowners. The conversation begins with Studholme noting a shift in consumer preferences, moving away from creating mere sanctuaries to embracing more fun and bold stylistic choices in their homes. She encourages a brave approach to color, highlighting the increasing popularity of patterns like checkerboards. Studholme suggests using checkerboard designs not only on floors but also extending them to bath surrounds for a cohesive and playful look. She elaborates on the practicality and cost-effectiveness of painted floors, describing them as easy to maintain and contributing to a relaxed, informal home atmosphere. For those considering a checkerboard floor, her advice includes starting with the lighter color first. When discussing living room ideas, Studholme observes a trend towards sophisticated, cocktail lounge aesthetics. Her key recommendation for achieving this look is to embrace a gloss finish, which she believes adds immediate glamour to any space. She suggests painting both walls and ceilings in a bold, glossy shade like Stone Blue to create a dramatic and immersive effect. The interview also touches upon the strategic use of color on ceilings. Studholme explains that for rooms with lower ceilings, using the same color on both walls and ceilings can visually extend the height by blurring the boundary between them. Conversely, for taller spaces, she advises using different colors to highlight the height and architectural features. She shares a personal anecdote about the editor's dining room, where a color called Jitney was used, evoking a comforting retro vibe reminiscent of childhood memories. This leads to Studholme's philosophy that the best colors are often those that trigger happy memories, suggesting that personal connection can simplify the overwhelming process of choosing from numerous color charts. The discussion then shifts to selecting white paints, a task often perceived as challenging due to the vast array of options. Studholme reiterates her established guidance for choosing white: blueish whites for cool, urban settings; reddish whites for warmer urban spaces; green whites for cool country homes; and yellow whites for traditional country aesthetics. She also introduces a new collection of whites—School House White, Shaded White, Shadow White, and Dropcloth—all characterized by a stony base, designed to be universally flattering and easy to use without the risk of misapplication. She concludes by expressing her current fondness for incorporating bold 'hits' of color, such as red doors or using fiery orange shades like Harissa for radiators and window reveals, to inject personality into homes, contrasting with the neutral grey palettes prevalent in the past. This emphasis on bold details underscores the broader theme of confident and expressive color use in modern interior design. #FarrowAndBall #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #JoaStudholme #PaintedFloors #GlossFinish #CeilingColors #WhitePaint

The interior design industry is currently undergoing a significant shift in color preferences, moving away from the dominance of gray to embrace a more natural and verdant palette. For over a decade, gray served as a popular neutral across various design elements, from paint to flooring and furniture. However, as the new year approaches, green hues are emerging as a prominent trend, appearing on walls, furniture, and kitchen cabinets. This shift highlights green's versatility as a neutral, complementing natural woods, black shades, and various accent colors like yellow, gold, and copper. It also offers a fresh contrast to previously gray interiors. Leading paint manufacturers have unanimously announced nature-inspired colors as their selections for 2022. Sherwin-Williams designated Evergreen Fog, a green-gray, as its Color of the Year, while Behr opted for Breezeway, a light blue-green. Valspar selected Blanched Thyme, an organic green, and Glidden introduced Guacamole. Benjamin Moore chose October Mist, a soft green ideal for tranquil spaces, and PPG Paints presented Olive Sprig, an earthy green linked to the broader theme of 'Horizon,' symbolizing hope and reflection. This shade pairs effectively with neutrals and contributes to a calming backdrop that evokes nature, antiquity, and new beginnings. Luxury brand Farrow & Ball is promoting Breakfast Room Green, a saturated green that pairs well with yellow and red woods, and has collaborated with Liberty, a UK wallpaper brand, to create 15 curated paint and print combinations for diverse interior styles. Beyond paint, wallpaper is experiencing a resurgence, featuring bold prints such as spotted leopards, vibrant birds, florals, and fantastical scenes. While many companies offer peel-and-stick options, traditional application methods are encouraged due to advancements in technology making installation and removal more manageable. For those preferring neutral aesthetics, saturated versions of grays, grays with violet undertones, and warm greiges are replacing pure gray shades, providing depth and sophistication. Additionally, rich coppers, browns, and golds are trending, offering warmth and an inviting atmosphere. Another emerging trend involves pairing warm whites with natural wood elements, often complemented by plaster walls and finishes that evoke a rustic Italian countryside or farm-chic aesthetic. This style, popularized by designers like Leanne Ford, incorporates texture into neutral spaces. Encaustic tiles, featuring old-world patterns, are gaining popularity in kitchens and bathrooms, serving as a practical and colorful complement to painted walls or warm white schemes. These hand-painted tiles, historically used in Europe for their aesthetic and eco-friendly qualities, are also expected to extend to outdoor spaces like patios, gardens, and pathways. Looking ahead, nature-inspired colors, including rich greens, coppers, and browns, are anticipated to influence exterior home designs. Black and gray shades will continue to provide foundational backdrops for these evolving color palettes, encouraging homeowners to experiment with new color choices. #ColorTrends #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #PaintColors #GreenHues #WallpaperTrends #NeutralPalettes #EncausticTiles #NaturalElements

Colour drenching, an interior design technique that involves painting walls, ceilings, trim, and sometimes even furniture and accessories in a single hue, is currently a significant trend. While it draws from earlier design styles, its recent surge in popularity, particularly in the early 2020s, has been amplified by social media and a growing desire for bold, immersive home interiors that reflect personal style. Despite its seemingly complex appearance, colour drenching is straightforward to implement and can profoundly impact a room's aesthetic and ambiance. Flora Hogg, an interior designer and colour consultant at Craig & Rose, highlights that colour drenching can effectively define specific areas, activities, and moods within a space. The use of vibrant colours, she notes, enhances the immersive quality of an environment, contributing to the overall atmosphere. When selecting a colour, Hogg advises testing samples in various lighting conditions and at different times of the day to ensure the chosen shade performs consistently. She suggests painting samples on lining paper to easily move them around the room for assessment. There are several practical ways to incorporate colour drenching into a home. Starting with smaller rooms, such as a toilet, small bathroom, hallway, or home office, is recommended for those new to the technique. These smaller spaces require less commitment but still allow for a dramatic, enveloped feel. Bailey Williams, a colour expert at Earthborn, suggests using colour drenching to make small areas like hallways feel more expansive or to create cozy, dramatic nooks with dark, moody colours. These deep tones can add depth and character, providing a visually stunning experience. Extending the colour to built-in elements like shelving and cabinets creates a truly immersive effect, transforming them into intentional design features. For instance, colour-drenching kitchen cabinets along with the walls can unify the space and make it appear more spacious, especially when using a timeless kitchen colour. Michael Rolland, managing director at The Paint Shed, emphasizes the transformative yet budget-friendly nature of this approach, stating that it offers a fresh take on a room without needing multiple colours or costly renovations. For larger communal spaces like living rooms or dining rooms, Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, suggests opting for bold, saturated shades. Dark colours such as black, forest green, or brown can create a grand, luxurious, and intimate atmosphere, ideal for evening entertaining. Painting radiators the same colour as the walls is another detail that can enhance the colour-drenched look. While paint formulated for radiators is essential for durability, buying pre-coloured radiators offers a professional finish, though it limits future colour changes. To add depth and visual interest to a monochromatic scheme, layering different finishes of the same hue is effective. Using matte walls with a glossy trim, for example, introduces subtle texture and intrigue, demonstrating that monochrome can be dynamic. Shaw suggests a touch of gloss, especially on woodwork in smaller spaces, to create a luxurious look and reflect light, making the room appear larger. However, Williams cautions that different finishes can cause slight variations in perceived colour due to light reflection, suggesting lighter shades for a more uniform appearance. Styling with contrasting colours is crucial for making colour drenching impactful without being overwhelming. Helen Shaw notes that the all-encompassing paint scheme serves as a perfect backdrop for furnishings and accessories to stand out, provided contrasting colours are used to create natural breaks in the room. For example, a bright yellow scheme could be balanced with soft pink accessories or green furniture for a more natural feel. Alternatively, an accent colour from existing furniture or accessories can be chosen as the drenching hue to personalize the home. Finally, extending colour drenching to the ceiling, often referred to as the "fifth wall," creates the ultimate cocooning effect. Amthal Karim, head of Furniture And Choice, recommends painting ceilings in bold colours, particularly in living rooms with classic features, to emphasize architectural details. Soft pinks on ceilings can add warmth, while darker shades are suitable for larger rooms. Flora Hogg advises patience when painting all five walls, ensuring each coat is touch-dry before applying the next. Regarding making a room feel bigger, strategic colour selection is key. Light or mid-tone colours can create the illusion of space, especially in small or awkwardly shaped rooms, by blurring the lines between walls and ceilings. Colour drenching remains a prominent interior paint colour trend for 2025, with a shift towards softer, more natural shades. Helen Shaw points to Benjamin Moore’s Colour of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, as an example of a quietly colourful hue that maintains softness while making a statement. Bailey Williams agrees, highlighting earthy tones like rich green, warm brown, and soft terracotta for their ability to enhance well-being and create serene home environments. #ColourDrenching #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #PaintColors #SmallSpaceDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #MonochromaticScheme #HomePersonality

Changing the wall color in a room offers a significant impact at a relatively low cost, especially for those undertaking DIY projects. However, the process of selecting the ideal shade can be challenging. Fortunately, numerous paint color applications are available to simplify this decision-making process, enabling users to virtually test shades and even order paint online. These apps provide a practical "test run" before committing to a particular color or combination. One such application, Glidden's "Procrastipainted," features a "designer tip" upon opening and offers options to browse colors, seek inspiration, color match, or complete an interactive quiz. This quiz assists in selecting a palette and provides the convenience of receiving free paint swatches to evaluate colors in a specific space and lighting conditions. Additionally, the app includes palettes inspired by diverse design styles, from mid-century modern to bohemian and glam. A desktop version, Glidden’s Room Visualizer, is also available. Behr’s "ColorSmart" app highlights "designer-coordinated color combinations" and allows users to preview these in various room settings and on exteriors. Users can color match from an uploaded photograph or scan the barcode of a Behr paint swatch for trial. The app facilitates sharing color projects on social media and helps locate the nearest Home Depot store for purchases. "Paint My Place" is an independent application that supports a variety of paint, roof, and fence colors from numerous brands. It allows users to upload photos of their projects and virtually apply different colors. A paid version offers access to over 50,000 paint choices from 32 brands, including prominent names like Benjamin Moore, Valspar, PPG, and Sherwin Williams. The app includes tools for precise virtual painting and options to share color selections. The Home Depot’s "Project Color" app is highly rated and user-friendly, enabling users to visualize colors for interior or exterior projects. It suggests shades based on desired moods and offers a color-matching feature using photos from a camera roll. Users can save favorites, share them, and order directly through the app or find nearby stores. Benjamin Moore's "Color Portfolio" app permits users to upload room photos or utilize a video visualizer for real-time color previews. A virtual fan deck allows browsing of Benjamin Moore’s color collection. For enhanced accuracy, the app can sync with separately purchased Datacolor ColorReader devices, which measure colors from surfaces and identify the three closest paint matches. "Paint Tester" is a straightforward app that lets users upload a photo, apply colors with a virtual paint bucket, and use a color picker to try different shades or accent walls. A tape tool helps prevent color bleeding. Once satisfied, users can purchase Glidden brand paints and tools through a direct link to Walmart. Sherwin-Williams’ "ColorSnap Visualizer," available on both desktop and mobile, includes a "Color ID" feature that links personality traits to color palettes. Users can choose colors from this feature or the company's extensive library, create palettes, and color match shades from external photos. Lowe’s Paint Visualizer, a desktop app, provides paint color options from Valspar and HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, featuring expert picks and curated color collections. PPG’s Paint Color Visualizer, also desktop-based, enables users to test shades by uploading room photos or selecting from a catalog of pre-designed rooms, with options to save and share palettes. Finally, the "Olympic Wood Stain Visualizer" (desktop) assists in selecting stain colors for outdoor wood projects like siding, fences, decks, and furniture, offering a range of modern to vintage finishes. These applications collectively enhance the home painting experience by providing virtual tools for color selection and project planning. #PaintColorApps #DIYHomeProjects #InteriorDesign #ExteriorPainting #ColorMatching #VirtualVisualizer #HomeImprovement #PaintSelection #MobileApps

Orange, a vibrant hue combining the confidence of red and the playfulness of yellow, can infuse enthusiasm and optimism into any room. Despite some perceiving it as too bright, its diverse shades offer surprising versatility for home decor. New York-based designer Garrow Kedigian notes that orange can both brighten and anchor a room, serving as a prominent color or an accent in artwork and upholstery, asserting that it "exudes great energy" and can create "design drama." Fellow New York decorator Katie Ridder emphasizes orange's effectiveness as a secondary color, pairing well with complementary and contrasting hues, including brown, green, red, and colors opposite on the color wheel. This article explores various color combinations with orange, providing expert insights for decorating. One striking combination is orange and cobalt blue. Blue, being directly opposite orange on the color wheel, creates a high-energy contrast. Saturated blues like Cosmic Cobalt and marine blue complement cantaloupe and tangelo shades without being overshadowed. An example includes a New York library with lacquered salmon walls harmonizing with deep blue window valances and sofa fabric. Another pairing involves orange and yellow, particularly muted tones like peachy oranges and buttery yellows, which foster a welcoming atmosphere. Ridder advises against overly graphic combinations to avoid a dated '70s aesthetic, instead suggesting sunset hues in fabrics to subtly enhance the room. A Bel Air living room, inspired by an antique Spanish rug, exemplifies this with Lee Jofa’s Hollyhock chintz and apricot silk draperies. The article further suggests pairing orange with black, noting that careful tone selection is crucial to avoid a 'Halloween' theme. Deep ebony with tangerine or burnt oranges creates a contemporary and striking scheme, especially when grounded by a third neutral shade like cream or muted gold. For a dramatic effect, orange and chartreuse are recommended for smaller spaces, with an example of orange-red drapery against lime lacquered walls. Monochromatic approaches, such as orange and apricot, involve drenching walls in a melon hue and adding furnishings in similar orange shades, with subtle tonal differences preventing boredom. Orange and white offer a crisp, invigorating contrast, making a bold statement in areas like a foyer with custom Gracie wallcovering, balanced by natural brown accents. For a touch of opulence, orange and gold combine a rich, vibrant orange-red with radiant gold, ideal for dining rooms or bar areas, as seen in a Manhattan apartment with fiery study walls and a golden ceiling. Muted beige-y oatmeal with a soft melon or peach shade creates a balanced look in powder rooms or wellness spaces, exemplified by a tangerine and taupe wallcovering in a Kips Bay Decorator Show House powder room. Unexpected yet whimsical, orange and pale lilac make an impact in living rooms, with a Birmingham den featuring a persimmon breakfast banquette and lilac sofa tied together by fabric accents. Finally, pastel blues with orange create a sweet and feminine ambiance, such as a romantic dining room with a tangelo settee against a backdrop of Gracie wallcovering and blue trim. Chocolate brown, with its formal richness, can temper youthful oranges, as demonstrated in a home bar where fiery orange trim enlivens cabinetry and fretwork, making an electrifying statement in small applications. The article demonstrates orange's versatility through these diverse pairings, emphasizing its potential to energize and transform interiors. #ColorPalette #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorTheory #DesignTips #DecoratingIdeas #OrangeDecor #ColorPairings #ExpertAdvice

The Color Muse colorimeter offers a modern solution to the challenge of matching paint colors, moving beyond traditional physical fan decks. This compact, handheld device is designed to scan the color of any surface and identify its precise hue, making it easy to replicate desired colors found in various environments. The tool operates in conjunction with a dedicated smartphone application, transforming visual colors into shoppable paint options. This functionality is particularly useful for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who wish to match existing paint, replicate colors seen in different settings like a friend's home or a restaurant, or even extract colors from natural elements such as flower petals. The Color Muse colorimeter is a portable device that connects wirelessly to a smartphone app. Upon scanning a surface, it cross-references the detected color with an extensive database of paint colors to find the closest matches. Beyond simple color identification, the accompanying app includes an "inspire" feature, which allows users to visualize how scanned colors might look in different room settings and integrated into various color palettes. This feature aids in the planning and visualization phase of a renovation or decorating project, enabling users to conceptualize their space before committing to paint purchases. The app also supports the creation and saving of custom color palettes, which can then be shared with others via email, text, or social media, facilitating collaborative design efforts. Operating the Color Muse colorimeter involves a straightforward process. Users first download the Color Muse app and establish a connection with their device. A calibration step is required, performed using a sensor located under the screw cap of the device. Once connected and calibrated, the colorimeter is ready for use. To scan a color, the device is simply pressed against any surface, and the "scan" button is activated within the app. The app then displays the scanned hue along with a list of matching paint colors. Users can refine their search results by applying filters such as paint brand and collection. The application also provides tools for comparing similar paint colors, saving preferred colors in organized folders with notes, and exporting these palettes for sharing. User testimonials highlight the practicality and accuracy of the Color Muse. James Adams, a general contractor, praises its compactness, ease of use, and precision, describing it as his "coolest tool." Another verified Amazon purchaser, John Lacrosse, notes its utility in matching paint for clients during remodels, especially when original paint cans are unavailable. He commends its ability to find correct colors repeatedly and its presentation of matches from multiple manufacturers, ranked by accuracy. The Color Muse colorimeter is available for purchase on Amazon for approximately $70. It serves as a valuable tool for anyone undertaking painting or DIY projects, ensuring confidence, accuracy, and ease in color matching, thereby helping to avoid color mismatches and painting errors. #PaintMatching #Colorimeter #HomeImprovement #DIYProjects #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #PaintSelection #SmartHomeTools

The choice of colors profoundly influences a home's atmosphere, and interior designers employ specific palettes to achieve an upscale and luxurious feel. Certain tones consistently rank high on clients' wish lists for their ability to convey elegance. These preferred hues, such as deep oxblood, classic navy, and inviting warm whites, effortlessly elevate any space. These colors can be integrated through prominent furniture pieces or by embracing the 'color-drenched' trend, where walls, ceilings, and trim are painted in a single, cohesive tone. This approach offers endless stylish possibilities, with designers often showcasing these rich colors in their own projects to demonstrate their impact. Navy blue is frequently highlighted by designers as a timeless and elevated color. It evokes a calming effect, reminiscent of the ocean and night sky, while remaining highly versatile for spaces like living rooms and kitchens. Designers recommend pairing navy with jewel tones such as deep purples, magentas, golds, and emeralds for a dramatic and rich effect. Alternatively, ivory offers a classic match, and warm gold tones enhance the blue's impact. Olive green is another popular choice, praised for its ability to transform any room into a tranquil oasis. This adaptable shade works well on entire walls or as an accent on trim and doors. Painting ceilings in a smooth semigloss olive green can add coziness and sophistication, suiting both contemporary and traditional settings. It pairs effectively with brass, bright whites, light oak, and camel, offering a colorful alternative to black. Oxblood, a deep and moody wine red, is gaining popularity among designers and enthusiasts. It channels the luxurious essence of aged wine, embodying refinement and timeless allure. This hue creates depth and a luxurious, enveloping atmosphere, making it ideal for spaces like libraries, media rooms, or dining rooms. For optimal effect, especially for color drenching, large rooms with high ceilings are recommended. Oxblood pairs well with soft neutrals for balance or with black and dark gray for an edgy, dramatic look. Dark teal offers a bolder alternative to navy, chosen by designers for its richness and refinement. Its depth interacts with light and shadow, creating a layered and intentional aesthetic. Brass accents add warmth and luxury, while neutral elements like soft beige and light wood balance the intensity. Plum purple, historically associated with royalty, naturally imparts a rich and luxurious feel. Highly saturated shades like plum, eggplant, and amethyst create depth and elegance. Designers suggest brightening these tones with gold for contrast and note their versatility in complementing other jewel tones or even vibrant tangerine orange. For those preferring lighter walls, off-white or soft white is recommended. This shade provides a clean, serene, and timeless backdrop, exuding sophistication and luxury, especially in open-plan layouts. Off-white is versatile, highlighting bolder design elements or serving as a minimalist backdrop. To achieve a truly luxurious effect, off-white should be paired with rich textures like velvet, gold accents, and deeper colors such as dark green, navy, and chocolate brown, along with wood tones for warmth. Smoky taupe, described as feeling like suede, adds depth without being overwhelming and pairs elegantly with robin’s egg blue, deep green, or crisp white. Charcoal, particularly in a limewash paint, offers understated opulence, with its subtle texture and uneven finish providing a timeless yet modern and organic quality. Paired with polished brass, marble, rich wood tones, and plush textiles under diffused lighting, charcoal creates a harmonious and sophisticated interior. Dusty blue, a blend of blue and gray, offers tailored elegance and a modern yet nostalgic feel, suitable for cabinetry, millwork, or walls, and pairs well with crisp whites, warm metallics, and light wood. Finally, incorporating texture through plaster or limewash, regardless of color, adds inherent elegance, with white plaster walls complementing jewel tones for a traditional look. Celery green, a lighter option, brings light and happiness to a room, especially with a high-gloss sheen, and pairs well with off-whites and dark accents. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #HomeDecor #LuxuryDesign #ColorPalette #DesignTrends #HomeStyling #InteriorDesigners #HomeRenovation

The article explores the effective integration of orange and green color combinations in interior design, a pairing that may initially seem unconventional but can create dynamic and joyful spaces when executed thoughtfully. Interior designers emphasize that while both colors are vibrant, their successful combination relies on careful consideration of tones and balance. Green, associated with growth and renewal, offers a calming effect, while orange injects warmth, optimism, and playful energy. The key lies in creating a dialogue between these two, ensuring the right tone is struck. Muted, earthy versions of both colors are often easier to incorporate into living spaces compared to their highly saturated counterparts, though energetic shades are not entirely off-limits if the space and desired aesthetic are well-understood. The article outlines three designer-approved orange and green color combinations. The first is olive green and terracotta orange, described as an earthy and sophisticated pairing that feels timeless. This combination is particularly effective in spaces where a bold statement is desired, such as dining rooms, laundry rooms, or powder rooms, adding character and warmth to often-overlooked areas. It suggests layering this palette with natural textures like linen, leather, or reclaimed wood for a more minimalist approach. The second combination is sage green and soft apricot. This lighter and airier pairing is ideal for creating a gentle energy in high-traffic areas like sunrooms, kitchens, or creative studios. The softer tones contribute to a peaceful environment, suitable for a minimalist color palette seeking a touch of color. This combination is also recommended for dining rooms, as orange stimulates appetite and conversation, while green maintains a relaxed atmosphere. Softer apricot shades, like Little Greene's Tuscany, can make this palette playful and imaginative without being overstimulating, making it suitable for children's spaces. The third combination featured is deep forest green and burnt orange. This darker iteration offers a rich and dramatic, yet grounding, aesthetic. These earth tones create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, adding depth and sophistication, particularly in moody dining rooms, cozy libraries, or dark-academia-inspired offices. The article also suggests lightening this duo by integrating burnt orange and forest green into neutral color schemes. While orange and green can be successfully paired, the article cautions against certain practices. It stresses the importance of mindful tone selection, advising against lighter, pastel versions together due to their potential lack of cohesion. Instead, deeper, more saturated hues are recommended for better harmonization. Over-saturation, particularly with neon versions, can lead to chaotic and overwhelming spaces. A one-to-one ratio of the colors should also be avoided; one color should dominate while the other acts as a supporting accent. Finally, ignoring undertones is highlighted as a common mistake, as cool-toned greens may clash with warm oranges. Matching undertones (warm with warm, cool with cool) is crucial for a cohesive look. When in doubt, weaving in neutrals like creamy whites, soft beiges, and natural textures can provide breathing room and enhance the overall aesthetic. #InteriorDesign #ColorCombinations #OrangeGreenPalette #HomeDecor #DesignTips #EarthyTones #ColorPsychology #LivingSpaceDesign

This article explores how a Pasadena couple, Jon Leaver and Tyke O’Brien, successfully incorporated bold and daring color palettes into their 1940s bungalow. As teachers and interior designers, they believe that taking risks with color is more rewarding than choosing safe, uninspired options. Their approach is exemplified by their kitchen, which features electric blue and gray hexagonal tiles, charcoal gray cabinets, and matching walls. To balance these vibrant elements, they intentionally kept most walls in other areas of the house, such as the living room, a pale gray or white, recognizing that a neutral backdrop allows colors to pop effectively. They also acknowledge that experimentation might lead to errors, advocating for the flexibility to repaint and correct design choices. The living room showcases a dominant teal hue, with charcoal adding depth to the fireplace. Hot yellow curtains complement the rug, which features similar yellow patches, and enhance the gold leafing around the fireplace. The article highlights that hot yellow and dark teal are complementary colors, creating a harmonious yet vibrant effect. A cool gray paint with a touch of blue is used as a neutral backdrop in the living room, providing a crisp base for the bolder yellow accents. Chairs are affordably updated with bright Ikea curtain fabric. A multi-color rug serves as a mixer, tying together various elements and introducing new shades to the space. Gold leaf on the fireplace brick adds glitz, making the color scheme more dynamic. In the kitchen, the couple transformed unremarkable wood cabinets by painting them charcoal and adding black hardware. By extending the charcoal color to the wall and window trim, they drew attention to the statement floor tile. Charcoal is presented as a versatile neutral that pairs well with both warm and cool tones. The flooring features hexagonal tiles in two shades of gray, which relate to the wall color, and electric blues that provide a striking contrast. Butcher block countertops introduce natural warmth, softening the modern tile and dark cabinetry. Unexpected art placement, such as on the kitchen island, adds playful color dashes. Small doses of orange in serving ware and lush greenery from houseplants are used to break up the blue/gray palette in the dining area. The dining room itself adopts a largely white palette to balance the intensity of the adjacent kitchen. Wood grain from a teak table and butcher block countertops unifies the two spaces. In this predominantly white dining room, cherry-red trim on dishes and coordinated linens provide small, cheerful pops of color. For the master bedroom, a Vivienne Westwood tartan wallpaper from Cole & Son is used on an accent wall behind the bed, eliminating the need for a headboard. The rest of the room is kept white and gray, with neutral bedding to prevent visual clutter. Finally, the front door features graphic shapes, a result of a student’s artistic interpretation, which nods to the home's midcentury architectural style. Family snapshots are creatively displayed using neon rice paper tape, adding more colorful and personal touches throughout the home. #BoldColor #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #PasadenaBungalow #ColorPalette #AccentWalls #DIYDecor #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign

COAT, a luxury paint brand, has introduced 19 new paint shades designed to harmonize with the UK's cool-toned, diffused natural light. This collection aims to simplify the decision-making process for homeowners looking for paint colors that offer both longevity and versatility, moving beyond fleeting trends to provide timeless tones that enhance various living spaces. The new range also reintroduces 11 bestselling shades, all centered around muted classic hues intended to work seamlessly with the unique lighting conditions prevalent in UK homes. Rob Abrahams, co-founder of COAT Paints, emphasizes the brand's philosophy of creating colors that remain appealing for years, rather than succumbing to temporary trends. The focus is on tones that elevate spaces and integrate well with natural light and existing UK architectural styles. This approach caters to a broad range of interior design preferences, from dopamine decor to maximalism, as the less saturated shades are formulated to perform effectively across different home aesthetics. Among the new offerings are deeper warm tones such as 'Arctic Roll' and 'Piglet,' alongside contrasting options like 'Brasserie Brown' and 'Rocky.' Each shade is meticulously developed to transcend current trends, providing an effortless yet sophisticated enhancement to any room. Abrahams explains that highly saturated colors can often feel overwhelming and their appeal can diminish quickly. Therefore, COAT champions earthy, muted shades that feel natural and grounded. These warm tones are subtly balanced with a hint of black, ensuring their harmonious interaction with the UK's blue-grey light. This careful formulation allows the colors to shift subtly throughout the day, providing a dynamic yet refined appearance. While bolder colors like Dulux's 'True Joy' are gaining traction in 2025, COAT's collection underscores the enduring popularity of subtle earth tones within contemporary interior design trends. The collection is anchored by three new color families: Plaster, Yellow, and Sand. These families feature intentionally desaturated hues, offering a soft alternative to what COAT refers to as 'traditionally overpowering colors.' For those seeking a tranquil and serene atmosphere rather than a bold statement, these made-to-order paints are available exclusively through the COAT website. Consistent with COAT's existing product lines, this new range is offered in various high-performance finishes, including Flat Matt and Claypaint, allowing customers to achieve their desired look and vision for their home interiors. #PaintColors #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #NaturalLight #COATPaints #MutedTones #TimelessDesign #UKHomes

The Dulux Overtly Olive paint shade has achieved cult status among interior designers and homeowners alike due to its rich, earthy green tones and exceptional versatility. Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, describes this shade as having a "magical" quality, blending familiarity with freshness and modern sophistication with timeless elegance. It is a grounding green that breathes life into any room, offering subtle warmth that makes it an irresistible choice for a wide array of interior styles. One of the most effective ways to utilize Overtly Olive is in the bedroom, where its calming and serene qualities can create a true sanctuary. When paired with natural materials such as warm woods, stone, and rattan, it fosters a relaxed, rustic ambiance. For a more contemporary feel, incorporating sleek metallics and crisp whites allows the richness of the green to truly shine. In a bedroom, pairing Overtly Olive with soft neutrals like Jasmine White enhances a peaceful atmosphere. Integrating natural textures such as jute rugs, linen, woven baskets, or wooden furniture completes a cohesive look, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Another ideal space for Overtly Olive is the bathroom, where it can evoke a spa-like mood. Unlike some greens that invigorate, Overtly Olive's pigments create a tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding. Applying it to both walls and ceilings can embrace the popular 'colour drenching' trend, creating an immersive and soothing cocoon. It is also an excellent choice for painting freestanding baths, adding a touch of sophisticated calm. In living rooms, Overtly Olive serves as an excellent feature wall or a full-room colour. It harmonizes beautifully with soft neutrals like Absolute White, creating a balanced and elegant space. For those seeking a bolder statement, it can be contrasted with deep jewel tones such as Ruby Starlet or Teal Tension. If the walls are painted in this earthy green, complementing accessories like vibrant wall art or bold rugs can introduce these contrasting colours effectively. Rea Bell, a design expert at furn., highlights Overtly Olive's role as a comforting and calming green tone that stands apart from fleeting paint trends. She advises pairing it with cream, white, or light grey for a relaxing, understated style. Layering textures such as boucle throws and linen curtains in muted earth tones can further warm up the space, while splashes of rich reds or browns in furniture and hardware provide striking contrasts. Simone Wilson, colour and trend expert at Voyage Maison, suggests pairing Overtly Olive with deep, rich purples for a moodier, cocooning effect, especially in bedrooms. This combination taps into the growing jewel tone trend for 2025, with the complementary nature of green and purple on the colour wheel creating a blend of stillness and drama. In kitchens and dining areas, Overtly Olive offers versatile charm, adapting to various occasions. It can be paired with brushed brass hardware and creamy whites like Absolute White for a warm and inviting atmosphere. Gold accents and luxe textiles can dress up the space for formal entertaining, while natural wood and rustic decor create a relaxed feel. This earthy tone strikes a perfect balance between elegance and functionality in these high-traffic areas. Experimenting with paint techniques is another way to utilize Overtly Olive effectively. Rea Bell notes that its muted quality makes it suitable for creative painting methods. Techniques like colour washing can create a subtle, weathered look, adding texture and accentuating natural features. Sponging is an affordable method to add depth and complexity, highlighting the shade's grounding nature. These techniques allow for a feature wall that goes beyond conventional paint application. Other paint alternatives similar to Overtly Olive include Johnstone's Scottish Moor, Fired Earth’s Tundra, RAL Design’s Sand grey, Dulux's Jurassic Stone, Putting Green, and Valley Rock. Lighter options from Dulux include Willow Tree, Crushed Aloe, and Green Glade, offering similar rustic and earthy tones. Overtly Olive also pairs well with various shades, including neutrals like beige, soft white, and greys such as Absolute White and White Mist. Soft pinks like Pressed Petal and Blush Pink create calming combinations. Bold accents like ochre, burgundy, or navy, exemplified by Ruby Starlet and Sapphire Salute, also complement it well. Nature-inspired hues such as terracotta (Tuscan Terracotta), moss green, and slate blue are also excellent pairings, showcasing the versatility of this beloved green shade. #DuluxOvertlyOlive #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #PaintIdeas #GreenInteriors #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #LivingRoomDecor #KitchenDesign #PaintTechniques #ColorCombinations

The role of color psychology in home value is explored through new research from Zillow, which surveyed 4,200 recent and prospective buyers in the United States. The findings indicate that certain paint colors can significantly impact a home's sale price, either boosting it or detracting from it. The survey revealed a general preference for darker, more dramatic shades of green, blue, and gray over lighter colors like white. Specific color recommendations are provided for different rooms. For kitchens, painting cabinets olive green is suggested, as buyers indicated a willingness to pay nearly $1,600 more for homes with this feature. An example of a London apartment showcasing refreshing olive green cabinets supports this claim. Conversely, painting a kitchen daisy yellow is identified as a color that could negatively affect home value, potentially leading buyers to offer almost $4,000 less. While acknowledging personal color preferences, the article advises considering darker mustard tones or balancing bright yellow with cool accents, such as blue checkered flooring, if choosing yellow. In living rooms, charcoal gray continues to be a top choice, with homes featuring this color potentially selling for nearly $2,600 more than expected. The article suggests incorporating modern floor lamps and paper lanterns to enhance the moody aesthetic of a charcoal gray living space. Bedrooms painted navy blue are also shown to increase home value by approximately $1,815, attributed to the cozy and zen ambiance it creates. Designer Maggie Glenndening's use of Sherwin-Williams's "Dark Night" in her Utah home is cited as an example of a successful navy bedroom. In contrast, fire hydrant red in a living room or bedroom could decrease a home's value by nearly $2,000, with the article suggesting rich, dimensional reds like Little Greene’s “Tuscan Red” as an alternative to achieve similar impact without the negative financial consequence. For bathrooms, a mid-tone brown, reminiscent of Pantone’s Mocha Mousse, is recommended. Earthy brown shades in a powder room are noted for their ability to make adjacent white hallways pop and can boost a home's price. Prospect Refuge Studio's Gucci-themed project, which incorporated such a color, is given as a reference. The article emphasizes that while personal color choices are valid, understanding these trends can be beneficial for homeowners looking to maximize their property's market appeal. #homeValue #paintColors #realEstate #interiorDesign #colorPsychology #kitchenDesign #bedroomDesign #livingRoomDesign #bathroomDesign

The choice of interior paint colors significantly impacts a home's sale price and how quickly it sells, with Zillow's research indicating that attractive colors can increase offers by up to $2,590. While neutral tones like white, beige, tan, and gray have traditionally been popular for making rooms appear larger and brighter, a recent shift in preference has emerged. Prospective homebuyers now favor bolder, nature-inspired dark hues, such as deep blues and greens, over plain neutrals. This trend suggests that homeowners looking to sell might benefit from incorporating these darker shades. Zillow, in collaboration with Sherwin-Williams, identified specific dark paint colors that are particularly appealing to homebuyers across different rooms. For kitchens, olive green cabinets are highly favored, attracting more buyer interest than any other color and potentially boosting a home's sale price by approximately $1,600. This hue creates a fresh, inviting atmosphere and connects with nature, exuding calm and sophistication. In living rooms, dark gray remains a staple, with Zillow's research showing it can increase an offer price by nearly $2,600, as it promotes a sense of relaxation and coziness. Bathrooms benefit from mid-tone brown colors, reminiscent of coffee shades like mocha and java. Inspired by Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, Zillow found that these earthy, warm tones can raise the selling price by $680, conveying comfort, harmony, and luxury. For bedrooms, navy blue is the top dark color choice, with buyers willing to offer an estimated $1,815 more for homes featuring a navy blue bedroom. This classic color adds elegance and depth and is versatile enough to complement various home décor styles, from traditional to modern. When incorporating dark colors, homeowners should consider several factors to ensure successful application. It is crucial to choose a color that aligns with personal taste and the desired mood, and to test several shades in the actual space to observe how they appear under different lighting conditions. Not all rooms are suitable for dark hues; small, windowless rooms, for instance, might feel confining. Balancing dark walls with light-colored furniture and accessories is also recommended to prevent the space from feeling too heavy. Proper application techniques are essential, including using high-quality painter's tape for sharp edges, applying a tinted primer, and using at least two coats of paint to achieve full intensity. Practical finishes like eggshell or satin are preferred, while matte, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes should be avoided on dark walls, especially in high-traffic areas. Additionally, budgeting for the increased cost of dark paints and supplies is important. Conversely, Zillow advises against certain colors that could negatively impact a home's sale price. Bright colors like reds and yellows are generally discouraged for repainting before listing. While these energetic shades might appeal to current residents, they can narrow the pool of potential buyers. Data indicates that a bright yellow kitchen could reduce a home’s sale price by as much as $3,915, and a red bedroom could lower it by $1,987. Therefore, repainting over such colors before listing is a strategic move to maximize buyer appeal and selling price. #InteriorDesign #HomeStaging #PaintColors #ZillowResearch #HomeSelling #ColorTrends #RealEstate #HomeDecor