'Caramel' Is the More Vibrant Earth-Tone That Everyone's Decorating With Right Now — Here's How to Do It

The article explores the caramel color scheme, highlighting its versatility and luxurious appeal for interior design. Caramel, described as a bold neutral, combines beige and brown tones and is presented as a stylish choice for fall and winter 2022. The article emphasizes that understanding room color and basic color theory is crucial for effective decorating, and that rich caramel hues, despite being neutrals, possess a refined and bold quality. One of the primary applications of caramel is in creating a comforting bedroom space. Laura Stephens Interior Design utilized a café au lait hue for bedroom walls, noting its depth and warmth, particularly beneficial for north-facing rooms or those with limited natural light. This color palette integrates well with crisp whites and tones like burgundy and olive green, and also allows stronger colors like royal blue to stand out effectively. Caramel tones are also suited for French country-inspired kitchens. Artichoke design firm used a workaday caramel hue for kitchen cabinets to evoke a traditional, hard-working country house aesthetic. Bruce Hodgson, founder of Artichoke, explains that this tone is ideal for domestic spaces where the color should not be overpowering but still needs to provide warmth and welcome, especially in rooms that do not receive abundant natural light. The article further suggests using caramel tones to decorate cozy corners. Paolo Moschino implemented a sand color in an alcove setting, enhancing it with colorful cushions to create a comfortable niche in a dressing room-cum-guest room. Moschino notes that sand colors serve as a versatile canvas, easily blending with other colors to foster a welcoming atmosphere. Creating a cocoon-like setting is another way to incorporate caramel. Crown Paints utilized a warm tan, saturated with caramel tones, to achieve a cozy room aesthetic that is neither too bright nor too overpowering. Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown Paints, highlights its compatibility with natural materials such as wood, stone, clay, linen, and jute. Finally, the article recommends pairing caramel with black accents. Natasha Bradley, director of interior design at Lick, suggests that this shade grounds a room and advises adding a black accent to tie the scheme together, especially when decorating an entire room in caramel. For added softness, she recommends matching woodwork and introducing green as an accent. These combinations aim to provide a European twist while maintaining a calming aesthetic. #CaramelColor #InteriorDesign #ColorScheme #NeutralDecor #HomeDecor #PaintTrends #CozyInteriors

Maroon, a distinctive brownish-crimson tone, is gaining popularity in interior design due to its grounded and serious appeal, offering a balanced alternative to stark reds or muted browns. This color is versatile, allowing for the creation of sophisticated and layered palettes within a home. Interior designers are increasingly recommending maroon for those seeking a bold yet earthy hue. One effective pairing for maroon is yellow. The bright and cheerful nature of yellow contrasts with maroon's depth, creating an exciting and well-balanced interior. Designers, such as Hélène Pinaud of Heju, have successfully used this combination, opting for bold furniture colors like maroon and yellow to achieve a modern aesthetic when clients are hesitant about bold wall colors. Gray, a timeless neutral, also serves as an excellent backdrop for maroon. The two tones can complement each other, with gray allowing the richness of maroon to stand out. Jasmin Reese of Jasmin Reese Interiors suggests that maroon paired with grays works best when combined with an eclectic mix of materials like brass, wood, and various fabrics, enhancing the prominence of the colors. Blue offers another compelling partnership with maroon, creating a versatile palette depending on the shade of blue used. Navy blue and maroon can establish more grounded interiors, while royal blue lends itself to a grander feel, and light blue contributes to a calmer atmosphere. Ophélie Doria and Édouard Roullé-Mafféis of Space Factory utilized maroon to define spatial zones, complementing a vibrant blue kitchen and natural wood elements to achieve a dynamic and balanced interaction within a space. Pink, particularly dusty pinks, corals, and brick shades, can be beautifully layered with maroon, especially when they share warm undertones. Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND champions this combination, using peach-colored wallpaper with dark brick-colored linen curtains to illustrate the effect. Soft pinks can also act as neutrals, allowing for further layering with colors like gray, cream, or beige. Green, especially olive or sage green, provides a lovely secondary tone when paired with maroon. Painting joinery in maroon allows the color to integrate into the home's architecture, while olive green accent chairs or pillows can introduce a vibrant pop. Charles Cohen of Charles Cohen Designs notes the luxurious yet calming effect of combining rich jewel tones like green and teal with other hues. For those looking to incorporate maroon through paint, specific recommendations include Calamine by Farrow & Ball, Blue 111 Matt by Lick, and Disco Nap by Backdrop. These paint colors offer distinct options for integrating maroon and its complementary shades into home interiors, reflecting its growing status as a key color in contemporary design. #Maroon #ColorScheme #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #ColorPairing #EarthyTones #ModernInteriors #PaintColors

The article explores the growing trend of decorating with earthy colors, moving away from the previously dominant cool neutrals like grays and whites. This shift is attributed to a desire for warmer, cozier, and more personalized home environments. Designers note that these warmer shades, including stony browns, soft beiges, and gentle spice colors, are as versatile as their cooler counterparts and can adapt to various lighting conditions and room sizes, though testing swatches is always recommended. One key approach to decorating with earthy colors involves layering them with diverse textures. These tones seamlessly integrate with various interior design styles, from rustic lodge to organic modern. Incorporating organic materials such as jute, stone, reclaimed wood, rattan, and capiz shell enhances the natural, serene effect of earthy palettes. This method creates depth and interest, emphasizing a nature-inspired aesthetic through material and color interplay. Earthy tones can also be utilized to soften darker schemes. Opting for deep, inviting browns instead of harsh charcoals allows for dramatic yet welcoming spaces. Aurora Brown, with its copper and deep burgundy undertones, is highlighted as a prime example, offering a saturated, natural feel. This connection to the natural world imbues a sense of security, comfort, and peace, making brown a robust focal point in diverse rooms from cozy snugs to luxurious kitchens. For a classic and approachable introduction to earthy colors, plaster-toned pinks are recommended. These versatile shades, which sit between pink, beige, and brown, are suitable for various rooms, including living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchen cabinets. Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon is cited as a popular choice, adapting its appearance based on lighting to offer subtle pink or brown nuances. Terracotta adds richness and energy to a space without being overwhelming. This sophisticated red trend can be used in larger doses, particularly through a technique called 'color drenching,' where an entire room, including walls, woodwork, and ceilings, is painted in a single hue like Farrow & Ball's Book Room Red. This approach creates a cohesive and immersive warm environment. Finally, to prevent an earthy color scheme from appearing 'muddy,' contrasting elements are crucial. While tone-on-tone neutrals can work in specific contexts, introducing lighter shades or high-contrast pairings like brown and off-white or terracotta and burgundy helps to lift the overall scheme. This contrast ensures that individual shades are discernible and prevents the space from becoming visually indistinct. The article concludes by emphasizing that decorating with earthy colors offers a comfortable alternative to traditional neutrals, adding depth, warmth, and interest to rooms, particularly in cooler or smaller, more intimate spaces. #EarthyColors #InteriorDesignTrends #ColorPalette #HomeDecor #WarmNeutrals #TextureLayering #Terracotta #PlasterPink #ContrastDesign

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

In 2023, the world of interior design sees a shift towards an earthy and grounded color palette, as predicted by leading interior designers. These trends emphasize how paint colors can profoundly transform a space, drawing inspiration from both natural elements and unexpected hues. The seven key paint color trends for 2023 include forest green, greige, dark blue, aubergine, muted green, natural tan, and moody brown. Forest green embodies the calming essence of nature and is ideal for accent walls and kitchen cabinets, adding a spectacular touch to rooms. Greige, a sophisticated blend of gray and beige, is making a strong comeback, predicted to become the 'new white' for its subtle depth and warmth. It serves as a versatile neutral, suitable for living rooms, dining rooms, and even as an updated wood stain. Dark blue offers a dramatic and modern aesthetic, perfect for powder bathrooms, small studies, or dining rooms, especially when paired with warmer-toned décor. Aubergine, a rich purple, is forecast to bring significant design drama, particularly in powder rooms where it can create a 'special moment' when applied to vanities. Muted green continues its popularity from 2022, offering a soft, neutral, and timeless feel for kitchens, mudrooms, and home libraries. Natural tan, often overlooked, is celebrated for its ability to highlight fixtures and details, making it an excellent choice for baths and kitchens, complementing materials like Arabescato marble, unlacquered brass, and black accents. The most surprising trend is moody brown. This saturated warm earth tone is gaining recognition for its comforting and grounding appeal, making it an excellent choice for cozy studies or bedrooms. The article highlights that these colors are not merely decorative but are integral to shaping the mood and energy of a space, much like how museum backdrops enhance artwork. Each shade is presented with expert recommendations for its best application, encouraging homeowners to experiment with these trending colors to create impactful and aesthetically pleasing interiors. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #EarthyTones #NeutralColors #DesignTrends #HouseDesign #HomeDecoration

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

Earth-inspired color palettes are becoming increasingly popular for living rooms, offering a calm, comforting, and warm atmosphere. These tones introduce depth and texture, serving as a versatile foundation for natural materials such as leather, rattan, jute, and linen. Browns, beiges, ochres, grays, and greens are central to these palettes, seamlessly integrating the beauty of nature into interior spaces. Interior designers like Reena Sotropa and Sarah Barnard emphasize drawing inspiration from the natural world to select appropriate earth tones. Brown, a fundamental earth tone, creates a tranquil and relaxing ambiance. Integrating jewel tones like amethyst, citrine, garnet, and lapis can add a bold contrast without overpowering the scheme. For a lighter, timeless approach, beige offers a cozy, cocooning feel and harmonizes with a wide spectrum of colors. Sarah Barnard notes that geographical influences can guide beige choices, with coastal areas inspiring sandy beiges and forested regions suggesting deeper browns and terracotta. Gray, especially in lighter shades, ensures a timeless appeal in living rooms, aligning with quiet luxury trends. When paired with other earth tones, it fosters a restful environment. Ochre, a deeper yellow reminiscent of natural clay and sunsets, provides a sophisticated yet calming presence. It complements metallics such as copper, antique gold, or silver, creating an earthy and elegant yellow living room. Blue and green combinations, mirroring nature's own palette, form dynamic and cheerful living spaces. Sam Sacks highlights green's versatility as an unexpected neutral, capable of balancing bright colors or grounding a monochromatic scheme. Moss green and tan evoke images of natural landscapes, with olive greens paired with dusky pinks offering a rich, historic feel, particularly suitable for older homes. Rust tones, derived from clay colors, provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, softer than vibrant reds due to their brown undertones. Terracotta tiles can introduce this grounding effect from the floor up, creating an indoor-outdoor connection. Mustard, a warm and earthy yellow, can range from pale to almost brown, working well with burgundy and cool grays for a luxurious, sun-kissed feel. Burnt orange, inspired by the evening sky, is a bold color that, when used sparingly, adds drama and natural flair, often seen in accent furniture or rugs. Red, embodying elements like bricks, roses, and spices, makes a powerful statement. Deeper reds with brown undertones are effective in various decorating styles, from modern to country, and can be introduced through curtains, pillows, or artwork. Lastly, sage green is a favored designer choice, blending green and gray to create a stylish yet understated neutral, easily layered with other green shades for added depth. To make a room more earthy, beyond paint colors, incorporating natural materials like wood, jute, cane, and brick, along with large, leafy plants, can enhance the outdoor aesthetic. Weathered and distressed pieces or rustic elements further contribute to a grounded interior. Earth tones, including olive, sage, mustard, ochre, brown, and taupe, continue to be popular due to their ability to create calm and relaxed living spaces, a growing preference as people spend more time at home. #EarthTones #LivingRoomDesign #InteriorDecor #ColorPalettes #HomeDecor #NaturalMaterials #DesignTrends #CalmingInteriors #PaintColors

The article explores the anticipated paint trends for 2025, highlighting nine key shades, color schemes, and paint techniques expected to dominate home interiors. It emphasizes a shift towards bolder, more personalized, and confident use of color in decorating. Each trend is discussed with insights from various interior design experts and paint company creative directors, including Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene, Michael Rolland of The Paint Shed, Tash Bradley of Lick, and Marianne Shillingford of Dulux. One prominent trend is the embrace of deep reds and purples, reflecting a growing confidence among homeowners to move beyond neutral palettes. Jewel tones like plum purples and wine reds are gaining popularity for their luxurious and cozy appeal, particularly in spaces with less natural light. Brown is identified as another major color trend for 2025, influenced by Pantone’s “Mocha Mousse.” This shade is celebrated for its versatility, richness, and ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, providing a fresh alternative to traditional neutrals. The article also delves into trending paint application techniques. Color drenching, which involves painting walls, ceilings, architraves, and even cabinetry in a single hue, continues to be popular for its enveloping effect and ability to make a bold statement, superseding the use of feature walls. A new variation, “double drenching,” is introduced, suggesting the use of two or more related colors with varying undertones to fully immerse a space in color, highlighting architectural details or zoning areas. A specific focus on ceilings, often referred to as the “fifth wall,” is another emerging technique, drawing the eye upward and creating the illusion of larger spaces, especially in smaller rooms. Freestyling with paint is presented as a trend that encourages embracing imperfection, with uneven stripes, irregular scallops, and hand-painted shapes becoming fashionable. This technique promotes a brave and confident approach to DIY decorating. Earthy tones, particularly deeper and darker shades like red-based browns, dark clay reds, terracotta, and plum purples, are gaining traction for their grounding and calming qualities, inspired by natural landscapes. These deeper earthy hues replace lighter pastels and cool greys, which are now considered to be fading trends. Finally, the article advocates for choosing meaningful colors that resonate personally with individuals, rather than strictly adhering to trends. This “anti-trend” approach emphasizes personal expression and creating spaces that evoke positive emotions and nostalgia. The concept of color blocking with primary shades, drawing inspiration from fashion, is also mentioned as a way to create dynamic and playful interiors. The article concludes by noting that stark white ceilings and trims, along with pale pastel shades (with the exception of baby blue), are gradually being replaced by these new, bolder, and more personal color preferences and application methods. #PaintTrends #ColorSchemes #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #EarthyTones #DIYPainting #HomeRenovation #DecoratingIdeas

The article explores the predicted color trends for interior design in 2025, moving away from the vibrant hues of the previous year and embracing more subdued, 'muddied' tones. Design experts and trend forecasters are anticipating a shift towards introspective and earthy colors that evoke a sense of calm and timelessness. This contrasts with the 2024 trends that saw a mix of preppy pinks, moody darks inspired by 'Barbenheimer,' and a widespread use of blue, alongside warm tones and quiet interiors. Key figures in the design world, such as ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ghislaine Viñas and architect Hannes Peer, and Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson, all concur on the prevalence of these muted shades. Viñas specifically mentions complex, muddier pink, purple, green, and yellow tones with earthy bases. Peer emphasizes colors that feel familiar yet nuanced, with a subtle complexity that encourages reflection and an enduring quality rooted in a timeless narrative. Johnson notes a return to comforting neutrals that promote relaxing creativity, a departure from recent bold color choices. Six prominent colors are highlighted as dominant for 2025. First is Truffle Brown, a rich chocolate-meets-taupe, which was already gaining traction in 2024. Stainmaster, a Lowe's brand, named Truffle its Color of the Year, praising its versatility across modern minimalist to rustic chic styles and its ability to layer with diverse palettes. Etsy's Johnson observes a broad adoption of these earthy brown tones in various home decor items, indicating a consumer preference for comforting neutrals. The second major trend is Eggplant Purple. This hue has been predicted by forecasters for some time and is now evident in fashion runways and in the Colors of the Year announcements from paint companies like Minwax (Violet), Glidden Paint by PPG (Purple Basil), and Sherwin-Williams (Mauve Finery). Benjamin Moore's Cinnamon Slate, a muddied plum, further reinforces this trend. ELLE DECOR A-List designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard has observed eggplant purple in fabrics, painted rooms, and furniture, appreciating its sensual and dramatic qualities. Katibelle Sharkey of BAS Stone views purple as a new neutral, with demand extending to veined marble and cabinet finishes, foreseeing variations interlaced with greens and oranges. Dusty Red, a muted version of last year's prominent red, is the third trend. Designer Elizabeth Young describes 'Paprika' as a more serious alternative to terra-cotta, noting its appearance in leather goods, fabrics, and tiles. She suggests pairing it with creams or apricots for a softer look, or black for a stronger statement, and highlights its potential in paint, tile, sofas, or drapery. Viñas also favors terra-cotta for its warmth and foundational role in a space. Sharkey notes a demand for vintage-inspired reds, burgundies, and bluish greens with yellow swirls in stone selections, driven by the resurgence of Art Deco. Chartreuse emerges as a cheerful yet neutral accent. Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams's color marketing director, points to its strong presence on runways and in street fashion, and its inclusion in their Colors of the Year rollout. She advises using it in small doses and suggests pairing it with rich golds like 'Bosc Pear.' Finally, Dusty Blue is identified by Hannes Peer as an introspective color for personal and curated spaces, valued for its calming and timeless ambiance. Arianna Barone of Benjamin Moore adds that this muted blue is versatile and suitable for common and transitional areas, serving as an accessible entry point to more colorful palettes. The final trend, Muddy Pink, reflects a continued reclamation of femininity seen in trends like Barbiecore. Little Greene's 'Mochi,' a rich light brown with peachy pink undertones, is an example of this, recommended for its warm, cocooning effect and its compatibility with greens and grays for a grounded feel. #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #DesignInspiration #EarthyTones #MutedPalette #ArchitecturalColors

After a year where individuals spent a significant amount of time within their homes, many are looking for ways to refresh their living spaces. This increased attention to domestic environments has highlighted areas that could benefit from updates, such as minor repairs or a fresh coat of paint. A new paint job is presented as an effective method to alter the mood and introduce a sense of novelty and joy into a home. The article explores 13 trending paint colors for 2021, emphasizing a shift from predominantly all-white interiors to more vibrant and expressive hues. Interior designers were consulted to identify the leading paint color trends for the year. A key takeaway is the importance of selecting colors that align with personal aesthetics, rather than blindly following trends. Max Humphrey, a Portland, Oregon-based designer, encourages bold choices, noting that paint is a reversible decision. Julie Van Daele suggests that for those hesitant to commit to strong colors, incorporating texture with a classic, versatile color can achieve a timeless yet impactful look. Thirteen specific paint colors and their applications are highlighted. Benjamin Moore's "Hannah Banana" is presented as a rich yellow tone that brings cheer, drawing a parallel to fashion choices. Farrow & Ball's "Dead Salmon" signifies a return to 1980s-inspired earthy palettes, specifically incorporating pink undertones to prevent a drab appearance. Clare's "Dirty Martini" is recommended by Humphrey as an olive green alternative to traditional navy, suitable for bedrooms or as a cabinet color, especially with a slight sheen. Backdrop's "Ghost Ranch" is identified as a rich earth tone, blending classic brown with deep red to create a warm terracotta hue. For those seeking texture, Portola Paints' "Roman Clay" is praised by Van Daele for transforming walls into a statement without relying solely on color. Farrow & Ball's "Calke Green," a deep sage green, is described as a versatile, elegant, and almost neutral shade suitable for various rooms, including smaller spaces or home libraries. Clare's "Good as Gold" is a subtly sunny mustard tone, seen as joyful and ideal for brightening kitchens, bathrooms, or small bedrooms. Backdrop's "After Hours," a soft charcoal black, is suggested for creating romantic and moody retreats like bedrooms or candlelit bathrooms, reflecting a growing preference for dark, intimate spaces. Benjamin Moore's "Rust" is noted as a super-saturated color no longer confined to exteriors, perfect for offices, dining rooms, or reading nooks. Benjamin Moore's "Aegean Teal" is highlighted as a soothing grayish blue-green that evokes a stormy sea, suitable for tranquil bathroom or bedroom settings. Clare's "Hyperlink" represents the trend of jewel-tone paints, described as a cheerful blue with white undertones, making it suitable for bedrooms without feeling overwhelming. Backdrop's "36 Hours in Marrakesh" is a deep, warm pink, presented as a grounded neutral that works well in kitchens, bedrooms, or living spaces without being overly feminine. Finally, Benjamin Moore's "Gray Cashmere" is offered as a more subtle approach for those transitioning from neutral walls, providing a neutral shade with hints of green, as suggested by Van Daele, to introduce color without being overtly bold. #paintColorTrends #homeDesign #interiorDesign #decoratingIdeas #colorPsychology #homeImprovement #designersChoice #earthTones #boldColors

The article highlights a growing trend in interior design that moves away from traditional painted walls towards more elaborate and textured wall coverings. It introduces innovative options such as LED wallpaper embedded with Swarovski crystals, developed by Mestyle, which combines natural textures with lighting and dimmable smart home technology. While impressive, this high-tech wallpaper, costing £540 per square metre plus £150 per OLED, represents a significant investment. The shift in wall decoration is not limited to advanced technology; it encompasses a variety of materials and finishes. Interior designer Sophie Paterson emphasizes the practicality and aesthetic benefits of using diverse wallpapers, noting that materials like vinyl wallpaper offer durability against scuffs and handprints, making them a cost-effective alternative to frequent repainting, particularly in high-traffic areas like hallways. She also suggests that well-chosen wallpaper can reduce the need for extensive art, adding significant interest and luxury to a room on its own. Paterson recently launched her chinoiserie wallpaper collection with Fromental, further illustrating the trend toward decorative wall treatments. The article explores a range of unconventional wall coverings beyond typical wallpaper. Dedar Milano offers unique fabric wall coverings, such as the 3D geometric Intarsiato embossed vinyl, which is treated with beeswax for fire retardancy, wipeability, and washability. Walltex UK provides a service to laminate various textiles, including silk, velvet, linen, suede, and leather, onto paper backing for use as wall coverings. Lucy Barlow, founder of Barlow & Barlow, recommends natural materials like raffia and grasscloth from brands like Malabar and Phillip Jeffries for clients seeking texture without bright patterns. For a more dramatic effect, Barlow's firm has used high-gloss lacquer finishes, particularly in deep, vivid shades like navy or red, to create a luxurious and light-bouncing effect in spaces like hallways and dining rooms, though this often requires specialist application. Traditional Japanese interiors' matt, raw-plaster walls are also seeing a resurgence, with companies like Kabe Copenhagen offering colored plasters inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics in muted tones and various textures. These plasters, which can be applied by DIY enthusiasts with online tutorials, can also be used in wet rooms or for surfaces like tabletops. High-end developments, such as the Corniche and One Hyde Park, showcase the luxurious potential of polished plaster and other unique materials. Brady Williams utilized white polished plaster in the Corniche's lobby to enhance reflected light, while Charu Gandhi of Elicyon incorporated straw marquetry for an "industrial luxe" look in a master bedroom and vacuum-formed leather hide with metalwork in a corridor. The article concludes with a mention of Blackpop, a British company collaborating with the Sir John Soane’s Museum to create opulent, ultra-detailed wallpapers inspired by historical architects and painters, priced from £216 per roll, highlighting the artistic and historical dimensions now integrated into wall coverings. #InteriorDesign #WallCoverings #LuxuryDecor #SmartHomeTechnology #TexturedWalls #WallpaperTrends #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalDesign #MaterialInnovation

Interior design trends, especially paint colors, evolve over time, leading some once-popular choices to appear dated. This discussion highlights several paint color trends that are predicted to make homes look less current in 2025, advocating for a shift towards warmer, more natural palettes. One significant trend to move away from is the use of cold neutrals, particularly cool gray. While once perceived as clean and orderly, cool gray is now considered overdone and can create a clinical, uninviting atmosphere. If a complete repaint isn't feasible, incorporating natural tones like deep browns and greens, along with florals, can help offset the coolness. Similarly, all-white spaces, especially those with blue or gray undertones, are losing favor. The current preference leans towards whites with warmer undertones, such as yellow or pink, as the broader trend shifts towards natural, warm colors across all shades. Another dated approach is the use of greens and blues with low vibrancy, such as mint or institutional green-gray. The contemporary design philosophy, often termed biophilic design, emphasizes reconnecting with nature by bringing natural elements indoors. This translates to using greens that are either bold, like forest green, uniquely shaded, such as moss green, or greens with blue undertones. When drawing inspiration from nature, browns are favored as primary neutrals over grays. Biophilic design extends beyond color to include elements like natural light, curved organic shapes, and materials like wood, stone, cotton, and rattan, all contributing to a comfortable and enduring aesthetic. The pastel trend, particularly pink, has also seen its peak. While nude pink tones and corals can work as accents, extensive use of pink on walls or furniture clashes with the emerging earth-tone aesthetic. Bright, startling colors like crimson and magenta are also out. Instead, warmer, muted tones such as deep cinnamon, cider, brown-red claret, deep orange, or even deep purple (like eggplant) are recommended. These colors evoke a sense of banked warmth rather than a vibrant flame. Eggplant, with its mix of deep purple and red/brown undertones, is presented as a versatile choice that harmonizes well with greens, blues, blacks, and beiges. The article also warns against misinterpreting the return to earth tones as a revival of the lurid, psychedelic-era colors of the mid-1970s, such as mustard yellow, burnt orange, and avocado green. The focus is on softer, more natural earth tones that blend and complement each other, moving away from garish, separated tones. The goal is to create inviting spaces with muted, layered colors, enhanced by cozy textures and nubby fabrics, rather than recreating past décor mistakes. Finally, saturating a room solely in beige is another outdated trend. Referred to as "millennial beige," this approach often lacks commitment and inspiration. Instead, existing beige walls can be enhanced by introducing complementary colors through curtains, carpets, throw rugs, upholstery, and art. Medium to dark browns, terra cotta, smoky blues, and sage greens can warm up the space. Beige walls can also be contrasted with black furniture for drama or paired with white trim and layered with crisp and nubby textures for a soothing effect, ultimately moving away from an uninspired, monotone beige environment. #PaintColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #DatedColors #BiophilicDesign #WarmNeutrals #EarthTones #ColorPalettes

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 article highlights the growing trend of earthy paint colors in interior design for 2024, presenting them as a comforting alternative to previous years' cold and stark aesthetics. Interior designer Christiane Lemieux notes that this shift reflects a desire for more livable and warm environments. The piece details five specific earthy paint color trends, offering insights from designers on their appeal and application. First, a clay-like ochre shade, such as Farrow & Ball's India Yellow, is identified as a grounding color that connects interiors to nature. This tone is praised for its ability to balance energy with an earthy feel, making it suitable for living rooms. Designers suggest layering this yellow with brown hues and incorporating textures to enhance plushness and coziness. It also facilitates the integration of warm accents like burnished brown, brass, and bronze. Second, an elegant and earthy taupe, exemplified by Farrow & Ball's Oxford Stone, is predicted to remain popular. Described as a warmer, darker beige, this shade adds complexity and depth while maintaining a neutral appeal. It is versatile enough for various rooms, allowing for layering with decor and textures. Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball's color curator, points out that lighter taupe tones like Oxford Stone can make rooms feel brighter and more spacious, appealing to those who desire clay tones without sacrificing openness. Third, earthy greens are gaining traction, moving away from lighter shades like pistachio and sage. Aimee Wertepny of PROjECT. Interiors emphasizes green's timeless quality and its ability to soothe the soul as a reflection of nature. Corinne Mathern highlights Benjamin Moore’s Majestic Sage as a neutral with a touch of color, creating a soothing, warm, and earthy ambiance that comes alive when richly layered with other elements in a space. Fourth, moody mushroom grey is noted for its continued popularity, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional grey. This shade incorporates brown undertones, contributing to an earthy feel. Architect and designer Alina Sulina appreciates mushroom grey for its simplicity, versatility, and timelessness, along with its capacity to create a serene atmosphere and enhance textures. Sherwin Williams' Gauntlet Grey 7019 is presented as a reliable option, especially when layered with texture, to achieve an exquisite earthy look. Finally, earthy off-white is recognized as a subtle yet effective way to introduce warmth. Unlike stark bright whites, these off-whites have yellow, green, or red undertones that contribute to a warmer ambiance. Christiane Lemieux’s use of Farrow & Ball's String, an earthy off-white with yellow and subtle green undertones, demonstrates how such a shade can keep a space warm and connect it to nature, making it ideal for rooms with outdoor views or mudrooms. #EarthyPaintColors #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecoration #WarmColorPalette #FarrowAndBall #BenjaminMoore #SherwinWilliams #NeutralInteriors #DesignInspiration

The article explores the powerful emotional impact of the color red in home decor, showcasing 17 distinct red room designs from the VERANDA archives. It emphasizes red's ability to inject energy into a space, ranging from comfort and warmth to drama and romance, depending on the shade and application. The article acknowledges that incorporating red can be challenging and suggests starting with small accents like cinnabar accessories or Venetian red trims before committing to larger areas like entire bedrooms. Various shades of red are highlighted through specific examples of designer rooms. These include Paprika, used in a London townhouse powder room with a mirror-finish lacquer for dramatic effect; Orange-Red, featured in Garrow Kedigian's Manhattan apartment study, chosen for its seductive hue and the beautiful light it receives; and Crimson, a charming choice for a little girl's bedroom in a Locust Valley home, incorporating red tape trim and an ikat canopy. Ruby Red is presented in an Alidad-designed London apartment, used on a powder room door for a distinctive touch. Berry Red lacquered walls create drama in a sitting room by Barrie Benson, complemented by a gilded ceiling and leather chaise. Cardinal Red glazed dining room walls in Alessandra Branca's Chicago townhouse evoke a vivacious spirit, ideal for entertaining. Further examples include Cherry Red in Gary McBournie's London living room, which revives a Victorian-era rowhouse with its lively color, and Persian Red in Ashley Whittaker's Connecticut game room, using 18th-century Indo-Persian borders for a playful and youthful feel. Striped Red appears in Anthony Baratta's Manhattan pied-à-terre, employing bold wallpaper and subtle trims. Muted Red is demonstrated by Alexa Hampton in a Kips Bay Show House bedroom, balanced with crisp white and Gracie maps to temper its intensity. Auburn Red wool felt walls in Todd Romano's San Antonio home highlight artwork and Peruvian mirrors. Tawny Red cashmere walls provide an animated backdrop for historic and modern furnishings in a Markham Roberts-designed den. Rosy Red, inspired by climbing roses, is used in Caroline Gidiere's Alabama primary bedroom. Vermilion Red, an antique Venetian fabric, welcomes guests in Micky Hurley's Paris loft. Scarlet Red energizes the library walls of Charlotte Moss's Manhattan townhouse, creating a rejuvenating space for reflection. Brick Red walls in Nathan Turner's Alisal Guest Ranch guest rooms reflect the natural surroundings and complement rustic linens. Finally, Coral Red, a muted-geranium wallcovering, takes color cues from the coral reef cays in Miles Redd's Baker's Bay bedroom. Each example illustrates how different red tones and applications contribute to the overall aesthetic and mood of a space. #InteriorDesign #ColorIdeas #RedDecor #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors #DesignerRooms #ColorPsychology