Pairing blues with terracotta shades is a big colour trend for 2021

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

The transition from 2025 to 2026 in home colour trends is characterized as a harmonious evolution rather than a drastic change. Experts in colour, paint, and interior design indicate that the upcoming year's palette will emphasize depth and warmth, creating inviting and sophisticated spaces. This period is crucial as many brands, including Pantone, reveal their 'colours of the year' (COTYs), with Pantone's 2026 choice being 'Cloud Dancer,' a white shade. Lucy Steele, a paint and interiors expert from Valspar Paint, notes a preference for multi-dimensional shades like rusty reds, atmospheric blues, and herbal greens, which contribute to richness and moodiness in interiors. Dark reds are expected to continue their strong presence in 2026, building on their popularity in 2025. Pinterest had already identified cherry red as a key colour for 2025, and this trend is extending into the new year. Paint brands such as Lick and Graham & Brown are incorporating deep reds and burgundy shades into their 2026 collections. Graham & Brown's 'Divine Damson,' a dark cherry red, is highlighted for its bold and polished visual statement, suitable for both dramatic spaces and transitional areas like hallways. Little Greene, for the first time, announced 'Adventurer'—a blend of burgundy red and plum aubergine—as its 2026 COTY, described as regal and opulent, ideal for promoting tranquillity and intimacy in various rooms. An on-trend pairing for dark reds is butter yellow, a combination observed across fashion and interiors by Tash Bradley of Lick. Blue remains a consistently favored colour, with 2026 seeing a shift towards softer blues with warm undertones. These blues are noted for their calming and grounding effect, providing a sense of clarity and peace without being cold or overtly coastal. Lick’s new colour edit includes 'Blue 03' and 'Blue 18' to reflect this preference. Dulux, for the first time, released three shades of blue as its 2026 COTYs, collectively named 'Rhythm of Blues.' Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux, explains that blue's versatility and its prevalence in nature contribute to its familiar and comforting appeal. The chosen shades—'Free Groove' (zingy), 'Mellow Flow' (soft), and 'Slow Swing' (inky)—demonstrate the broad appeal and adaptability of blue. Earthy shades, which gained significant traction in 2025 due to a desire for comfort and coziness, are set to continue defining interiors in 2026. Benjamin Moore's COTY is 'Silhouette,' a deep brown with charcoal undertones, while Sherwin-Williams introduces 'Universal Khaki,' a warming neutral. Earthborn features 'Freckle,' a naturally occurring clay colour. Cathryn Sanders of Earthborn emphasizes that earthy tones foster grounded, warm, and restorative atmospheres. 'Freckle,' being free from artificial colourants, aligns with eco-friendly principles and is versatile for various applications, from accent walls to kitchen cabinets. This trend allows for thoughtful paint usage to significantly impact a home’s atmosphere. Green is also evolving into a new neutral, potentially replacing beige in interiors. Matcha-inspired 'Green 18' and olive 'Green 05' from Lick's collection, along with Valspar’s 'Warm Eucalyptus,' are prominent in the 2026 palette. Lucy Steele from Valspar highlights green's role as a colour of balance, nature, and restoration, with 2026 bringing warmer, more versatile tones compared to cooler greens of previous years. These herbal greens pair well with natural materials and contemporary finishes, becoming a timeless neutral that connects spaces to nature. Green shades are also suitable for 'colour capping,' a technique where walls are painted to a certain height in green and topped with a lighter tone, adding architectural interest and a cocooning effect. Overall, 2026 encourages confident colour experimentation to personalize homes. #ColourTrends2026 #InteriorDesign #PaintTrends #HomeDecor #EarthyShades #DarkReds #WarmBlues #GreenInteriors #ColourPalette

The year 2021 has brought significant changes to how individuals perceive and utilize their homes, transforming them into multi-functional spaces for work, exercise, and relaxation. This shift has prompted many homeowners to seek ways to refresh their living environments, with a fresh coat of paint being one of the most impactful and accessible methods. This article explores the top interior paint color trends for 2021, detailing various aesthetic preferences and their suitability for different home décor styles. One prominent trend features rich jewel tones, including sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst purple, citrine yellow, and emerald green. These saturated colors, previously popular in other design spheres, are now making a strong entry into interior design. They are noted for their ability to imbue any room with vibrancy, transforming it into either a sumptuous refuge or a lively space, depending on the specific shade. For those hesitant about committing to such bold colors, an accent wall painted in a jewel tone can provide a significant aesthetic update without overwhelming the space, making it a quick and effective DIY project. Conversely, for individuals seeking a more subdued and tranquil atmosphere, restful neutral colors are gaining traction. Given the past year's stresses, there is a growing demand for grounding and calming hues. Interior designers highlight colors like olive greens, burgundies, and other 'muddy' tones. Even classic whites are being reconsidered, with recommendations leaning towards warmer variations like Benjamin Moore's 'Simply White,' which possesses subtle yellow or pink undertones rather than cooler blue ones. A monochromatic approach, where an entire room, including molding and ceiling, is painted in a single neutral shade, is also suggested to create a cohesive and serene environment. Earthy-colored wall paints are another significant trend, emphasizing comfort and coziness. Sherwin Williams’ 2021 Color of the Year, 'Urbane Bronze SW 7048,' is a nature-inspired hue designed to foster a sense of calm, safety, and security. It is recommended for use on all four walls to create a 'cocoon feeling.' Behr also supports this trend, with their designer Erika Woelfe noting the continued popularity of warm, inviting earthy tones like 'Jojoba,' 'Smoky White,' and 'Saffron Strands,' which aim to elevate comfort zones with natural hues. Furthermore, there's a growing inclination towards darker paint colors. Contrary to the common belief that dark colors make a room appear smaller or dimmer, experts suggest they can often have the opposite effect, creating depth and making other elements in the room stand out. Colors such as Dunn Edwards' charcoal-like 'Cavernous' are highlighted for their versatility, pairing well with crisp whites and warmer neutrals. HGTV personalities also advocate for experimenting with dark hues, noting that homeowners are becoming more adventurous with these choices. Finally, tropical aquatic blues are emerging as a trend, offering a sense of escape and paradise. Colors like 'Misty Aqua' and 'Aqua Fiesta' from PPG Paints are favored by those looking to infuse their homes with the serene and refreshing ambiance of tropical destinations, especially after a year of limited travel. These personable pastels are seen as balancing agents, complementing earthier tones with their aquatic elegance and providing a cheerful, clear quality reminiscent of crystal-clear tropical waters, making them suitable for sitting rooms and kitchens. #InteriorDesignTrends #PaintColors2021 #HomeDecor #JewelTones #NeutralPalette #EarthyHues #DarkerInteriors #AquaticBlues #HomeImprovement

The design world is poised for a significant shift in color trends for 2026, moving away from the dominance of warm neutrals like creams, beiges, and taupes. While these warm hues have provided a timeless and sophisticated backdrop for interiors for several years, their pervasive use has led to a sense of predictability. The emerging trend points towards a revival of cooler, more refreshing tones, with a particular emphasis on soft, enveloping powder blue. This transition offers an ideal opportunity to modernize existing design schemes, especially those featuring warmer elements, by introducing a cool and contemporary contrast. Jane Fonda's recent design choice exemplifies this shift, showcasing a subtle yet impactful application of a cool-toned shade. In a social media post, Fonda featured her cream-colored bouclé sofa, but instead of the expected griege or taupe wall, she opted for a soft blue-gray hue. This choice solidifies the growing influence of cool tones in interior design, providing a masterclass in how to integrate them with beloved warm neutrals to achieve a refreshed and sophisticated look. The powder blue background behind her seating area creates a refined contrast with the tactile warmth of the cream sofa and the rustic appeal of her rounded, natural wood tables. The entire arrangement, including geometric textures and blue-gray accents in her rug, elevates the space by unexpectedly blending warm and cool elements. This sophisticated balance between warm and cool tones is crucial for creating a scheme that feels both current and enduring. For those looking to replicate Fonda's aesthetic, specific paint recommendations include Farrow & Ball's Sardine or Benjamin Moore's Aegean Teal, both offering similar soft, powdery blue shades. To successfully decorate with powder blue in 2026, several key principles should be followed. First, mastering the warm-cool equilibrium is essential. This involves pairing pale blue with rich, earthy tones such as terracotta, soft camel, or deep cream, rather than stark white. This approach prevents the blue from appearing overly cold and allows the warm neutrals to serve as inviting anchors, fostering a balanced and sophisticated atmosphere. Second, incorporating texture is vital to prevent pale blue from appearing flat or insubstantial. Given its inherently lower saturation, textural elements like brushed velvet, chunky bouclé, distressed linen, or high-pile rugs are necessary. These materials interact with light in unique ways, adding depth and dimension to the ethereal hue. Third, grounding the scheme with a dark anchor can prevent a pale blue room from feeling too 'sweet' or washed out. Introducing small but impactful doses of charcoal, matte black, or deep bronze through hardware, light fixtures, or accent furniture frames can create a dramatic contrast, ensuring the soft blue retains its presence. An example is a powder blue kitchen accented with dark bronze fixtures. Fourth, considering natural light is paramount. For north-facing rooms, which receive cooler light, selecting a pale blue with subtle gray or green undertones helps prevent the space from feeling sterile. Conversely, in south-facing rooms, which benefit from warm, bright light, a purer, clearer shade of blue can be confidently used without the concern of it being washed out. Finally, treating the ceiling as the fifth wall can enhance the overall design. Applying a very light shade of powder blue, slightly lighter than the walls, to the ceiling can mimic the color of the sky, creating an immersive and serene canopy that visually expands the space. This technique also works beautifully when color-drenching a room in various shades of blue. #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends2026 #PowderBlue #WarmAndCoolTones #HomeDecor #CelebrityStyle #PaintColors #TexturalElements #LivingRoomDesign

The selection of paint colors plays a pivotal role in shaping a room's atmosphere, influencing its mood, style, and overall aesthetic. As 2026 approaches, interior design experts anticipate a significant shift in color trends, moving away from pastels and bold tones towards hues deeply rooted in the natural world. This forecast emerges despite Pantone's surprising announcement of "Cloud Dancer," a soft white, as its 2026 color of the year, which generated considerable discussion given the recent trend towards bolder interiors. Experts predict that earthy tones will dominate British homes in 2026. Kate Palmer, Creative Director at The Painted Furniture Company, highlights a collective gravitation towards colors that evoke feelings of groundedness, safety, and quiet optimism. She notes that soft earth tones and muted greens are gaining popularity for their ability to bring calm and a connection to nature, addressing a widespread desire for stability in an increasingly dynamic world. This trend signifies a move away from the vibrant palettes of previous decades, embracing the natural environment as a primary source of inspiration. Olive green is projected to be a leading shade in 2026, building on its recent popularity. Josh Branigan, a Furniture and Home Interiors Expert at Cuckooland, suggests that deeper, earthier forms of olive green will define the year's palette. Simon Mayhew, Founder & Interior Designer at TXTURED, also predicts a surge in lighter olive greens, emphasizing their restorative and balanced qualities that provide a sense of escape to the countryside, even in urban settings. Earthy browns are also expected to maintain their strong presence, continuing a trend observed in 2025. This was initiated by Pantone's "Mocha Mousse" as its 2025 Color of the Year and reinforced by Benjamin Moore's selection of Silhouette AF-655, a grey-brown espresso shade, for 2026. Josh Branigan describes rich browns as a major player, offering a softer yet dramatic and refined alternative to black. Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore, attributes the choice of Silhouette AF-655 to a growing interest in the brown family across fashion and interiors, providing a warm alternative to traditional dark neutrals. Aubergine, another nature-inspired hue, is anticipated to be a popular choice. Kate Palmer points to Little Greene’s “Adventurer,” a deep, plummy aubergine, as a standout shade for 2026, indicating a shift towards bolder, moodier colors that personalize a room beyond neutral tones. Josh Branigan adds that jewel-like tones such as aubergine signify increased confidence in using color, offering emotional richness, personality, and a luxurious depth without overwhelming the space. Versatile blues are also expected to make a significant comeback. Josh Branigan foresees a strong presence of blues, ranging from soft mid-blues to inky indigos and teals. Anna Hill, Brand Director and Colour Consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook, explains that blue and green shades will remain staples due to their versatility and timelessness, with blues bringing depth and serenity reminiscent of the sky and water. While some experts, like Victoria Yardley of Victory Colours, predict muted blues will be popular, Magdalena Gierasinska of Barker and Stonehouse anticipates bursts of electric blue. Finally, burgundy is emerging as a sophisticated and subtle trend. Anna Hill highlights burgundy and red tones making a confident return, offering warmth, depth, and sophistication. These shades evoke heritage architecture and natural materials but are being re-imagined in fresher, more versatile ways for 2026. Laura Hammett, Creative Director of Laura Hammett Living, notes the resurgence of these decadent, wine-toned shades in both fashion and interiors, appreciating how they translate into home decor. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EarthyHues #OliveGreen #BrownTones #Aubergine #BluePalettes #Burgundy #2026Trends

Terracotta, recognized for its warming and grounding qualities, acts as a versatile neutral in home design, seamlessly integrating into various palettes. Designers like Ashley Macuga emphasize its timeless appeal, noting its ability to complement diverse shades from teal to sage. This guide explores a range of color pairings for terracotta, whether it's used as a tile, a textured finish, or a paint color, offering insights into creating balanced and aesthetically pleasing interior schemes. One harmonious combination is terracotta with forest green. Interior designers, including Cortney Bishop and Kristen Fiore, highlight green as an environmentally sympathetic pairing. They suggest that deep forest greens or richer blue-greens create a bold, contrasting look, as exemplified by a kitchen design featuring glossy green wall tiles against a terracotta floor. Conversely, for a more serene ambiance, sage green offers a calming effect when paired with terracotta. This combination is often seen in spaces aiming for a natural, earthy connection, such as an entryway in a historic farmhouse that uses terracotta tiles alongside sage green paint to soften and ground the bold hues. Terracotta also forms a classic pairing with various shades of blue. Kristen Fiore and Julia Dempster describe this as a natural and dramatic combination, particularly with richer, deeper blues like royal blue or navy. The contrast between these colors on the color wheel evokes imagery of desert landscapes with sand and blue skies, adding a sophisticated and playful touch. Another unconventional yet effective pairing is with pink tones. Designers like Cortney Bishop and Ashley Macuga find that pinks, especially those that exude coziness, create a fresh, energetic, and youthful feel when combined with terracotta. This palette works well with terracotta as an accent against pink walls, resulting in a lively yet grounded space. For an uplifting and sunny atmosphere, terracotta can be paired with yellow. Kristen Fiore notes that both yellow and orange are analogous to terracotta on the color wheel, creating a chill, earthy, organic, and calm vibe that is popular in contemporary color palettes. Integrating terracotta with cooler shades like gray helps introduce warmth and contrast, transforming stark neutral schemes into something more inviting. Brigette Romanek appreciates terracotta's ability to be strong yet soft and calming in such contexts. For those seeking a more dramatic aesthetic, terracotta paired with black offers a striking contrast. A softer alternative involves combining terracotta with brown. Designers like Sarah Solis and Julia Dempster highlight that both are grounding pigments, creating a rich, inviting, and soothing palette suitable for various aesthetics. Browns, particularly chocolate brown, add depth and warmth without the intensity of black or orange. Brigette Romanek envisions this combination in powder rooms or conservatories, noting how the rich, warm tones complement each other. Finally, terracotta can be effectively used in monochromatic schemes, leveraging its inherent variations from deep red to lighter, softer hues of oranges and pinks. Designers like Kelly Wearstler and Sarah Solis utilize this approach to create dramatic and cocooning spaces by layering different shades within the terracotta family. Beyond traditional applications like tiled floors, terracotta can be introduced through paint, textiles, wallpaper, and accessories. Its natural origins make it compatible with popular wood tones like walnut and oak, offering visual impact without harshness. Ultimately, the use of terracotta is about embracing its organic richness and timeless design energy, allowing it to stand strong as a grounding and inspiring material within any interior scheme. #TerracottaColors #ColorPairing #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EarthTones #ColorTheory #DesignTrends #AccentColors

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

Burgundy, a deep and intense red-wine hue, is experiencing a resurgence in interior design, with experts embracing its rich and moody qualities to create luxurious and comforting spaces. Unlike many neutral shades, burgundy offers a depth and intrigue that aligns with a current desire to view homes as havens. While incorporating burgundy might seem daunting compared to other color trends of 2024, designers suggest an 'all-in' approach, often pairing it with related shades like aubergine and bright red. The color's luxurious feel is further amplified when combined with textures such as wool, bouclé, and shearling. This article presents five distinct ways interior designers are integrating burgundy into homes. One approach is color-drenching, exemplified by Albion Nord's media room design. Here, various materials are used to create a layered and opulent finish, where a rich red velvet sofa complements horsehair fabric panelled walls and an antique rug-upholstered ottoman, all within the same deep burgundy tone. The key to this monochromatic scheme is the strategic mixing of textures to add visual interest and warmth. Another method involves layering burgundy with extra red tones, as seen in a hallway designed by Kingston Lafferty Design. The space utilizes walls painted in Farrow & Ball's 'Eating Room Red' alongside a tiled burgundy floor, creating a dramatic and unified palette that is further enhanced by contrasting orange elements in the console and bold red artwork. A third technique highlights the use of diverse materials to introduce burgundy. Miriam Frowein's modern country-style kitchen features lacquered cupboard fronts and painted window frames in 'Eating Room Red.' The inspiration for this scheme comes from the surrounding red brick buildings. The design achieves a unique depth through the combination of smooth satin finishes on the cabinets, natural stone countertops with white veining, and an aubergine and off-white encaustic tiled floor, all contributing to a layered burgundy presence. For those hesitant to commit to a full-scale burgundy transformation, the article suggests incorporating a single feature piece. In a bedroom by Studio Duggan, a bespoke velvet headboard in a rich claret shade acts as a focal point within an otherwise light-colored room, elegantly introducing the trend while maximizing the color's luxurious nature through soft upholstery. This approach also subtly integrates pale blue, another trending color for 2024, on wardrobe doors. Finally, the intensity of burgundy can be amplified using high-gloss paint, as demonstrated in a project by Chad Dorsey Design. A home bar and entertaining space features glossy burgundy panelled walls and a staircase, elevating traditional elements with a touch of glamor. The vibrant color is balanced by mid-century-style furniture and natural wood accents, grounding the bold aesthetic and creating an inviting atmosphere. These examples collectively illustrate the versatility of burgundy, showcasing its ability to create warm, sophisticated, and deeply personalized interiors, whether through extensive application or subtle accents. #BurgundyColor #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #TexturalDesign #LuxuryInteriors #AccentColors #PaintIdeas #DesignInspiration

The article discusses the evolving trends in interior design colors, specifically focusing on alternatives to teal, a popular blue-green shade. While teal is acknowledged for its versatility and vibrancy, color experts note a shift towards more earthy, tranquil, and deeper tones in contemporary decorating. This move is influenced by a desire for warmer, more welcoming, and grounding spaces. Several alternatives to teal are highlighted, including warmer blues, sage green, bold botanical greens, "grubby" greens, and deep blues. Warmer blues, such as Benjamin Moore's Blue Nova (a blend of blue and violet), are gaining popularity for their ability to create a soothing and harmonious atmosphere. Blue Nova, in particular, is noted for its adaptability in various lighting conditions, balancing intense sunlight in south-facing rooms and providing a cozy feel in north-facing ones, especially when paired with natural materials or terracotta accents. Sage green is presented as another trending alternative, valued for its serene and calming qualities. This soft, earthy green with grey undertones promotes restfulness and is ideal for creating tranquil bedrooms or timeless living rooms. Its versatility allows it to be perceived with grey notes, giving it a modern feel. Botanical greens, inspired by nature, are also increasingly favored, particularly deeper tones like Little Greene's Jewel Beetle. These shades aim to bring the sense of well-being derived from the natural world indoors, invigorating everyday spaces like kitchens. The concept of "grubby" greens, characterized by earthy or brown undertones, is introduced as a growing trend. These muted greens are described as less "shouty" than fresher greens with blue undertones, providing a comfortable, neutral backdrop. This shift aligns with a broader movement from cooler to warmer tones in whites and neutrals, extending to green hues. Finally, for those who appreciate the drama of teal but seek a different direction, deep midnight and inky blues are suggested. Emily Kantz from Sherwin-Williams notes that these deep blues, along with dark olive tones like Garden Gate, are increasingly popular for their connection to quiet luxury and timeless sophistication. They offer an impactful backdrop that exudes confidence. Additionally, deep berry shades like Carnelian are mentioned for creating cocooning and restful spaces. The article concludes by reiterating that while teal remains a beloved color, the current trend favors more muted, earthy, and deep green and blue tones that contribute to a calming and sophisticated interior. #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #TealAlternatives #EarthyTones #BlueHues #GreenShades #DecoratingAdvice #HomeDecor #PaintColors

The article explores the anticipated living room color trends for 2025, highlighting five key color families and a couple of unexpected outliers. It emphasizes that these trends align with broader home color trends, with a particular focus on warming, grounding hues like earth tones and sunset colors, which contribute to a cozier atmosphere. The article suggests that these new trends offer an opportunity for homeowners to refresh their living spaces, whether they frequently redecorate or are looking to update a dated scheme. The first trend discussed is rich red, specifically 'oxblood,' a brown-red shade. Interior designer Filippo Calvagno notes the influence of burgundy and jewel tones on design choices, indicating a growing prominence of red-toned hues in projects. Oxblood is described as having significant depth and warmth, reading as a neutral despite its richness. The second trend is terracotta and muted orange shades. Google search data indicates a 5,000% increase in searches for 'terracotta' since 2024. Dagny Thurmann-Moe, a Norwegian color expert, explains that these colors are particularly flattering in spaces with cool daylight, such as in Scandinavia and the UK, as they combat blue tones and create a positive feeling. The article illustrates how to pair terracotta with other sunset shades. Light blue is presented as the third trend. This color, though a continuation from the previous year, remains underexplored in living rooms. It offers a cool and refreshing ambiance and possesses a near-neutral quality, making it a bolder alternative to white, gray, or beige, while still serving as a subtle backdrop. Lisa Lev, an interior designer, highlights light blue's architectural feel, allowing it to blend seamlessly with other elements. The trend also encourages playful color combinations, such as green, mustard yellow, and terracotta, to create a colorful yet calm family setting. The fourth trend is caramel. This color is described as a more saturated and intense version of beige, moving away from the 'sad beige' trend while still appealing to those who favor earth tones. Hugh Metcalf, Livingetc editor, points out its retro richness, linking it to 1970s interior design trends. Muga, an 'Indian Yellow' tone, is suggested as an ideal caramel shade. Finally, purple is identified as an unexpected but emerging trend. Alexandra Barker of Barker Architecture Office notes her experimental use of purple, ranging from 'lavender gray' as a tinted neutral to deep aubergine for a rich, distinctive look. The article also mentions the rising popularity of purple in sofa color trends, advocating for muted hues and materials like linen or weaves over velvets to achieve a sophisticated aesthetic. The article concludes by encouraging readers to embrace these bolder color choices and make a statement with their living room designs in 2025.

The design industry is witnessing a significant shift in color preferences, with a long-standing classic hue, navy blue, experiencing a notable decline in popularity. A 2022 trend report by 1stDibs indicates a substantial 43 percent drop in interest for navy blue. This decline signals a broader desire among individuals to create brighter and more open living spaces, moving away from potentially darker, more enclosing shades. The preference is now leaning towards lighter wall colors or strategic pops of color, aiming for an invigorating ambiance rather than a constrained one. In place of navy blue and other traditional jewel tones like mustard yellow and burgundy, designers are increasingly embracing duskier, more muted pastels. Shades such as mauve and rust orange are gaining traction, reflecting a move towards softer and more sophisticated palettes. However, the use of these muted pastels in larger areas requires careful consideration to avoid an overly sweet or saturated appearance. To effectively integrate these colors without overwhelming a space, designers suggest grounding them with black and white accents. Additionally, exploring various tones within the same color family can help maintain a fresh and dynamic aesthetic. The emerging color trends for the upcoming year extend beyond muted pastels. Cobalt blue is identified as the new dominant shade within the blue spectrum, offering a vibrant alternative to the receding navy. Furthermore, emerald green has emerged as the most popular color overall for 2022, a trend corroborated by major paint brands, many of whom have declared a verdant shade as their color of the year. This widespread adoption of green hues highlights a collective leaning towards nature-inspired palettes and a desire for freshness and vitality in interior design. Beyond color, the 1stDibs report also points to other evolving design preferences. Certain design elements like neon signs and cane seating are losing favor among consumers. Instead, there is a growing demand for comfort and artistry, with shoppers opting for plush upholstery and abstract artwork. This indicates a shift towards more tactile, cozy, and visually engaging interior elements. The report's predictions suggest a dynamic evolution in design preferences, with a clear move towards lighter, softer, and more artistically inclined spaces, while also highlighting the enduring appeal of certain classic pieces like Cesca chairs. #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #NavyBlue #EmeraldGreen #CobaltBlue #MutedPastels

The article explores the multifaceted world of color, highlighting its subjective and collective impact on individuals and trends in fashion and home design. Color choices are influenced by personal emotional reactions and memories, while broader trends can be generational or inspired by specific artistic movements. The article notes the cyclical nature of color trends, from the minimalist 1990s to the resurgence of vibrant hues, with natural colors like green gaining popularity due to sustainability concerns. The influence of pop culture, such as movies like "The Grand Budapest Hotel," and the red-carpet fashion of A-listers, is suggested as a factor in the renewed appreciation for flamboyant colors. Traditional color systems, such as Pantone's "Colour of the Year," Sweden's NCS, and Germany's RAL, are discussed as standardized methods for color reproduction and forecasting. Pantone's annual selection, like "Classic Blue" for 2020, is presented as a result of trend-forecasting research, aiming to capture the zeitgeist. However, many contemporary designers are moving away from these rigid systems, advocating for a more personal and experimental approach to color. Dutch designer Hella Jongerius is highlighted for her efforts to create a "new vocabulary" of color, challenging the standardization that she believes impoverishes the everyday color palette. Her work for Vitra and exhibitions like "Breathing Colour" showcase mutable colors and innovative formulations, such as 16 shades of black created without carbon. The article delves into the origins and commercial aspects of color forecasting, noting that firms like Carlin began creating forecasts after World War Two to serve retailers. While these systems offer practical value in ensuring color consistency across global manufacturing, they are also viewed as marketing tools. Justine Fox and Carolina Calzada Oliveira of Calzada Fox emphasize that their color development extends beyond aesthetics to functionality, encompassing brand awareness and sustainability. They observe a shift towards longer-term color forecasting in fashion and product design, similar to the automotive industry, in response to growing consumer demand for sustainability. However, challenges exist in implementing sustainable color practices on a mass scale, as textile designer Lindsay Hanson explains regarding bacterial dyes. While environmentally friendly, these dyes face limitations in color range, affordability, and durability compared to synthetic alternatives. The article emphasizes that colors are often best appreciated in combination, challenging the isolated focus of "Colour of the Year" concepts. Examples include Calzada Fox's paint range for Craig & Rose, which explored color interaction through immersive installations. Italian colorist Giulio Ridolfo's work for Kvadrat, Vitra, and Moroso exemplifies this layering approach, drawing inspiration from natural landscapes, art, and cinema. His designs for woven textiles like Remix, which feature multiple yarn colors, create rich, subtly changing hues that appear monochrome from a distance but reveal intricate contrasts up close. The book "Materialising Colour: Journeys with Giulio Ridolfo" by Jane Withers further explores his process, connecting it to historical color theory and emphasizing the "in-between" colors created by material interaction. UK-based textile design duo Wallace Sewell also embraces the unpredictable color combinations inherent in weaving, influenced by Bauhaus artist Johannes Itten. Their work for London Transport trains, featuring complex moquette designs, showcases how multiple colors can interact to create unique visual effects. They express skepticism about rigid color forecasting, advocating for designers' creative autonomy. The article concludes by looking to future innovations, such as Lindsay Hanson's Digitised Material project, which uses digital technology and structural color to allow wearers to change garment colors via a smartphone app. This approach offers a potentially sustainable model for reducing new garment production. Woven textile artist Ptolemy Mann shares a similar sentiment, embracing sophisticated secondary colors and asserting that "there is no such thing as a bad color combination," highlighting the importance of context in color perception. #ColorTrends #DesignInnovation #TextileDesign #ColorForecasting #SustainableDesign #HomeDecor #FashionTrends #MaterialScience #ArtisticExpression

The article discusses the resurgence of the ombre trend in interior design, a technique that was popular between 2018 and 2020 and is now making a comeback. Ombre involves blending one color hue into another, creating a gradual transition from light to dark shades. This technique can be applied to walls through paint, textiles, or various accessories within a home. Designers are beginning to reincorporate this joyful decorating trend, suggesting a shift from the prevalent neutral palettes towards more expressive interiors. Interior designers interviewed for the article explain the renewed appeal of ombre. Sara Malek Barney, founder and principal designer at BANDD/DESIGN, notes that the trend aligns with the current preference for fluid, organic movement and the popular organic modern layered aesthetic. She emphasizes that the modern application of ombre is subtle and not overwhelming, often described as a "whisper" effect. In her condo design, Barney used a watercolor wallpaper with an ombre effect to add unique detail to a small room, aiming for an interesting yet soft visual impact. Justin Charette, another interior designer, also utilized the ombre effect in his New York apartment's living room. He strategically employed it to balance other design elements, opting for an ombre wall opposite a large artwork to avoid competition and excessive light reflection from nearby windows. The subtle nature of the current ombre trend is highlighted, indicating it's less about bold statements and more about creating nuanced visual interest. The article provides practical advice on how to effectively integrate ombre into home design. It suggests using ombre in small doses as an accent to maintain its impact and avoid overdoing it. Sara Malek Barney states that when applied wisely, ombre adds natural motion and transition without appearing forced. Beyond aesthetics, ombre can also serve a functional purpose by visually altering a room's perception of height. For instance, using hues that transition from darker at the bottom to lighter towards the ceiling can make a room appear taller. Justin Charette employed this technique in his Gramercy Park apartment, where a black-to-white ombre blended seamlessly with the white ceiling, creating a sense of height in a relatively short space without the harsh lines that wallpaper might produce. The article concludes by recommending a cautious approach to adopting the ombre trend. It suggests starting with smaller elements like accessories and soft furnishings to experiment with the effect before committing to more permanent applications like paint or wallpaper. The overall sentiment is that the renewed ombre trend offers a fresh and joyful feel, encouraging homeowners to explore this versatile design technique in a refined manner. The discreet application of ombre, particularly through drapery and paint, is favored by designers like Sara Malek, who emphasizes its non-kitschy and quiet integration into a space. #OmbreTrend #InteriorDesign #WallDecor #ColorTransition #HomeDecorating #DesignRenaissance #SubtleDesign #PaintTechniques #WallpaperIdeas

The fashion world, after favoring Kelly Green in 2022, has shifted its focus to a more vibrant hue: chartreuse. This color, named after a French liqueur, is characterized by its yellow undertones and has quickly become a prominent trend in 2023. The article highlights the unique versatility of chartreuse, noting its ability to complement various colors and fit seamlessly into all seasons. Its universal appeal extends to different skin tones, making it an exceptionally wearable color. Chartreuse can be incorporated into wardrobes in multiple ways, serving as either an accent or the central element of an outfit. Its dynamic nature allows it to bridge the gap between summer and autumn fashion, making it suitable for transitional styling. For instance, pairing chartreuse with breezy fabrics like silk can create a striking contrast with traditional autumn wear such as full-body suits or turtlenecks, demonstrating its adaptability across different styles and seasons. The color's richness also lends itself to diverse applications, from sparkling evening gowns to casual beachwear. Depending on the tint—whether darker or lighter—chartreuse can transform the mood and formality of an ensemble. This flexibility encourages creative expression in fashion, allowing individuals to experiment with various shades and applications of the color. Chartreuse is also noted for its ability to enhance color-blocking looks and integrate into fabric designs. When combined with popular backdrop colors like red, green naturally stands out. Its wearability is such that it can make patterns pop effortlessly, contributing to visually engaging and stylish outfits. The trend allows for the elevation of everyday items; a simple chartreuse T-shirt or pair of shorts can instantly become a fashionable focal point, transforming an otherwise ordinary look. It can also accentuate exceptional details and designs within fabrics. The widespread adoption of chartreuse by celebrities and public figures further solidifies its status as a significant trend. High-profile personalities like Queen Letizia of Spain, Kendall Jenner, and Victoria Beckham have been seen sporting the color, particularly in designs from labels like Victoria Beckham, where it is sometimes referred to as "parrot green." This celebrity endorsement underscores the color's appeal and its prevalent presence in contemporary fashion. #VibrantGreen #ColorTrend #Chartreuse #CelebrityFashion #FashionTrends #SeasonalStyle #FashionVersatility #ColorBlocking

The year 2021 ushers in a diverse and rich palette of paint colors from leading brands, featuring vivid reds, calming blues, and dramatic earth tones designed to both energize and comfort indoor environments. This trend reflects a growing desire among individuals to infuse their homes with joy and personality, especially as people spend more time within their living spaces. Industry experts, such as Gary Inman of Gary Inman Interior Design and an advisor to the High Point Market Style Spotters, emphasize the significant role color plays in shaping a home's atmosphere and how people are actively seeking ways to enhance their surroundings. Prominent examples of this trend include HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams' 2021 Color of the Year, "Passionate," a bold red from the "Delightfully Daring" collection, chosen to reflect a deeper understanding of what brings happiness and enriches the soul. Similarly, Farrow & Ball's "Preference Red" aligns with this vibrant direction. Global color authority Pantone made a unique selection for 2021, naming two independent colors: "Ultimate Gray" and "Illuminating." The latter, a cheerful yellow, works in conjunction with the gray to convey a message of hope and resilience, bringing a sense of warmth and positivity to any room, as explained by Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. Blue and green hues are also gaining significant traction. Benjamin Moore's 2021 Color of the Year is "Aegean Teal," while Glidden introduced "Aqua Fiesta" as its first-ever accent color of the year. For those seeking deeper blues, options such as Behr’s "Jean Jacket Blue" and "Nocturne Blue," Valspar’s "Blissful Blue" and "Lucy Blue," and Farrow & Ball’s "Ultra Marine" and "Pitch Blue" are popular. "Pitch Blue" is notably described as a strong cobalt blue with a black pigment, reminiscent of dark tar used in roofing, indicating a move towards more intense and sophisticated shades. Furthermore, there is a pronounced embrace of organic materials and colors, a trend attributed to the desire for serenity and safety, particularly in response to global events. "Nature equals serenity and safety," Inman notes, highlighting this shift. Sherwin-Williams' 2021 Color of the Year, "Urbane Bronze," a saturated gray-brown, exemplifies this earthy trend. Autumnal shades like cognac, cinnamon, and burnt orange are also expected to remain strong for several seasons, with examples including Behr’s "Maple Glaze," "Saffron Strands," and "Cellini Gold," along with Valspar’s "Maple Leaf." In an innovative move, PPG introduced its first-ever color palette of the year, named "Be Well," which consists of a trio: "Transcend," a midtone oatmeal; "Big Cypress," a shaded ginger; and "Misty Aqua," a watercolor cerulean blue, all part of a larger group of 14 natural hues. These selections collectively underscore a collective desire for comfort, joy, and a connection to nature through interior design. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #PaintColors #DesignTrends #ColorPalette #HomeImprovement #Decorating

The article discusses the resurgence of the teal and brown color combination, a prominent trend from the Y2K era, in 2025. This color pairing, reminiscent of popular brands like Juicy Couture, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Vera Bradley from the late 1990s and early 2000s, is making a comeback on runways and in fashion forecasts. Professional stylists Renée Lara, Erin Walsh, and Samantha Dawn offer insights and practical advice on how to integrate this potentially polarizing color scheme into contemporary wardrobes without appearing outdated. The teal and brown combination, which was ubiquitous in the early aughts and frequently seen on celebrities like Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, and Hilary Duff, is now being adopted by high-fashion designers such as Fendi and Tory Burch. Pantone has also identified both teal and brown shades as key trends for the upcoming fall season. Stylists emphasize that the appeal of this palette lies in its ability to complement various skin tones, with warm brown hues balancing cooler blue shades to create visual interest and depth in an outfit. The goal is to achieve a balanced and sophisticated look, moving away from the more simplistic or overtly youthful interpretations of the past. Four key styling tips are provided to effectively incorporate teal and brown into modern fashion. First, stylists recommend adding a neutral base to anchor the outfit. This technique, also known as the three-color rule, involves pairing a neutral item, such as a brown coat, with a teal dress and neutral shoes, to create a cohesive and effortless aesthetic. Second, accessories are suggested as an accessible way to embrace the trend. Individuals can integrate touches of teal or brown through items like shoes, scarves, jewelry, or even nail polish, allowing for experimentation without committing to a full ensemble. The stylists suggest either embracing brown shades and adding blue accents, or emphasizing blue in an outfit and layering with browns. Third, playing with texture is highlighted as a method to modernize the color combination. Mixing different materials, such as leather boots with a pleated teal maxi dress or a denim brown set with a leather teal handbag, adds sophistication and intentionality to the look. This approach makes the pairing feel current and fashion-forward. Fourth, developing a cohesive color story is crucial. Stylists advise ensuring that one of the colors—either brown or teal—appears at least twice within an outfit. This repetition creates a sense of uniformity and balance, making the overall look more deliberate and polished, for example, teal trousers and a matching bag with a brown coat as a focal point. The article concludes with a recommendation to avoid paisley print in this color combination, stating that it was questionable in 2001 and remains so in 2025. #FashionTrends #Y2KFashion #ColorCombos #StylingTips #FallFashion #AccessoryTrends #TextureMixing #FashionExperts

Terracotta offers a soft, warm, and grounding alternative to traditional accent colors like black or gold, adding warmth and depth to any space. Its earthy tones and associations with nature make it a versatile choice, capable of acting as a neutral or providing a dramatic pop of color, depending on its application. Interior designer Emma Beryl notes that terracotta shades range from burnt-orange to chalky pinks, allowing for diverse integration into various design schemes. Nicholas Kaiko of Kaiko Design highlights terracotta's ability to counterbalance cooler shades and its natural, often unglazed texture, suggesting its use as a floor material like brick. Ericka Violett of Sill Design Co. emphasizes terracotta's connection to nature, making spaces feel inviting and comfortable, and recommends incorporating it through planters, sculptures, accents, or tiles, particularly when seeking to add warmth or contrast to cool palettes. This exploration details ten distinct approaches to integrating terracotta into interior design. One effective method involves using terracotta tiles to introduce unexpected depth and texture. Architect Anshuk Punmia of House of Lines demonstrates this by using terracotta tiles to connect rooms in a Chennai home, notably creating an accent wall behind a bedroom headboard. These tiles, vernacular to the Indian subcontinent, impart a sense of warmth and a deep connection to nature, guarding against heat and adding a rustic feel. Another bold application is using terracotta paint to create a cocooning effect. Kaiko Design utilized two-tone terracotta walls and ceilings in a living room to warm up cooler elements like a silver-grey sofa and rug, showcasing how terracotta can complement grey. The design also incorporated textured paint, a nod to 90s aesthetics, grounding the furniture and adding historical depth. Terracotta can also be introduced through furniture accent pieces. A deep terracotta velvet sofa, as seen in a design by Sarah Rosenhaus, provides a warm contrast against a grey concrete wall. Emma Beryl suggests that terracotta upholstery can evoke diverse styles, from mid-century modern with velvet to California-cool with linen. For a statement accent wall, terracotta wallpaper, especially textured variants like those by Living with Lolo, can define a zone, highlight a feature like a fireplace, or add a dramatic effect. Artem Kropovinsky of Arsight notes that an accent wall or ceiling in terracotta creates an eye-catching focal point. For bedrooms, terracotta bedding offers a less permanent but impactful way to incorporate the color. A terracotta duvet cover or throw can easily update a bedroom's color scheme, as illustrated by Cedar + Suede's design which uses autumnal terracotta shades to provide subtle contrast to saturated greens. Smaller accents, such as pendant lighting made of clay or ceramic, are a growing trend. Kitty Lee Architecture used terracotta pendant lights in a kitchen-diner to add warmth and dimension to an otherwise neutral space, complementing timber and a pink splashback. Additionally, terracotta can be the focal point of kitchen units, with terracotta door fronts creating a striking contrast with black countertops, or it can be integrated into the work surface for a softer impact. A more conservative yet classic approach is using terracotta tiles for a kitchen backsplash, which adds a unique touch compared to typical kitchen tiles, as demonstrated by Quality Cut and Emily Peuringer. Emma Beryl sees this as a good alternative to classic grey or beige stones, providing a lived-in feel while remaining somewhat neutral. Finally, adding a terracotta rug offers a softer way to incorporate the color. Whether a large living room rug or a smaller bathroom accent, as seen in a design by Kate Marker Interiors, terracotta rugs instantly warm up a space and offer a humble, timeless aesthetic. For those experimenting, smaller pops of color through cushions, vases, or planters, as used by Joshua Smith in a bedroom with a round terracotta throw pillow, can dramatically enhance a neutral scheme of beiges, creams, and whites. #TerracottaAccents #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #EarthyTones #AccentWalls #TextileDesign #KitchenDesign #BedroomDecor