Bold, edgy color drenching is going to be big in 2024

The article introduces 'colour capping' as the prominent paint trend for 2026, a technique that employs tonal washes to create a calm and cohesive atmosphere in homes. Colour capping involves using varying shades from the same color family across different surfaces of a room, including walls and ceilings, to achieve a soft gradient effect that intensifies towards the ceiling. Helen Shaw, director of marketing at Benjamin Moore, describes it as a clever way to refresh a home and achieve a designer look by transforming the room's atmosphere and proportions. Charlotte Broadribb, a colour consultant at Yinteriors, highlights that this technique helps balance and proportion colours while creating the perception of increased room height. Colour capping is differentiated from other popular painting techniques like 'colour drenching' and 'double drenching.' Unlike colour drenching, which involves covering every surface in a single shade, colour capping layers tones from the same color family for a soft, intensifying gradient. Double drenching, conversely, uses two or more colors from the same palette on all available surfaces, focusing on contrast and saturation, whereas colour capping emphasizes tonal harmony and balance with a softer and more refined aesthetic. To enhance the visual appeal of colour capping, varying paint finishes between walls and ceilings is recommended. Helen Shaw suggests using a higher sheen level on the ceiling to reflect light, adding drama and incorporating the 'fifth wall' into the overall design. This approach results in a dynamic and sophisticated finish, characterized by a gentle interplay of light, depth, and tone. The technique can be subtly applied with neutrals, such as an off-white wall capped with a slightly more saturated hue, or used with bolder jewel tones and warming autumnals for a cocooning effect. When decorating with colour capping, the chosen paint tones for walls and ceilings should be extended to upholstery and soft furnishings to create a layered and harmonious look. Magdalena Gierasinska of Barker and Stonehouse advises mirroring the ceiling's deeper tone in furniture pieces like velvet sofas or armchairs, with lighter shades for rugs and curtains to maintain balance. Shelley Cochrane of Furniture Village adds that decorative accents, such as lighting or cushions, should complement the color scheme, ensuring a considered and cohesive space where metallic fixtures and wooden furniture provide texture without overwhelming the design. Colour capping's versatility makes it suitable for both period homes and modern interiors. In older properties, it can accentuate architectural details like cornices and picture rails, while in contemporary spaces, it adds depth and warmth. The technique is particularly effective in larger rooms like living rooms and bedrooms, especially when aiming for a peaceful ambiance. Natural greens, blues, and creams are noted as colors that particularly enhance this sense of calm. However, Charlotte Broadribb cautions against using colour capping in already dark rooms, those with low ceilings, small windows, or limited space, as it can make these areas feel even smaller. In such cases, incorporating accessories in coordinating shades is suggested as a softer alternative to achieve a similar cohesive feel without reducing visual space. #InteriorDesign #PaintTrends #ColorCapping #HomeDecor #PaintTechniques #TonalDecor #ArchitecturalFeatures #BenjaminMoore #Yinteriors

For an extended period, home design gravitated towards a minimalist aesthetic, characterized by calm palettes, slender furniture, and a general editing out of anything perceived as excessive. This approach often resulted in tidy, yet somewhat unfinished-feeling rooms. However, a significant shift is underway, with bold stripes emerging as a key design element, moving beyond mere decorative accents to function as optical architecture. These stripes provide structure, add presence, and give modern rooms a sense of backbone. The previous decade’s minimalist trend, featuring white sofas, greige walls, and understated patterns, initially offered a sense of calm. Over time, however, these polite rooms began to blend into a uniform, beige aesthetic, leading to a desire for greater individuality and presence. Designers have responded by reintroducing the stripe, not as clutter, but as a simple yet impactful design choice. Interior designer Flora Soames highlights that stripes serve a specific purpose: when a plain surface is insufficient and a full pattern is not desired, a stripe offers structure and form. It acts like a drawn line in an architectural sketch, providing direction and defining boundaries, thereby bringing an open room into focus or adding an edge to a subdued space. Unlike soft washes of color that recede, a strong line commands attention and maintains its presence. This current fascination with stripes represents a larger trend away from the blandness of minimalist spaces, which often felt akin to waiting rooms. There is a quiet resurgence of pattern, texture, and rhythm, aiming to create interiors that feel lived-in and personalized. Stripes effectively achieve this, appearing natural amidst architectural features like arches and molding, and offering a crisp, defined look in new constructions. In busy environments, stripes guide the eye, preventing visual chaos, while in sparse rooms, they add essential definition. This versatility allows stripes to occupy a comfortable middle ground in design. Stripes offer remarkable flexibility, allowing for variations in width, spacing, and color pairings to alter the mood of a space. Designers are increasingly treating stripes as a strategic tool to direct attention and influence how a room is perceived, rather than merely a pattern choice. Soames emphasizes the integral role of stripes in her designs, noting their consistent presence. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, stripes can manipulate visual perception: bold stripes on walls or wallpaper can make ceilings appear higher, while striped curtains can enhance the perceived height of windows. Strategically placed striped rugs or floorboards can extend the apparent length or width of a room, creating optical illusions without requiring structural changes. This ability to subtly rewrite the room's perception is a key benefit. The application of stripes extends beyond flat surfaces to three-dimensional elements such as fluting and tambour, which are slim vertical ridges on furniture like kitchen islands and consoles. These textured surfaces, carved into wood, plaster, or stone, introduce movement and craftsmanship without overwhelming the space, catching light and shadow to create subtle dynamism. The brain's natural appreciation for repetition is engaged by these vertical and horizontal textures, which can evoke a sense of upward stretching or settled stability, respectively. This blend of steadiness and elevation contributes to the enduring appeal of stripes. Stripes are currently valuable due to their diverse behavioral characteristics—they can be bold, subtle, or nearly invisible. The most effective approach often involves selecting a single element for striped application, such as a painted accent wall, a striped rug to define an open-plan living area, or long striped curtains to enhance window presence. The impact can vary from high-contrast pairings like black and white to subtle tonal differences that become apparent under changing light. For those averse to overt patterns, disguised stripes in millwork—ribbed cabinetry, grooved panels, or slatted doors—offer an architectural rather than a printed effect. The objective is not to cover every surface with stripes but to use a few distinct lines as a framework, creating a sense of inherent belonging rather than a fleeting trend. The current relevance of stripes is also tied to design fatigue, as the prevalence of neutral schemes has led to a desire for more expressive interiors. Stripes provide discipline without descending into chaos, introducing edge, color, and a stronger sense of form. They can visually elevate a room, add character to a rental, or enhance a plain bedroom. Functionally, in an era where homes serve multiple purposes—offices, studios, and virtual backgrounds—stripes offer geometric clarity for digital appearances and define distinct zones within limited spaces where various activities occur simultaneously. This multifaceted utility ensures their continued prominence in interior design. #BoldStripes #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #Minimalism #ArchitecturalElements #SpatialPerception #TexturedSurfaces

Colour capping, a paint technique involving the use of varying tones from the same colour family across a room's walls and ceiling, is predicted to be a significant interior design trend for 2026. This method aims to refresh homes and achieve a sophisticated designer look, influencing the atmosphere and perceived proportions of a space. Unlike colour drenching, which coats every surface in a single shade, or double drenching, which uses two or more contrasting colours from the same palette across all surfaces, colour capping creates a soft gradient effect that intensifies towards the ceiling, fostering tonal harmony and balance. Design experts, including Helen Shaw from Benjamin Moore and Charlotte Broadribb of Yinteriors, highlight colour capping's ability to create the perception of increased height in a room and to balance and proportion colour effectively. The technique extends beyond just paint, encouraging the integration of complementary tones in furniture and accessories to ensure every element works together harmoniously. For added visual interest, varying paint finishes between walls and ceilings is recommended. A higher sheen level on the ceiling can reflect light and draw the eye upwards, transforming the 'fifth wall' into a dynamic and considered design element. This interplay of light, depth, and tone lends a sophisticated finish to rooms. When decorating with colour capping, the chosen wall and ceiling tones should be extended to upholstery and soft furnishings. Magdalena Gierasinska from Barker and Stonehouse suggests echoing the ceiling's deeper tone in items like velvet sofas or armchairs. Subtle reinforcement of the scheme can be achieved through cushions, ceramics, and artwork, while metallic fixtures and wooden furniture can introduce contrast and texture without overwhelming the space. The overarching goal is to achieve a calm, layered aesthetic where all components complement each other. Colour capping is versatile, suitable for both period homes and modern interiors. In older properties, it can highlight architectural features such as cornices and picture rails, while in newer or minimalist spaces, it adds depth and warmth. It is particularly effective in larger, more dominant rooms like living rooms and bedrooms, especially when aiming for a peaceful atmosphere. Natural greens, blues, and creams are suggested for enhancing a sense of calm. However, the technique is best avoided in already dark rooms, spaces with low ceilings, small windows, or generally small areas, as it can make these rooms feel even smaller. In such cases, a softer approach using accessories in coordinating shades is recommended to achieve a similar cohesive, colour-capped feel without visually diminishing the space. #ColourCapping #PaintTrends2026 #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #TonalPaintTechnique #ColourPsychology #DecoratingTips #BenjaminMoore #Yinteriors

This article explores the anticipated paint color trends for 2025, drawing insights from 15 interior designers. The trends highlight a move towards both vibrant and warm, muted tones, ensuring there's a color palette to suit diverse preferences. The article begins by noting that while timeless shades like warm whites and soft greens will always remain in vogue, 2025 will also see an embrace of fresh, modern hues. One prominent trend is Denim Blue, exemplified by Benjamin Moore's Bellbottom Blues, a versatile and bold shade with muted undertones that pairs well with neutrals and metallics. Buttermilk Yellow is another rising trend, bringing a cheerful, sunlit glow to interiors and fostering a sense of safety and restoration. For those who prefer depth without excessive darkness, Sherwin-Williams' Hot Cocoa, a chocolatey-mauve, is predicted to be popular, offering richness while still reflecting light. Berry Tones are gaining traction, providing a warm and rich ambiance without being overtly feminine. These versatile shades, ranging from deep cranberry to mulberry, can be used to create moody dining rooms or complement playful wallpapers. Deep Purple, particularly dark plum colors, is also making a comeback for spaces like bedrooms and lounges, evoking warmth and pairing harmoniously with rich woods and green accents. Pitch Black by Farrow & Ball is identified as a statement color, lending a sophisticated, speakeasy vibe that, despite its dramatic appearance, can integrate well into various home aesthetics. Shades of Red, especially darker tones like garnet, wine, and maroon, are increasingly appearing in home interiors, offering a dramatic yet inviting feel. Warm White remains a classic but is evolving to include creamier, more nuanced shades like Sherwin-Williams' Shoji White, which offer subtle depth and a richer warmth. Light Green, featuring relaxed shades inspired by natural elements like eucalyptus and olive, leans towards neutral undertones of gray or beige, making it highly adaptable for various surfaces and promoting a soothing atmosphere. Blue-Green tones are expected to trend, providing calm and peaceful earthy hues that blend boldness with tranquility, creating a refreshing environment. Mossy Gold, a color that defies easy categorization with strong green, gold, and brown undertones, is predicted to be popular, reflecting a broader trend towards complex and nuanced colors. Deep Reds, again emphasizing rich, high-energy shades, are seen as ideal for vibrant spaces. Finally, Coffee-Inspired Hues, such as Benjamin Moore's Barista, offer earthy warmth and timeless versatility for various rooms, ensuring a sophisticated yet grounded feel. Warm, reddish browns, like Benjamin Moore's Walnut, are also highlighted for their depth and saturated hue. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalettes #DesignersChoice #WarmNeutrals #BoldColors #HomeImprovement

The perception of color in home design is undergoing a significant shift, moving beyond traditional neutral palettes of white and gray in kitchens and bathrooms towards a broader spectrum of hues. While blues and greens continue to be popular, reflecting a desire to bring nature indoors and support wellness trends, there's a notable expansion into other color families, including reds, purples, and browns for 2025. This diversification is evident in various paint companies' Color of the Year selections, which showcase a wide array of options from dusty and muted tones to rich and saturated jewel tones. Design experts observe two main parallels in current color trends. One trend involves a warming of the neutral palette, incorporating beiges and creams mixed with light, natural woods and mid-tone to darker browns. The other, more exciting trend, embraces jewel tones characterized by their richness, depth, and muted quality, offering a livable and enveloping feel. This movement is seen as an evolution from past design periods, with designers noting a desire for classic inspirations mixed with modern interpretations, moving beyond literal historical reproductions to incorporate elements that feel fresh and relevant. Deeply saturated colors with warmth, earthiness, and a sense of history are gaining traction. These are not the bright, loud colors of earlier eras but rather cozy hues with depth and personality. Trending colors include deep red, wine, dusty pink, peach, olive, moss, sage, deep teal, navy, and dark brown. Warmer shades like mushroom and stone are replacing stark white, contributing to a more inviting atmosphere. Consumers are showing increased bravery in incorporating bold colors, viewing them as emotional choices that provide a personal sanctuary and a sense of well-being amidst an overstimulated world. The influence of fashion on home décor color choices is also highlighted, with movements like 'Grandmacore' reintroducing colors popular during the Victorian Era, suggesting a trend towards dark and dramatic, yet muted and organic tones for the coming years. Designers emphasize the importance of creating approachable and long-lasting color schemes, especially in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms that are renovated less frequently. They advocate for a timeless approach to color, ensuring that trending hues align with the home's architecture and overall aesthetic. The continued popularity of blues and greens is attributed to their association with nature and their calming effect, supporting the ongoing wellness trend in home environments. Shades like sage and forest green, along with oat and caramel, form an 'Oasis' trend focused on nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. Cabinetry, in particular, is moving away from solely white shaker styles, incorporating shades of blue and green, often mixed with white and mid-tone woods. These nature-driven palettes are seen as a response to homeowners seeking joyful colors that also provide a serene respite. The growing interest in brown hues, alongside beige and tan, signals a warming of color palettes and a parallel rise in the use of wood. Light and dark neutrals such as beige, gray, and brown are increasingly chosen for kitchens and bathrooms, aligning with the 'quiet luxury' trend. Paint companies have selected brown shades as their Colors of the Year, emphasizing their versatility, comfort, and ability to evoke indulgence and sophistication. These browns can serve as a warm baseline, complementing a wide range of colors and materials, and are often seen paired with deep blues, greige-beige tones, and both light and dark wood finishes. The overarching theme for 2025 color trends is a 'color explosion' where almost no color family is off-limits. Consumers are increasingly confident in expressing their personal style through color, leading to a juxtaposition of neutrals with bold statements. Dark tones, reds, and purples are expected to rise in popularity, especially in cabinetry, moving from dusty roses to deep maroons. While neutrals and darks provide stability, pops of color add excitement and allow for personal expression. Tinted blacks and mineral tones like dusky purple and teal offer understated luxury and longevity in home design. The shift is towards complex, understated shades that allow homeowners to create spaces that are both soothing and reflective of their individuality, with colors that can be enjoyed for years to come. #ColorTrends2025 #HomeDesign #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #InteriorColorPalettes #NeutralColors #BoldColors #WellnessDesign #DesignTrends

The article outlines the top paint color trends for 2026, according to insights from ten interior designers. The selection ranges from light neutrals to dark, moody hues, offering diverse options for transforming various rooms within a home. The overarching theme emphasizes warmth, livability, and the ability of paint to create distinct moods and characters in interior spaces. Key trends include Smoky Blue Green, exemplified by Behr's 'Hidden Gem,' which is described as both dramatic and soothing, particularly effective in bedrooms and offices for adding depth without heaviness. Dark Green, such as Little Green's 'Jack Black,' is presented as the new neutral, providing striking yet blending tones. Deep Teal, specifically Benjamin Moore's 'Gentleman’s Gray,' offers a balance of moodiness and sophistication, shifting between deep navy and rich teal to create depth and character. Deep Red, like Benjamin Moore's 'Dinner Party,' is noted for its rich, luxurious, and sumptuous vibe, reminiscent of fine wine. For those preferring lighter shades, White, particularly Benjamin Moore's 'Swiss Coffee,' is highlighted as a foundational color that makes spaces feel calm, lived-in, and bright enough to enhance natural light. Warm neutrals also see a resurgence with Chocolate Brown, using Benjamin Moore's 'Townsend Harbor Brown,' which adds depth without being overwhelming and pairs well with cream upholstery and natural wood. Pewter, exemplified by Benjamin Moore's 'Revere Pewter,' is emerging as a new go-to neutral, offering a light, warm gray with soft beige undertones that brings nuance, depth, and timeless versatility after years of bright white dominance. Dusky Blue is suggested for dramatic, enveloping spaces like home offices or music rooms, pairing effectively with warm hues for a grounding effect. Soft Butter Yellow, such as Benjamin Moore's 'Windham Cream,' continues to trend for its ability to bring warmth and a welcoming brightness, especially suitable for kitchens and breakfast rooms. Reddish Brown, like Farrow & Ball’s offering, is favored when mixed with cool, airy shades to create balanced, fresh, and unexpected interiors. Black, using Farrow & Ball's 'Pitch Black' or Benjamin Moore's 'Kendall Charcoal,' remains a strong choice for anchoring spaces and can be combined with clean neutrals like Sherwin Williams 'Shoji White' or Benjamin Moore 'Sea Salt' for a classic palette. Finally, Gray-Green, such as Sherwin-Williams 'Anonymous,' is noted for its biophilic connection to nature, offering a cozy retreat that playfully shifts between brown and gray tones, proving that cozy can also be captivating. #PaintColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #NeutralColors #MoodyHues #AccentColors #DesignerTips #HomeRenovation

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 terracotta kitchen trend is emerging as a significant design direction for 2024, promising to infuse kitchens with warmth, character, and a timeless appeal. This trend is presented as a fresh alternative to previously popular choices like navy kitchens, which, while classic, are now making way for new neutrals. Terracotta offers a versatile palette that bridges the gap between trendy and traditional, capable of complementing both modern and classic kitchen styles. Its inherent cosiness pairs well with various materials, including natural wood and crisp white surfaces, offering a rich personality that can transform a kitchen into an inviting space. New neutrals, a category that includes terracotta, greige, and various pinker shades, are gaining prominence in interior design. These updated tonal shades are lauded for their adaptability across different kitchen aesthetics, from traditional to contemporary. The key to successfully integrating terracotta lies in thoughtful selection of worktops, flooring, and accessories to enhance its natural appeal. Magnet, a prominent kitchen retailer, has introduced its 'Nutmeg' shade, a warm neutral that exemplifies this trend. Jen Nash, Head of Design at Magnet, highlights Nutmeg's ability to bring warmth and colour, describing it as a versatile backdrop for diverse design preferences, ensuring a refreshing and balanced atmosphere year-round. There are several ways to incorporate terracotta into kitchen design. One approach involves fully embracing a traditional aesthetic, particularly within Shaker kitchens, where terracotta can provide a homely and warm look. It serves as a modern update to classic cream kitchens often found in country homes, allowing for either subtle pops of colour or an all-encompassing terracotta scheme. Incorporating wall panelling painted in muted terracotta tones can also elevate the space, making open shelving stand out or offering a measured commitment to the colour for those hesitant about a full-cabinet transformation. For those cautious about adopting a new colour trend, integrating terracotta into a kitchen island offers a manageable solution. The island, often a central gathering point, benefits from an enveloping shade that enhances its welcoming spirit. William Durrant, owner of Herringbone, notes the timeless and earthy quality of terracotta, attributing its current popularity to a post-pandemic desire for cosiness and comfort. He advises balancing terracotta with cooler shades, such as white worktops and lighter cabinets, and considering textured flooring to complement the cabinetry's tone. This creates a harmonious blend that prevents the space from feeling overwhelmed by warmth. Terracotta's versatility extends to modern kitchen designs, where its orange hue can be beautifully paired with copper accents and dark wood elements, enhancing the richness of the shade. Modern, slab-style kitchens can feature terracotta on a run of cabinetry, a single wall, or as a vibrant backsplash. Jen Nash suggests styling Nutmeg with creams and browns for a 70s-inspired look or with darker greens and charcoal shades, along with black accents, for a more striking, modern, and minimal design. This demonstrates terracotta's broad appeal and its potential to adapt to various design visions, solidifying its position as a key kitchen colour trend for 2024. #KitchenDesign #TerracottaTrend #KitchenColour #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenRemodel #ShakerKitchens #ModernKitchens #NewNeutrals

The article explores the predicted top paint colors for 2024, highlighting selections from leading brands and offering insights into their intended moods and applications in home design. Paint is presented as an accessible and impactful method for updating a space, capable of altering its perceived size, brightness, and overall atmosphere. Pantone's 2024 Color of the Year is "Peach Fuzz," an orangey-pink hue chosen to evoke feelings of ease and provide a sense of respite amid contemporary turmoil. Laurie Pressman, Vice President at Pantone, explains that the color aims to convey compassion and empathy, promoting a sanctuary-like environment. The shade, described as a poppy orange-pink, is recommended for welcoming entryways or bathrooms, with its versatility allowing integration into various palettes, from bright to subdued, to encourage comfort and warmth. Benjamin Moore selected "Blue Nova" as its 2024 color, inspired by the broadening perspectives gained through travel. Hannah Yeo, the company’s color marketing and development manager, describes Blue Nova as a mid-tone shade with a red undertone, making it a flexible choice for diverse rooms such as studies, home offices, bedrooms, living rooms, or kitchen cabinetry. It is suggested for color drenching or accenting with complementary colors like topaz, aiming to infuse a sense of adventure while maintaining a welcoming feel within the home. Dunn Edwards' pick for 2024 is "Skipping Stones," a serene and steely blue from its nature-inspired "New Dawn" palette. DeMing Carpenter, the brand's color expert, states that this shade reflects a desire for tranquility and a connection to the outdoors, offering a calming yet energizing presence with green and gray undertones. Skipping Stones is recommended for covering entire rooms, including ceilings, or for creating monochrome looks with similar blues, and can be used on kitchen cabinets for a modern update. Behr’s 2024 color is "Cracked Pepper," a soft black that represents a significant shift from the previous year's creamy white. Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Behr, notes that this versatile shade can appear lighter or darker based on its surroundings and is suitable for various applications, from kitchen cabinets to exterior surfaces. Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr, emphasizes that Cracked Pepper fosters confidence and individuality, aligning with a desire for comfort and belonging while allowing senses to come alive. It is exclusively available at Home Depot. HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams chose "Persimmon," a peach-meets-terra-cotta hue that offers flexibility in its application, capable of feeling grounded or glamorous. Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager, explains that Persimmon allows for personal expression and comfort, being part of the "Renewed Comfort Color Collection." This collection features shades like Dark Auburn, Oakmoss, and Friendly Yellow, alongside neutrals. Persimmon can be used as a main hue balanced with neutrals or as an accent, for example, on a front door or an entire bedroom, or on a kitchen island when paired with white walls, promoting risk-taking in design. #paintColors #homeDesignTrends #interiorDesign #colorOfTheYear #PantonePeachFuzz #BenjaminMooreBlueNova #DunnEdwardsSkippingStones #BehrCrackedPepper #HGTVHomePersimmon

Colour capping is an emerging interior design trend predicted to gain significant popularity in 2026. This technique involves painting a band of color around the top portion of walls, specifically where the walls meet the ceiling. The chosen color for this band typically comes from the same palette as the adjoining wall and ceiling colors, creating a cohesive and layered look. The primary purpose of colour capping is to draw the eye upwards, which gives the illusion of taller walls and a more expansive space. Unlike previous trends such as colour drenching, which involves painting an entire room, including the ceiling, in a single color, or double drenching, colour capping offers a more refined approach to incorporating color into a room. It addresses the ongoing debate about how to treat the 'fifth wall' (the ceiling) by integrating it with the wall treatment in a sophisticated manner. Depending on the color choices, this technique can create a bold focal point or a subtle, graduated effect that adds depth and artistry to an interior. Interior design experts highlight that colour capping appeals to homeowners seeking to infuse personality, warmth, and an architectural aesthetic into their spaces without committing to an overwhelming amount of bold color. Kunal Trehan, Interior Designer & Founder of Touched Interiors, notes that it provides a layered, bespoke way for individuals to express their style. The versatility of colour capping allows for various levels of boldness, from vibrant combinations like burnt orange with a softer peach for a statement look, to gentler shades of green or blue for a calmer and more grounded ambiance. To successfully implement colour capping, precision is crucial. Experts recommend using tools such as a spirit level or a laser guide to ensure crisp and consistent paint lines. Color selection is also key; Kathryn Lloyd, Crown Colour Specialist, suggests choosing at least three shades from the same color family for versatility. For those aiming to enlarge a space, light, muted shades, such as blues or greens, are recommended as they visually extend wall height. Furthermore, the placement of the color cap significantly influences the room's feel. A lower line can create a sense of coziness and depth, while a higher line enhances the perception of taller ceilings and an airier atmosphere. Beyond paint, incorporating these tonal gradients into furnishings and soft decor, such as upholstery and accessories, can further unify the room's design. Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product & Displays at Barker and Stonehouse, advises echoing deeper ceiling tones with velvet sofas or armchairs and using lighter, complementary shades to reflect wall colors, ensuring a harmonious and sophisticated interior. #ColourCapping #PaintTrends2026 #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintTechniques #ColorSchemes #WallDesign #RoomTransformation

The article delves into the anticipated paint color trends for homes in 2024, emphasizing the significant role of color in shaping the mood and atmosphere of a room. It features insights from six interior design experts, each offering their perspectives on trending colors and practical advice for homeowners embarking on decorating projects. The overarching theme highlights a shift towards a blend of strong earthy hues and bold, darker shades, while also encouraging personal expression in color choices. Sophie Robinson, an interior stylist, expresses her enthusiasm for warm, vibrant colors, specifically burnt oranges and plum shades. She recently painted her TV snug a dark plum, chocolate color, finding it conducive to a restful evening environment. Robinson advises individuals to prioritize their favorite colors, asserting that personal preference is key to long-term satisfaction with interior choices. Helen Ashmore, Head of Design at Laura Ashley, is currently drawn to dark greens, viewing her home as an extension of the natural world. She plans to use a combination of fern, hedgerow, and pistachio greens in her living room to create a cozy, inviting space. Ashmore recommends testing paint swatches in various lighting conditions over a week to observe how the color evolves, especially for north-facing rooms. Annie Sloan, a renowned color expert and inventor of Chalk Paint™, predicts a resurgence of deep, earthy brown and red shades. She suggests pairing these with periwinkle blue for a winning combination, noting that blues, greens, and pinks also complement them well. Sloan encourages trusting one's instincts over external opinions, advising that bold colors can be balanced with artwork and pictures. Interior designer Pandora Taylor observes a trend towards vibrant greens, particularly fresh, spring-like tones, ideal for adding a playful touch to smaller areas like bathrooms. Taylor stresses the importance of comparing different shades of a color to understand their base undertones—grey, yellow, or red—which significantly impact the final look. She also encourages bolder, richer choices, as they can be warmed up or toned down with lighting. Emma Valerio, Home Design Stylist at John Lewis, is captivated by blues, particularly sky blue, which she finds works well with ornate features and decorative wooden furniture. She suggests using it on walls, skirting boards, and ceilings for a significant impact, pairing it with soft greens and whites for a romantic feel. Valerio also offers an alternative to wall painting, advocating for bold colored painted furniture, such as yellow side tables or blue bobbin drawers, as a shortcut to adding color. Alexandra Buckthorp, an interior designer with a background in Arts History, advises looking to nature for inspiration in 2024, suggesting opulent natural brown earthy shades and warm mid-tone blues for main backdrops. Her personal favorites include deep terracotta chocolate browns and mid-tonal caramels, which she views as safe choices for those cautious about color. Buckthorp also cautions about the geographical location of a property, noting that a vivid magenta might work in sunny Miami but a more muted tone would be better suited for a period home in the UK, where natural light is often duller and more inconsistent with seasonal changes. The consensus among experts is to approach color selection thoughtfully, considering personal mood, lighting, and environmental context. #PaintColorTrends #HomeDecorating #InteriorDesign #ColorPsychology #ExpertAdvice #SophieRobinson #AnnieSloan #LauraAshley #JohnLewis

The article outlines eight kitchen trends that designers anticipate will be popular in 2025, emphasizing personalization, aesthetic appeal, and functionality. Kitchens are increasingly seen as central gathering spaces, leading to a blend of innovative and timeless design elements. Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio, highlights a focus on warmth, texture, and color palettes that reflect individual style, combining modern materials with classic touches to create streamlined and peaceful environments. One significant trend is layered lighting, moving beyond standard pendants to integrated LED strips within cabinetry for both task and ambient lighting. Designers like Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interiors Studio are opting for sconces and ceiling-mounted fixtures that enhance the design without being obtrusive. Matthew Quinn of Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio notes a shift towards smaller recessed cans, with integrated LED lighting becoming common in drawers. Another trend is the increased use of striking natural materials. While marble remains popular for countertops, natural quartzite is favored for its durability. Large format porcelain slabs, terrazzo tiles, and patterned wood are gaining traction for flooring. Paula Daher of Dahler Interior Design points out the growing preference for brushed or leathered stone finishes, which offer a softer, more physically durable, and casually elegant aesthetic, including full-height stone splashes with integrated shelves. Moody colors are replacing the long-standing all-white kitchen aesthetic. VERANDA's 2025 Color of the Year, cobalt blue, exemplifies this movement towards lush, opulent tones. Kelly predicts a rise in 'color-drenching' with saturated hues like deep forest, terracotta, and inky blues, complemented by woods such as walnut and oak for a luxurious feel. Quinn mentions jewel tones in high-gloss lacquer, while Caren Rideau of Kitchen Design Group notes dusty blush, deep navy, and muted greens for a dramatic yet subtle look. Eat-in spaces are also seeing a resurgence, with a preference for actual tables and comfortable seating over just islands. Built-in banquettes, especially with washable materials, are popular for their comfort and practicality for families. Induction cooking continues to grow in popularity in the U.S., with more effective downdraft systems and plaster hoods becoming common. Combination gas and induction models are also available for those seeking flexible options. Cabinetry with unique design details is another key trend. Bove highlights wood cabinetry featuring reeded doors, shiplap, nickel gap panels, and micro-shaker designs for personalization. There is also a move away from white cabinets towards warm, lightly stained wood, which designers say creates an easy elegance when paired with natural stone and textured backsplash materials. Open shelving is gaining prominence as homeowners eliminate upper wall cabinets, especially in line with traditional European influences. Daher and Rideau note that this trend creates open wall space for decorative sconces or tiles, making the kitchen feel more like a family gathering and relaxing area. Finally, additional storage options are crucial. Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchens & Baths emphasizes thoughtful space utilization, such as butler's pantries for small appliances to maintain a streamlined main kitchen. Quinn points out that sculleries or working pantries are becoming necessities, freeing the main kitchen from clutter. Customized open storage for displaying collections, like pot racks and bookshelves, is also being requested to showcase individual personality. Outdoor kitchens remain strong, with requests for seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and weather-resistant features like built-in grills, pizza ovens, and beverage centers, driven by a desire for shared experiences. #KitchenTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenRenovation #DesignTrends #KitchenCabinetry #LightingDesign #NaturalMaterials #ColorTrends

Color experts worldwide have analyzed cultural and design trends to forecast the dominant color palettes for 2024, indicating a shift towards bolder and more adventurous choices in home and personal expression. While neutrals will retain their appeal, they are evolving to include warmer, more inviting tones. The consensus among experts is that color will become increasingly personalized, reflecting individual moods and preferences rather than rigid rules. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, emphasizes that color serves as a language for self-expression, allowing individuals to gravitate towards bold, soft, or calming shades as they resonate with personal feelings. Seven key color trends are projected to define 2024. First, a move towards dark and chic hues will provide a contrast to brighter tones. Shades like deep chocolate browns, sophisticated blacks, rich navies, and forest greens will be prominent. Behr's selection of Cracked Pepper and York Wallcoverings' Bay Brown exemplify this trend, offering grounding and inviting elements. Second, blues will continue their enduring popularity, evolving from verdant shades to lighter, more airy, and watery tones. Sherwin-Williams' Upward, a light denim blue, and Benjamin Moore's Blue Nova, a blend of violet and blue, highlight this shift towards tranquility and adventure. Additionally, vibrant teals and aquas, as seen in Valspar's Renew Blue and C2 Paint's Thermal, will emerge, connecting with nature and well-being. Third, intriguing purples and lilacs are expected to gain traction, empowering individuals to experiment and stand out. These versatile shades can complement pinks, blues, and greens, adding depth or vibrancy. Benjamin Moore's Hazy Lilac is noted as a compatible addition to color palettes. Fourth, unapologetic pinks and reds will maintain their cultural influence. Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards, and Pantone anticipate a continued rise in vivacious pinks, evoking nostalgia and optimism. Soft blush and baby pinks, such as Little Greene's Masquerade, will provide timeless tranquility. Pantone's Peach Fuzz, a romantic pinky-peach, encourages slowing down and connecting. Red and terracotta families are also predicted for a resurgence, with Benjamin Moore's Topaz and Teacup Rose illustrating their brilliance. Fifth, lustrous yellows and oranges, exemplified by VERANDA's Electric Amber, will be significant. These inviting and captivating shades are effective in textiles, jewelry, and gardens. HGTV Home's Persimmon and WGSN/Coloro's Apricot Crush further underscore the rising interest in sunny, warm tones. Sixth, earthy greens will remain prominent, offering approachable and muted hues that evoke comfort and nature. Graham & Brown's Viridis and Dutch Boy's Ironside represent this trend towards both fresh and deep, elegant greens. Finally, warming neutrals, including off-whites and buttery tones, will act as energized yet solid bases for color palettes. Glidden's Limitless, a honey-forward shade, reflects the increasing demand for warm neutrals, partly driven by the need to counterbalance the cooler effects of LED lighting in interior design. #ColorTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #DecoratingIdeas #Pantone #SherwinWilliams #BenjaminMoore #WarmNeutrals

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 color of a front door, often considered an inconsequential detail, holds significant power in enhancing a home's curb appeal, property value, and the overall feeling it evokes upon arrival. Recent studies suggest a burgeoning trend in front door colors for the upcoming year, with one particular shade poised to dominate: lilac. While traditional choices like black, white, and grey have historically prevailed due to their versatility and affordability, a lighter, more vibrant hue is set to challenge these classics. A study conducted by Magnet Trade, a retailer specializing in kitchens, joinery, floors, and doors, indicates a substantial increase in searches for 'lilac front doors' on their website over the past year. Concurrently, Google searches for the same term have surged by 271% within the last 12 months, signaling a significant shift in consumer preference. Jen Nash, Head of Design at Magnet Trade, attributes this growing popularity to lilac's versatility, noting its ability to complement both light and dark exterior paint or brickwork across diverse architectural styles. She characterizes lilac as a more romantic and playful alternative to grey, offering a clean yet subtly colorful and characterful option for homeowners. Property expert Terry Fisher from We Buy Any Home suggests that the broader trend towards pink in interior design may be influencing lilac's rise, positioning it as a softer, more understated alternative to the 'Barbiecore' aesthetic. Fisher also highlights the practical benefits of choosing lilac, stating that a fresh coat of this unconventional color can brighten a home's exterior, making it more inviting to potential buyers and potentially aiding in property sales. Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed, further elaborates on lilac's appeal, emphasizing its inherent sense of tranquility and warmth. He believes the color possesses an inviting energy that not only elevates a home's visual aesthetics but also fosters a welcoming ambiance. Rolland encourages homeowners considering a refresh to explore the timeless elegance of a lilac front door for a lasting impression. While lilac is gaining traction, pink front doors also remain a popular choice. However, experts advise caution against overly vibrant or 'hot pink' shades, as these can be polarizing and potentially limit a property's appeal to a wider range of buyers. Instead, a softer, pastel pink, akin to lilac, is recommended for its enduring appeal and ability to enhance curb appeal without being excessively bold. Ultimately, whether opting for lilac or a pastel pink, the trend points towards incorporating more playful yet sophisticated colors into home exteriors to create a distinctive and welcoming first impression. #FrontDoorColors #LilacFrontDoor #HomeExteriorTrends #CurbAppeal #PropertyValue #HomeRenovation #ExteriorDesign #ColorPsychology #InteriorDesignTrends

The article highlights the surprising return of brown as a trending paint color in home design for 2026, challenging its previous reputation as an outdated hue. With paint companies unveiling their colors of the year, brown, particularly softer shades like mocha mousse, is gaining traction. This resurgence is partly attributed to Pantone naming Mocha Mousse as its 2025 color of the year, a momentum that is expected to continue into the following year. Interior design professionals are embracing brown for its inherent warmth and grounding qualities, noting its versatility in contrasting with other colors. Designers emphasize that the current trend for brown paint moves away from traditional, 'grandma's house' aesthetics. To prevent a dated or stuffy appearance, modern applications of brown often involve pairing it with brighter, more cheerful accent colors. The article suggests various ways to incorporate brown paint into living spaces. For walls, pale and creamy shades such as mocha or khaki are recommended, offering a soft, inviting, and cozy atmosphere suitable for bedrooms and living rooms. These lighter browns provide a gentle approach to a rich color palette. For those seeking a bolder statement, deeper shades of brown like chocolate, tobacco, or Glidden's 2026 color of the year, Warm Mahogany, are presented as excellent options. These rich hues are described as bringing instant warmth and luxury to a room, especially when complemented by hardwood floors, warm wood furniture, or brass accents. The article suggests either painting an entire room in mahogany for maximum drama or using it to create an impactful accent wall. Furthermore, the article points out brown paint's comeback in bathroom design. Drawing parallels to its popularity in the 1970s, tile designers note its current resurgence is driven by a collective desire to integrate nature-inspired elements into homes. As an earthy tone, brown functions as a neutral color, yet it offers more visual interest than conventional whites, creams, or grays often seen in bathrooms. To enhance the look, designers advise styling brown bathroom walls with patterned or brightly colored shower curtains, bathmats, or towel sets. This approach allows for the incorporation of bold colors without overwhelming the space, with the dominant brown maintaining a polished and grounded feel. The overall message is that brown, once considered outdated, is being reinterpreted and embraced for its ability to create warm, sophisticated, and contemporary interiors. #PaintColorTrends #HomeDesign2026 #BrownPaint #InteriorDesignTrends #CozyInteriors #AccentWalls #BathroomDesign #ColorRevival