What Colors Go With Lavender? 13 Combinations for One of This Year's Most Trendy Colors

Lavender, with its calming properties and association with springtime, offers a refreshing color choice for interior decoration. This article compiles insights from designers to highlight six top lavender paint recommendations, suitable for various room types and decor styles. Lavender paint, ranging from saturated to muted, provides a less intense alternative to decorating with purple, contributing to soft and tranquil living spaces. Interior designer Robin Gannon suggests pairing lavender with charcoal gray, cream, and olive green to create a balanced and grounded aesthetic. Charcoal gray adds grounding, a rich cream balances brightness, and olive green introduces an organic, spring-like element. This combination ensures lavender integrates seamlessly into diverse design schemes. Sasha Bikoff, an interior designer, favors Farrow & Ball's Peignoir, describing it as an elegant lavender with a moody gray undertone. This paint, one of Farrow & Ball's most popular purple shades, is known for its muted quality, making it a highly livable wall color. Patrick O'Donnell, Farrow & Ball's brand ambassador, suggests pairing Peignoir with Strong White for trim and ceilings in kitchens for a touch of romantic whimsy. For a more cocooning effect, he recommends using Peignoir on walls, ceilings, and woodwork in a matt Dead Flat finish. Peignoir also complements deeper lavenders like Brassica or the green-blue tones of Inchyra Blue for a bolder color statement. Betsy Wentz, another interior designer, recommends Benjamin Moore's Queen's Wreath. This darker, deeper shade of lavender is versatile and pairs well with many colors, making it ideal for elements like lacquer mirrors and light fixtures, as demonstrated in a colorful powder room where it was used on a mirror frame. Farrow & Ball's Dove Tale is a favorite of Lauren Sullivan of Well x Design. She notes its soft, subtle quality with just enough depth to avoid being overtly purple, making it almost neutral. Sullivan color-drenched her laundry room in this hue, transforming a utilitarian space into a calm and welcoming area. Its gray undertones contribute to a relaxing, unobtrusive feel. Kathy Kuo, an interior designer, and Dara Segbefia of The Zen Experience both endorse Benjamin Moore's Iced Lavender. Kuo highlights its subtle and versatile nature, featuring cool gray undertones that lend sophistication. She suggests it for French country and modern farmhouse designs, as it elevates rustic looks. Segbefia adds that its harmonious pairing with various colors enhances its versatility for different design schemes. Finally, Louise Hane of Louise Hane Interior Design recommends Farrow & Ball's Sugared Almond. This more saturated and playful lavender adds a sophisticated yet whimsical touch. Hane suggests using it on furniture to incorporate the refreshing hue without committing to an entire room. Olivia Westbrooks, an interior designer, praises Sherwin-Williams' Grape Mist, noting its gray undertone that mutes the vibrancy, making it suitable for cabinets when paired with lilac or Calacatta Viola marble for a luxurious bathroom aesthetic. Grape Mist provides a classic lavender option that is liveable throughout the home due to its balanced gray tones. Ultimately, whether seeking a muted backdrop or a vibrant statement, these designer-selected lavender paints offer diverse options to suit various interior design styles, ensuring a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment. #LavenderPaint #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #PaintIdeas #FarrowAndBall #BenjaminMoore #SherwinWilliams #CalmingColors

Lavender is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant known for its ability to enhance the aesthetic and sensory experience of a garden. With over 45 species and 450 unique varieties, selecting the right type of lavender can be a task. This guide narrows down the choice to five popular varieties, detailing their characteristics, uses, and ideal growing conditions, to assist gardeners in making informed decisions for their modern gardens. English Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is a perennial plant featuring vibrant purple blooms and green foliage, typically growing 1 to 3 feet tall. It thrives as an evergreen shrub and is highly effective in attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. This variety is recommended for culinary applications, aromatherapy, and crafting due to its compact nature and strong fragrance. It is best suited for hardiness zones 5-9, prefers chalky soil, and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Popular cultivars include Hidcote, Munstead, and Royal Velvet. French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is distinguished by its unique 'butterfly blooms' with petal-like bracts. This low-maintenance variety blooms earlier than others and is noted for its pale blooms and foliage. It exhibits a wilder growth habit, making it suitable for naturalistic garden designs featuring prairie plants and grasses. French Lavender is best planted in hardiness zones 8-9, requires fast-draining, nutrient-poor, alkaline soil, and needs 6-8 hours of direct sun. Anouk and Silver Anouk are recommended varieties. Spanish Lavender, also a Lavandula stoechas subspecies (pedunculata), resembles French Lavender with its upright, ear-like petals. It is particularly valued for its heat tolerance, blooming from mid-spring until late summer. This variety possesses a sweet fragrance, making it a popular choice for essential oils and perfumes. It thrives in sunny locations within hardiness zones 7-9 and prefers well-drained, chalky, or loamy soil. Madrid Blue and Kew Red are notable cultivars. This type is also appreciated for its longer stems, which are useful for crafting. Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) requires some attention to reach its full potential, forming bushy bright violet blooms. This sun-loving, drought-tolerant plant flowers from mid to late summer and produces strong, sharp-scented flowers, making it ideal for lavender oil production. It also attracts beneficial garden insects, thereby enhancing garden biodiversity. Lavandin can grow up to 2 feet in diameter and is generally easy to cultivate and highly fragrant. It is suitable for hardiness zones 5-9, prefers chalky or loamy soil, and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight. Recommended varieties include Grosso, Hidcote Giant, and Provence. Portuguese Lavender (Lavanda luisiera or Lavanda latifolia), also known as 'spike lavender,' is native to the Western Mediterranean. It is similar to English Lavender but features broader leaves and tall spike flowers, making it excellent for cut flowers and dried floral crafts. This variety is also grown commercially for lavender oil. Portuguese Lavender is characterized by its unique 'dragonfly style wings' on long stems, adding a whimsical touch, and offers the benefits of Spanish Lavender in a more container-friendly form. It is hardy in zones 5-9, requires well-drained, loamy soil, and 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Regarding aesthetics, English Lavender is often preferred for modern landscaping due to its suitability for mass planting in naturalistic drifts, while French and Spanish lavenders are typically seen in traditional or Mediterranean garden schemes. For fragrance, Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is the most potent due to its high camphor content, followed by English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) with its sweeter, lighter scent and lower camphor content. Both strong and milder scented varieties offer decorative appeal and can be integrated into various garden designs, including rock gardens or as accent plants. #LavenderVarieties #GardenDesign #PlantCare #EnglishLavender #FrenchLavender #SpanishLavender #Lavandin #PortugueseLavender #FragrantPlants

The article explores the growing trend of using lavender in bedroom design, highlighting its versatility and calming properties. Lavender, defined as a mix of violet and white, encompasses a broad spectrum of hues, from light purples to pale pinks, and even tinged-grays, primarily leaning towards purple and pink shades. This color is noted for its ability to evoke youthfulness, freshness, and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms. Designers widely regard purple bedroom ideas as a modern and experimental tone for sleep spaces, suggesting lavender as an appealing alternative to more traditional bedroom colors. Several specific applications for incorporating lavender into bedroom decor are detailed. One suggestion involves contrasting a warm lavender wall with a crisp white ceiling or wainscoting. A gray-undertoned lavender can function as a neutral base, allowing for the introduction of other colors like yellow or pink. An example from Arent&Pyke; studio illustrates how layers of color and materiality can create a warm and bright embrace in a lavender bedroom, even in spaces with diminished natural light. Another approach is to introduce lavender through less permanent elements such as artwork, furnishings, and accessories, as demonstrated in a colorful bedroom by Lake and Walls, where purple bedding and lavender artwork contribute a fresh and fun aesthetic against white walls and wooden elements. The article also discusses layering lavender with similar shades or contrasting colors. A warm lavender shade can add vibrancy to a modern bedroom and acts as a lovely contrast to black, blue, or dark gray for added depth. Designer Alex Papachristidis combined purple and blue in a bedroom to reflect the preferences of a husband and wife, showcasing how complementary colors can be integrated. Lavender is also presented as a suitable, calming, and personality-imbuing option for kids' rooms, offering an alternative to traditional pink, blue, or yellow. An example from Bethany Adams Interiors shows a lavender room accented with rust drapery, floral bedding, and vintage abstract art, maintaining a refined feel. Techniques such as color blocking and color drenching are highlighted for their effectiveness with lavender. Color blocking, or 'double drenching,' uses two shades of the same color to create visual interest and dimension, especially when paired with metal accents like deep bronze for an elegant, regal look. Color drenching, particularly effective for built-in structures like box bed storage, gives a utilitarian feature personality. Shannon Eddings Interiors used 'Desert Mauve' for a built-in bed, associating it with natural landscapes. Farrow & Ball's 'Brassica' is recommended for those preferring grayer tones, offering drama and light or a deeply moody ambiance depending on natural light. For a softer effect, a feminine pale lilac like Meredith Steinhart's design or Farrow & Ball's 'Sugared Almond' can create an intimate, cocoon-like atmosphere, highlighting unique architectural features. For a more luxurious and cozy feel, moodier, mid-tone lavenders are recommended, especially in sunlit rooms to avoid a caved-in sensation. Paula Taylor of Graham & Brown emphasizes lavender's association with aromatherapy and relaxation, making it a perfect color for the entire bedroom due to its gentle visual stimulation. Finally, styling the bed with lavender bedding is presented as an elegant and subtle way to add an inviting feel, suitable for both dark and sun-filled rooms. For those seeking a design-forward, architectural look, half-painted walls or datum lines with lavender offer a modern take on wainscoting, reducing visual scale in tall rooms. The article concludes by reinforcing lavender's status as a designer favorite due to its warmth, inviting nature, personality, and timeless elegance, whether used as a dominant color or a neutral accent.

The Garden Media has announced teal as the 2025 garden color of the year, a bold and refreshing blend of blue and green reminiscent of tropical waters. This color is noted for its ability to add striking contrast while seamlessly integrating with existing garden elements, offering a cool and calming yet vibrant touch to outdoor spaces. The article explores various ways to incorporate this trending color into gardens, ranging from specific plant selections to decorative accents and structural elements. One of the suggestions is to use plants with teal foliage, such as the Hosta 'Touch of Class,' which features teal leaves with a lime green center. This plant is suitable for shadier garden spots in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9 and produces lavender flowers in summer. Other hosta varieties with teal foliage are also mentioned, with a note that excessive sunlight might diminish their teal coloring. For larger spaces, the majestic blue spruce (Picea pungens) is recommended. This evergreen tree can reach up to 60 feet, thrives in zones 2 through 7, and offers beautiful pyramidal growth and drought tolerance once established, especially in acidic soil. Beyond plants, the article highlights several ways to introduce teal through painted elements. For instance, painting a timber fence with teal fence paint can transform it into an eye-catching feature. Similarly, existing garden ornaments, like an old wagon wheel, can be revitalized with a coat of teal paint to add ornamental interest. For those with larger yards and streams, an old timber bridge can be given a new lease of life with teal paint, and even small yards can incorporate miniature versions of such bridges, especially around ponds. Teal can also be integrated into garden structures. Painting the exterior of a garden shed or a gazebo in teal can create a relaxing atmosphere that blends with the landscape. While painting an entire house exterior in teal might be too bold for some, smaller structures offer an ideal opportunity to embrace the color. Another idea for adding a splash of color is to hang a teal-colored hammock, providing a comfortable and stylish spot for relaxation in the shade. The article also covers succulent options, suggesting Echeveria 'Caribbean' for its pale teal leaves with red fringes, perfect for rock gardens or container planting in frost-free areas. For succulent enthusiasts or those in arid regions, Agave 'Blue Glow' is presented as a low-maintenance option for rock gardens, offering striking teal leaves with red borders and growing in zones 8 through 11. Caution is advised when handling Agave due to its sharp edges. Furthermore, ornamental grasses like blue fescue (Festuca glauca 'Beyond Blue') are recommended for garden borders. Its cascading teal foliage provides a soft accent and acts as a good ground cover, suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners in zones 4 through 9, and is noted for its heat and drought tolerance. Finally, for an easy introduction of teal, the article suggests investing in large teal-glazed pots for patios, which can be planted with bright flowers or blue-foliaged plants for a coordinated look. Another ground cover option is stonecrop (Hylotelephium cauticola), a hardy succulent with attractive teal leaves and a creeping habit, ideal for rock gardens or sunny verandas, producing pink and purple flowers in the fall. #GardenColorOfTheYear #TealGardening #GardenTrends2025 #OutdoorDecor #PlantSelection #GardenDesign #SucculentGardening #HomeImprovement

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

The 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, a vivid pink-toned purple, offers a dynamic option for enhancing garden aesthetics. This hue is slightly darker than fuchsia, featuring more blue tones than maroon, and possesses significant depth despite its brightness. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of colors, making it an excellent choice for developing color palettes in various applications, including gardens. Magenta, positioned adjacent to red on the color wheel, creates a vibrant contrast when paired with green foliage, as red is the complementary color to green. Combining warm red and cool blue tones, magenta harmonizes effectively with yellow and bluish-green shades. Its inherent brightness can illuminate shaded garden areas or radiate vibrantly in sunny flower beds. For those considering incorporating magenta, annual flowers provide an accessible and cost-effective option for introducing this hue. Annuals generally offer a longer season of color compared to perennials. To achieve maximum visual impact, a combination of both annual and perennial magenta flowers is recommended. This color is available across numerous flower varieties that bloom from early spring through late autumn. The success of perennial plants largely depends on the specific growing zone, while most annuals can be cultivated seasonally in various locations with appropriate care. Several sun-loving annuals come in magenta shades, including cosmos, portulaca, snapdragons, stock, celosia, petunias, zinnias, and verbena. Specific magenta cultivars of petunias, such as Supertunia 'Royal Magenta' and 'Picasso in Purple,' Easy Wave 'Burgundy Velour,' Shock Wave 'Deep Purple,' and Crazytunia 'Magenta Storm,' are notable examples. Regular deadheading of spent blooms is crucial for maintaining plant health and encouraging continuous flowering. Stock, an old-fashioned annual known for its strong clove fragrance, offers magenta varieties like 'Harmony Mix' and 'Anytime Mix,' which rebloom after snipping spent stems. Magenta snapdragons, found in mixes like 'Madame Butterfly' or cultivars like 'Speedy Sonnet Purple' and 'Black Prince,' also benefit from deadheading to extend their bloom period. For shaded garden areas, impatiens, caladiums, and coleus are available in magenta. Impatiens, in particular, come in a broad spectrum of colors and flower continuously, with sun-tolerant varieties also available. The perennial landscape offers a vast selection of magenta-hued plants. When choosing perennials, it is essential to consult plant labels or websites for information on growing zones, mature size, sunlight requirements, soil needs, and other critical details. Popular perennial options include peonies, dianthus, phlox, iris, and shrubs such as lilacs, butterfly bushes, hibiscus, azaleas, and rhododendrons. In warmer climates, dahlias can also be perennial; 'Thomas Edison' is an heirloom dahlia with a deep magenta hue. Peonies like 'Karl Rosenfield,' 'Felix Crousse,' and 'Old Faithful' provide vivid magenta tones, requiring proper planting depth and ample sunlight. Dianthus, with cultivars such as 'Paint the Town Magenta,' are long-blooming and attract pollinators, benefiting from deadheading. Tall garden phlox varieties like 'Ultraviolet' and 'Magenta Pearl' offer weeks of summer color, though they require adequate air circulation to prevent mildew. Sun-loving butterfly bushes, including 'Magenta Darling,' 'Buzz Hot Raspberry,' and 'Miss Molly,' are pollinator magnets that can be cut back in autumn for spring regrowth. Megan's versatility makes it suitable for almost any garden color palette. Effective combinations include magenta with chartreuse and pink; magenta with light blue and purple; magenta with silver and lavender; and magenta with orange and yellow. For these combinations to truly stand out, plants should ideally bloom simultaneously. Annuals offer a longer blooming period, allowing for experimentation with palettes before committing to more permanent perennial arrangements. Pairing magenta with chartreuse and bright pink, such as magenta and pink petunias with chartreuse sweet potato vine in a container, or magenta dianthus near chartreuse hosta with pink roses and lilies in a flower bed, creates vibrant displays. Magenta also complements light blue and dark purple, seen in late May with magenta peonies alongside light blue Amsonia, columbines, or forget-me-nots, and dark purple German irises. For a more refined aesthetic, integrating plants with silver foliage, such as artemisia or silvery heuchera, alongside lavender flowers like phlox, dianthus, petunias, or stock, can create a sophisticated garden design. #VivaMagenta #GardenDesign #FlowerGardening #ColorOfTheYear #AnnualFlowers #PerennialFlowers #Horticulture #PlantSelection #GardenPalette

Color analysis is a practice that helps individuals identify the colors that best complement their natural features, including skin tone, hair color, and eye color. This technique, which has seen a resurgence in popularity, aims to reduce decision fatigue when getting dressed and enhance one's natural beauty by selecting a wardrobe palette that harmonizes with personal coloring. The foundation of modern color analysis traces back to the 1980s bestseller "Color Me Beautiful," which categorized individuals into four main seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The core principle of color analysis involves determining whether an individual has warm or cool undertones. Warm seasons (Spring and Autumn) are characterized by yellow-based tones, while cool seasons (Summer and Winter) are identified by blue-based tones. To discover one's undertone, a common method is to examine the veins on the wrist in natural light. Bluish or purplish veins typically indicate cool undertones, whereas greenish veins suggest warm undertones. Digital tools, such as the Neutone app, also offer assistance in this assessment. Beyond undertones, color analysis considers contrast and chroma. Contrast refers to the difference in lightness and darkness between skin, eyes, and hair. High contrast, often seen in Winter and some Spring types (e.g., fair skin with dark hair), is complemented by bold, contrasting hues. Low contrast, common in Summer and Autumn types (e.g., medium skin with brown hair and eyes), benefits from softer, tonal palettes. Chroma distinguishes between soft and clear colors: soft seasons (Summer and Autumn) are enhanced by muted tones, while clear seasons (Winter and Spring) look best in vibrant, bold shades. Each season has specific characteristics and corresponding color palettes. Springs, who typically have warm undertones and high contrast, often have light, warm-toned hair and fair to medium skin. They are complemented by vibrant and warm colors like coral, peach, sunny yellow, and mint green, and tend to look best in gold, brass, or copper jewelry. Celebrities like Jessica Chastain and Rihanna are often cited as examples of the Spring type. Summers, with cool undertones and low contrast, often have light or ash-blonde hair, light skin, and cool-toned eyes. Their ideal palette consists of soft, pastel, and muted cool colors such as lavender, soft pink, and powder blue, and they are typically enhanced by silver or white gold jewelry. Emily Blunt and Barbara Palvin represent the Summer season. Autumns possess warm undertones and low contrast, featuring warm hair colors, warm-toned eyes, and medium to dark skin. Rich, earthy colors like deep rust, olive green, warm browns, and mustard yellows flatter them, and they are best suited for gold and bronze jewelry. Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé are examples of Autumns. Winters are characterized by cool undertones and high contrast, often having dark hair, fair skin, and bright or deep eye colors. They shine in bold, high-contrast color combinations, including deep jewel tones, pure whites, and black, with silver or white gold jewelry being most complementary. Selena Gomez and Lupita Nyong’o are prominent examples of the Winter type. While these seasonal classifications provide a useful guide, the article emphasizes that color analysis is a tool for personal exploration rather than a rigid rulebook. Individuals are encouraged to experiment with colors that make them feel confident and beautiful, regardless of strict adherence to their determined season. The ultimate goal is to discover shades that enhance one's natural radiance and personal style. #ColorAnalysis #Fashion #StyleGuide #WardrobeEssentials #PersonalColor #BeautyTips #SeasonalColors #FashionTrends

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

Sherwin-Williams has announced Universal Khaki as its 2026 Color of the Year, a shade that signals upcoming design trends focusing on comfort, simplicity, and style. Universal Khaki is an earthy beige, warmer than white but lighter than taupe, described by Sherwin-Williams as embodying "the beauty of life's bare essentials," similar to the warmth of a well-worn jacket. The article provides a comprehensive guide on how to integrate this versatile color into home interiors, offering 20 coordinating hues to achieve various design goals. The versatility of Universal Khaki allows it to be paired with a wide range of colors. For instance, it can be combined with other neutrals to create a light and airy space, or contrasted with dark accents for a more upscale feel. The article suggests pairing it with mustard yellow for a bold yet muted vibrancy, ideal for kitchens, and with navy for a timeless, balanced warmth suitable for cozy cottages or sophisticated home offices. Chartreuse, a vibrant green-yellow, is presented as a 'kindred spirit' that creates buoyant and lived-in spaces when combined with khaki. Dark auburn enhances khaki's earthiness, adding natural dimension, while black creates a timeless and modern look with understated luxury. Pale pink, such as rose or blush, complements khaki by evoking a subtle, sandy warmth, allowing pink to be incorporated without appearing juvenile. Olive green, another earthy tone, pairs with khaki to bring the calm of the outdoors inside, making interiors feel grounded. Terracotta and khaki offer a Mediterranean feel, blending rustic and contemporary elements. Chocolate brown provides a rich, decadent sophistication, especially when combined with various textures. Seafoam green, a playful and lush shade, softens khaki and creates inviting, tranquil spaces. Burgundy elevates khaki to a luxurious level, offering visual contrast with warm undertones, ideal for dining rooms or bedrooms. Indigo, with its edgy tone, creates cozy and modern spaces, and can be incorporated through textured fabrics like denim. Charcoal sharpens khaki's softness for a sleek, modern edge, perfect for elegant kitchens or elevated outdoor patios. Coral, a vibrant pink-orange, injects energy and playfulness into beige, especially when accented with green plants. Burnt orange and khaki create a classic fall aesthetic that also works year-round, generating an energetic yet grounded feel for contemplative spaces. Ivory coordinates with khaki for those who prefer neutrals but find stark whites too clinical, adding depth and allowing other decor elements to stand out. Plum balances its richness with khaki's beige, offering a refined and bold vibe for bathrooms or accent pieces. Khaki green, a similar tone, facilitates color layering and adds dimension. Dusty blue, or 'rain cloud,' creates a cozy and peaceful pairing, ideal for bedrooms to promote relaxation. Finally, mauve allows khaki to serve as a versatile neutral, making mauve the subtle star in a playful yet elegant combination suitable for a child's room. #SherwinWilliams #ColorOfTheYear #UniversalKhaki #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ColorCoordination #PaintColors #DesignTrends

Blue is a timeless and versatile color frequently used in interior design, offering a wide range of shades from navy to teal and cobalt. It is essential to understand complementary colors to create cohesive and visually appealing home interiors, especially if not opting for a color-drenched space. Blue evokes natural elements like the sky and sea, promoting feelings of serenity and calmness, making it ideal for restorative spaces such as bedrooms and spa-like bathrooms. Its adaptability allows it to fit various design aesthetics, from minimalist to maximalist. This guide presents 35 color pairings to demonstrate blue's versatility and its ability to elevate any room. Several warm colors pair effectively with blue. Goldenrod, a warm yellow, contrasts well with fanciful chinoiserie wallpaper and specific shades of blue, especially those that complement outdoor vistas. Rust red and cream floor tiles can ground duck egg blue cabinetry, particularly when the blue leans gray in soft lighting, making it a versatile neutral. Golden tan wallpaper softens vibrant indigo accents, and adding orange can further enhance the impact. Mustard yellow paired with navy blue creates a vibrant interior, and neutral bedding can balance these bright shades. Ochre wallpaper can contribute to a moody yet impactful primary bedroom, ensuring a serene atmosphere. Contrasting cool tones also work well. Deep black accents add drama and depth to slate blue cabinetry, creating a modern and masculine look without competing with natural surroundings. Chartreuse, a yellow with a greener tone, elevates the classic blue and yellow pairing, with cool light blue preventing an overly neon appearance. Grass green wallpaper with a navy blue sink brightens smaller, windowless spaces by drawing inspiration from nature. Gray, when matched in vibrancy with blue, creates a spa-like and timeless palette that can brighten even dingy basements. Bold and unique combinations include terra-cotta red, which balances vibrant blue tones in a space, especially when incorporated into grand bookcases, rugs, and furniture details. Peachy pink and blue, when used thoughtfully with a pastel combined with a vibrant tone, can transition from a juvenile feel to a sophisticated one. Burnt orange acts as a bright accent in a kids' bathroom with blue as the focal point. Lilac purple can create a sophisticated palette when paired with blue, provided similar textiles, tones, and brightness levels are maintained. Dark red, though a primary color, can pair effectively with teal blue if the blue leans towards a complementary green tone. Metallic accents like bronze and brass introduce glamour and texture. Bronze elevates blue to new heights in a living room, while metallic brass accents with a deep, rich navy kitchen create an elevated and glamorous look. For those who prefer a more monochromatic scheme, using various shades of blue can be highly impactful, as seen in living rooms where deep blue upholstery grounds lighter blue walls and ceilings. Additionally, combining blue with multiple vibrant hues, such as bubblegum pink and citron yellow, can create an immersive and cheerful effect. Botanical wallpapers featuring ivory and forest green against a robin's egg blue provide a dreamy backdrop, with ivory mirrors and green accessories softening the blue. #ColorCombinations #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #BlueInteriors #DesignInspiration #DecoratingIdeas #ColorPalette #RoomDecorating #DesignerTips

The article discusses Pantone's unveiling of its 2022 Color of the Year, Very Peri, a new vibrant periwinkle hue with violet-red undertones, marking the first time Pantone has invented an entirely new color for this designation. This decision reflects a broader global innovation and transformation, aiming to instill a mood of courageous creativity and imaginative expression. Pantone's selection process involves extensive research into color trends across various sectors, including fashion, sports, home décor, and gaming platforms, ensuring the chosen color resonates with current global sentiments. The versatility of Very Peri is highlighted across multiple domains. In interior design, the color is presented as capable of adding energy to any room, with examples from a lavender-infused exhibition. The article cites a Paint Color Analysis study by Zillow, which indicates that specific shades of blue, including light pale blue to soft periwinkle blue, can significantly increase a home's selling price. Bathrooms painted in these hues reportedly sold for over $5,000 more than expected, while blue kitchens, bedrooms, and dining rooms added nearly $2,000 to property values. This suggests a tangible financial benefit associated with incorporating such colors into home aesthetics. Beyond interiors, Very Peri has made a notable impact in the fashion industry, appearing on the runways of prominent designers like Lanvin, Gucci, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton for their Spring '22 collections. This adoption by high-fashion brands underscores the color's contemporary appeal and its ability to offer a fresh perspective after a period of global challenges. The beauty industry also embraces Very Peri, with the Pantone press release suggesting its use for eyes, nails, and hair, in finishes ranging from glittery to matte. Brands like OPI and Overose are mentioned as examples of companies already aligning with this trend through nail polish and scented candles. Even the sports sector is quick to integrate Very Peri, as evidenced by a collaboration between the sustainably-minded shoe company Cariuma and Pantone, resulting in Veri Peri-colored sneakers available for pre-order. This wide-ranging adoption across diverse industries demonstrates the comprehensive cultural influence of Pantone's Color of the Year. The article emphasizes that Very Peri symbolizes a forward-looking mindset, combining the calming qualities of blue with the energizing aspects of violet-red, making it a relevant and impactful choice for the upcoming year. #PantoneColorOfTheYear #VeriPeri #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #FashionTrends #BeautyTrends #RealEstateValue #DesignersCorner

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

The article presents six alternatives to lavender, a popular plant known for its beautiful purple blooms and aromatic qualities, offering similar aesthetic and olfactory benefits for gardens. Lavender is widely used across various garden styles due to its scent and vertical blooms. However, gardeners may sometimes wish to explore different options that provide comparable vibrant hues and captivating fragrances. The suggested alternatives are recommended by gardening experts and cater to diverse gardening preferences and conditions. First among the alternatives is Russian Sage (Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9). Alexander Betz, a planting expert, describes it as an ideal substitute for lavender, citing its airy structure and aromatic, silvery foliage. It features tall, spiky purple-blue flowers and is particularly suited for xeriscapes due to its drought tolerance. Russian sage thrives in well-drained soil, full sun, and hot, dry climates, requiring minimal water once established. Next is Wisteria (Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9), a vine recommended by Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins. The 'amethyst falls' variety is highlighted for its fragrant, vivid flowers that bloom in spring and continue throughout the summer. Wisteria is versatile, suitable for arbors, garden structures, and sturdy trellises. It can also be trained into a free-standing tree with proper staking and pruning. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, with light, infrequent watering. Catmint (Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8) is another robust alternative. Alexander Betz notes its hardiness, making it capable of withstanding both heat and cold, similar to lavender. It has aromatic, gray-green foliage and spikes of purple-blue flowers. Planting catmint in spring or fall and cutting it back after flowering encourages a second bloom. It thrives in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, needing occasional watering once established. Buddleia, or butterfly bush (Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9), is presented as a plant that adds personality to a garden and attracts beneficial insects like bees and hummingbirds. Kelly Funk emphasizes its extra-large flower spikes supported by thick, sturdy stems, which enhance its winter survival in colder regions. Buddleia prefers full sun and medium moist, well-draining soil, offering a lovely fragrance and being highly pollinator-friendly. Lilacs (Hardiness Zones: 3 - 7) are suggested not only as excellent privacy bushes but also as a lavender substitute. They produce tubular panicles of purple flowers and are renowned for their strong fragrance. To flourish, lilacs require a sunny spot and well-draining soil. Consistent care, including adequate sunshine and water, is essential to maintain their vibrant color and robust growth, creating an enchanting ambiance. Finally, Agastache 'Blue Fortune' (Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9), also known as anise hyssop, is highlighted for its resemblance to lavender and its captivating scent. This perennial is easy to grow and hardy, featuring unique bottle-brush flowers. Its low-maintenance nature means it benefits from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. It grows best in well-draining soil, with mulch recommended during colder months for protection. These alternatives offer diverse options for creating a picturesque and fragrant garden space, suitable for various outdoor activities. #LavenderAlternatives #PurpleFlowers #AromaticPlants #GardenDesign #DroughtTolerantPlants #FragrantPlants #PerennialFlowers #PollinatorFriendly #GardeningTips

After a year where many individuals spent an increased amount of time at home, there's a heightened awareness of interior details that could benefit from an update. This article explores 13 prominent paint color trends for 2021, offering suggestions for refreshing living spaces. The featured trends move away from an all-white aesthetic towards bolder, more vibrant hues. Interior designers consulted for the article emphasize the growing interest in incorporating happiness and personality into home environments through color. While a diverse range of colors is gaining popularity, the overarching advice is to choose shades that resonate with one's personal style. Max Humphrey, a Portland, OR-based designer, encourages embracing bolder options, noting that paint is easily changeable if preferences shift. Alternatively, designer Julie Van Daele suggests using classic, versatile colors but enhancing them with texture to achieve a more timeless appeal. Specific color recommendations include Hannah Banana from Benjamin Moore, a rich yellow tone inspired by wardrobe preferences. Tali Roth, a designer, observes a resurgence of 1980s-inspired earthy palettes, highlighting Dead Salmon from Farrow & Ball as an example that incorporates pink hints to avoid a dull appearance. Max Humphrey advocates for olive green paints like Dirty Martini from Clare, suggesting them as an alternative to traditional navy blue for bedrooms or cabinetry, particularly in satin or semi-gloss finishes. Rich earth tones such as terracotta, dark reds, and mustards are also noted as strong trends, with Ghost Ranch from Backdrop cited as a warm terracotta option. Textured walls are another significant trend, with Roman Clay from Portola Paints recommended for adding depth without relying solely on bold colors. For traditional elegance, Calke Green from Farrow & Ball, a deep sage green, is presented as a versatile, almost neutral shade suitable for various rooms. Mustard tones continue to be popular, exemplified by Good as Gold from Clare, described as a joyful, soft sunny shade for kitchens, bathrooms, or small bedrooms. The article also highlights the growing popularity of dark, moody paint colors, such as After Hours from Backdrop, a charcoal black ideal for creating romantic and zen-like retreats in bedrooms or bathrooms. Rust, typically an outdoor color, is making its way indoors, with Benjamin Moore's Rust being a super-saturated option for offices, dining rooms, or reading nooks. Greens remain a strong trend, with Aegean Teal from Benjamin Moore offering a soothing grayish blue-green that evokes a stormy Greek sea. Jewel tones, ranging from eggplant to ruby reds, are also gaining prominence, and Hyperlink from Clare is presented as a bright blue shade with white undertones suitable for bedrooms. For those seeking a neutral yet warm option, 36 Hours in Marrakesh from Backdrop offers a deep, earthy pink that is versatile and grounded. Finally, Gray Cashmere from Benjamin Moore provides a neutral shade with subtle green undertones for those hesitant to fully embrace bold colors, allowing for a gradual transition into more colorful interiors. #PaintColorTrends #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #2021Trends #ColorPalette #DecoratingIdeas #HomeImprovement #DesignTips

The article forecasts the dominant fashion color trends for 2024, building on the color-rich year of 2023, which saw the prevalence of hot pink due to the Barbie movie and cherry red becoming a seasonal favorite. For 2024, the trend cycle is expected to shift, driven by a desire for novelty that contrasts with previous popular colors. This leads to a predicted rise in various shades of blue, from Mediterranean teal to an updated midnight blue, positioning them as essential additions to wardrobes. Beyond blue, 2024 is anticipated to embrace more nuanced and 'in-between' colors, moving away from the primary shades that characterized 2023. These include soft yet vibrant hues like apricot, exemplified by Pantone's 'Peach Fuzz' and Coloro's 'Apricot Crush', and a zesty citron. These shades offer a fresh and expressive appeal without being overwhelming, making them versatile for different seasons and occasions. Cream, or 'Cream de la Crème', is identified as a key neutral for 2024, providing a grounding element amidst brighter tones. This warm, oat milk-infused cream shade is presented as a year-round staple, suitable for various garments from linen skirts to faux fur coats. Tropical teal emerges as a significant transitional color, bridging summer's sun-kissed aesthetic with the deeper tones of fall. Its presence was noted on spring 2024 runways and solidified in pre-fall collections from influential designers, making it a versatile choice for swimwear, dresses, or accessories. A muted, neutral pink is introduced as a contemporary alternative to the vibrant 'Barbiecore' pink of 2023. This versatile shade is designed to be seasonless and unisex, serving as a foundational color for diverse outfits, from plush knits to footwear and handbags. Negroni red, a deeper, spiced orange-hued red, is set to succeed cherry red as the dominant red shade. This rich color is recommended for both occasion wear, such as form-fitting dresses for vacations, and as a sophisticated alternative to black in cooler weather, appearing in items like leather pants or handbags. Finally, midnight blue is highlighted as an elevated version of traditional navy. This shade offers increased saturation and dimension, making it a modern update for suiting, knitwear, and accessories, as seen in collections from luxury brands. These seven color trends collectively define the fashion landscape for 2024, encouraging individuals to incorporate new hues into their personal style. #FashionTrends #ColorTrends2024 #FashionForecast #WardrobeUpdate #StyleGuide #SeasonalColors #DesignerCollections

Lilac, a soft and versatile shade of purple, is emerging as a significant color trend for spring 2025, offering a refreshing alternative to years of minimalist and neutral decor. This hue, once primarily associated with nurseries and Easter, has matured and is now prevalent in fashion and interior design, signaling its readiness for broader application in home decor. Its light, airy, playful, and sophisticated qualities make it an ideal choice for invigorating living spaces. Integrating lilac into home decor can be approached in various ways, starting with subtle accents to avoid overwhelming a space. Small touches like lilac-colored candles on a coffee table, a throw blanket draped over a couch, or fresh lilac blooms in a vase can introduce the color without committing to larger changes. This gradual approach allows homeowners to experiment with the trend and assess its compatibility with their existing decor. For those seeking a more impactful statement, lilac can be used on accent walls, particularly in bedrooms, where it contributes to a dreamy and relaxing atmosphere. When paired with clean white linens and natural materials, this approach maintains a contemporary and sophisticated aesthetic. Beyond walls, lilac cabinets or backsplash tiles can introduce an unexpected and chic element to a modern kitchen, while a lilac couch or an oversized rug can serve as a bold focal point in a living room. The color is often associated with inviting good energy into a room, encouraging its embrace in more prominent applications. Maintaining a stylish and mature look with lilac involves careful color pairing. To prevent the shade from appearing overly sweet or childish, it can be balanced with more sophisticated colors such as various shades of gray, deep navy, or warm beiges. These combinations allow lilac to act as a fresh pop, enlivening neutral color schemes. For individuals desiring a bolder aesthetic, combining lilac with vibrant hues like mustard yellow, emerald green, or burnt orange can create dynamic and lively spaces, allowing the room to express a distinct personality. #SpringColorTrends #LilacDecor #HomeRefresh #InteriorDesign #AccentColors #DecorTrends #ColorPairing