Goodbye Neutrals, Hello Color Wheel!
Happy April, friends! This spring I am excited talk about color trends in home design. In this post we will explore the transition of cool-toned neutral trends into a wider spectrum of color and hue for home design this year.
First, lets talk about neutrals. Neutrals have always been an anchor in interior design paint colors, fabrics and furnishings. Neutrals are defined as “subtle, muted shades that lack saturation and hue.” There are your main neutrals—white, black, gray and brown, and then there are near-neutrals, which include beige, cream, taupe and ivory.
Soft and warm neutral-like shades, like cream, brown and ivory, have always been present in traditional designs. However, in recent years, cool neutrals took the front seat to the design realm and dominated color palette trends. Think apple store vibe—bright whites, black and gray accents and lots of taupe for a room. The idea behind this trend was to create a minimalist and open vibe and it absolutely took over the design scene for years.
I have always found that too many cooler neutrals in a room created a cold, impersonal presence. Without balancing cool tones with warm or rich hues, a room can quickly feel washed out. In my opinion, this cool neutral craze created a repetitive, cookie-cutter and uninviting look inside people’s homes. This is why I am thrilled that color and warm neutrals are coming back in vogue.
This year we are looking at a few different color trends. We have a resurgence of bright jewel tones, warm earth hues, and bold natural bright shades.
1.) Bright Jewel Tones
Jewel tones are vibrant colors inspired by actual gemstones—including shades of emerald, sapphire, amethyst, ruby, topaz, citrine, magenta etc. Of course, these colors come on a spectrum from lighter and brighter jewels to deeper and richer tones. Some of the richer deep jewel tones I now see are rich browns, deep moss greens, and vivid topaz. These jewels together make a handsome palette that I would love for a home office, powder room or lounge room.
2.) Bold Natural Brights
If deep moody colors are not your vibe, there are many natural bright colors to choose from, including cerulean blue, coral and lime. These pigments mix well with neutral palettes to add a striking punch of life to a space. If you want to liven up a family room, laundry room or finished basement, these natural bright tones are a fantastic option. I have helped many clients inject instant life into their homes using these natural bright colors.
3.) Healing Earth Hues
We are also seeing an increased desire for earth tones in the home. Earth hues are simply colors found in nature, like soil, foliage and minerals. Usually muted shades of brown, green, gray, yellow and orange and beige are the earth tones of choice when it comes to home design. These earthy shades instantly bring warmth, comfort and relaxation to a space. If you want your home to feel more welcoming, a few earth tones can go a long way!
Now that we have walked through these color trend changes, what do you make of them? Do you miss cool-toned neutrals or are you glad to see more color? Could your home use some color palette adjustments? If so, go ahead and reach out to me for a consultation! As an genius in the color wheel with lots of experience combining color categories in home design, I am more than up for the task!
Until next time!
~Christa
