The past decade of home design has been dominated by gray. Gray paint, gray furnishings, gray stone, gray cabinets. Prevailing trends centered gray as the foundation of a clean, calm, neutral, universally attractive environment. In 2024, however, all the ubiquitous social media ins and outs lists are suddenly shunning this reliance on gray. What is the replacement color?...Whatever you, the homeowner, like!

While silver, slate, charcoal and all mixes of gray-beige can create stunning interiors, we’re excited that the emphasis for color these days is on personal choice and individuality instead of mundane trends. Across the color wheel, any color can be successfully incorporated into your spaces.

Explore colors that resonate with your style! Just consider some of these guidelines below to successfully incorporate your colors into your cohesive home design.

Color Selection and Inspiration

• Experiment with samples: Always test paint samples on your walls before committing. Bring home fabric swatches. Colors can look very different under various lighting conditions, at different times of day and against different contrasts.

• Seek inspiration: Look at design magazines, online galleries and social media. Draw inspiration from items you love such as a vase, a piece of artwork, flowering plant, or even a favorite piece of clothing.

• Consult professionals: If you’re unsure, an interior designer can help guide your choices based on your tastes and lifestyle.

Understanding Tone

Colors have a profound impact on our emotions and moods. For instance, blues and greens are calming, while reds and oranges can energize a space. Certain yellows might be too stimulating for a bedroom but perfect for a kitchen or living area where you want to feel energized. Think about how you use a space and how you want to feel when you’re in it. Remember that you can always intensify or mute a color by mixing in primary colors, white or black until you find that just-perfect shade.

Additionally, colors will look different based on the application and size. For example, fuchsia or lime green might delight in a velvet pillow, silk dining room chair seat fabric, or coffee table tray. Apply the same colors to a primary suite duvet or family room wall, and you might not get the same joyful effect.

Balance and Flow

To create a cohesive look, ensure there are elements of continuity between rooms. This doesn’t mean every room needs to be the same color, but there should be a harmonious transition from one space to the next. Some ideas:

• If a bold color dominates one room, consider bringing an accent of the same color into the next room or using the bold color in a complementary shade elsewhere in your home.

• Build a palette: Choose 3-5 colors that complement each other and use them consistently throughout your home.

• Balance bold and neutral: Pair bold colors with neutrals to avoid overwhelming the senses.

• Layer textures and patterns: Adding different textures and patterns can help balance colors and create a more dynamic space.

Think Ahead

When choosing colors, it’s important to consider your long-term plans. Are you planning to stay in your home for many years or is a move on the horizon?

Bright, bold colors can be incredibly personal and might not appeal to everyone. That high gloss peacock blue fireplace, though super cool, might just be too personal and seem daunting to a future buyer. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, neutral colors can make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. For color that's not limiting, consider:

• Feature walls: Use bold colors on a single wall or in a small room that can be easily repainted, if necessary.

• Accessories: Incorporate bold colors through accessories like cushions, rugs and artwork that can be changed without too much hassle.

• Timeless choices: Opt for timeless color choices for larger, more permanent elements like cabinetry and shower tile. This doesn’t only mean white, beige or gray. Navy, black and earthy greens can also fit a broad aesthetic in cabinetry and accessible tile options are endless.

Personalizing your home with color yields satisfying results when implemented strategically and with heart. If you need help navigating your route to color, talk to us! We can ask the right questions, truly listen and understand your point of view. With our understanding of the impact of color, we’ll create balanced spaces that flow and are welcoming, attractive and timeless!