Fearless Colors, Fabulous Designs

Color preferences and applications can be a highly subjective part of the design and decision-making process. But when it comes to bringing bold, bright, or otherwise-outlandish hues into designs, there are several ways to do it that suit the space, tap into trends, and create the desired impact.

^{Taking cues from the beautiful embroidering fabrics used for window treatments, chairs and pillows, Sparrow Design Co. chose Green Bay SW 64801 (170-C6) for this dramatic cathedral-ceilinged space, contrasted with crisp Snowbound SW 7004 (256-C2). Photos by Nate Burgher.}

Chromophobia and the “Disappearance of Color”

The world’s gradual disinclination toward color has been a hot topic on social media and in the news lately, and gray has been a key shade for all kinds of products—including the general public’s paint preferences—for many years now. But if neutrals are in, does that mean color is out?

^{Natalie Papier’s use of Cavern Clay SW 7701 (290-C6) and Extra White SW 7006 (257-C1) establishes a clean but unconventional backdrop for a modern-eclectic living space. Photos courtesy of Home Ec.}

As it turns out, new techniques and technologies are allowing us to create a broader spectrum of colors than ever before. From our earliest recorded history, through new developments in dyes and pigments, humans have built a wider array of usable hues for our clothing, our coatings, and more, and those colors keep growing in number as trends and preferences shift over time.

^{Sarah Vaile Design channeled the character of Princess Margaret from the TV series The Crown for the flamboyantly appointed Lake Forest Showhouse. “When we stumbled upon Framboise SW 6566 (103-C7), it all felt too perfect.” Photos by Aimee Mazzenga.}

Although gray has become a popular color family in residential and commercial design for many years now, the beauty of paint lies in the fact that wall (and ceiling, and trim) color is a simple change for specifiers, designers, and homeowners to make. By that token, being a bit daring with paint color choices can be a good starting point for overcoming hesitation about using punchy, high-powered hues.

Cultivating Chromophilia

On the trend horizon, we’re seeing bold hues as a key direction, whether it’s in all-over applications and energetic color blocks or used in more subtle flourishes and accents. Designers and other tastemakers are taking great advantage of these trends, infusing optimism, playfulness, and thoughtfulness into a variety of environments through the use of well-chosen, striking colors.

^{A key component of adventurous design came into play in this bedroom by Diane Rath: willing clients. “These homeowners were not afraid of fun color, and their newly constructed primary bedroom was no exception.” Wall color: Autumnal SW 6361 (127-C5). Photos courtesy of Diane Rath/The Rath Project LLC.}

Diane Rath, principal designer and owner at The Rath Project, shared with us a recent bedroom update she designed for some color-confident clients: “In order to create a room that lifted the mood, making each morning an invigorating start to the day, while also offering a calming sanctuary, we collectively chose a tone of tangerine, with Autumnal SW 6361 (127-C5), that did both. What a luxe and happy space it is!”

^{Sunny colors bring a joyful jolt to a Funky Yellow SW 6913 (138-C5) laundry room by Blueberry Jones Design and a bold built-in using Frolic SW 6703 (147-C3) by Jill White Designs.}

Wall color is proven to have a profound effect on a person’s mood, and confident colors that keep with current trends can accomplish even more than that, allowing designers to explore color theory, enliven a space, delight clients, and celebrate personal expression.

Using Bold Colors for Accents and All-Over Allure

Good design is often about creating noteworthy moments, and vibrant color, either in a small dose or a big splash, can be a key ingredient in that effort. Some designers are seeing areas like utility rooms, kitchen islands, and wet bars as opportunities for a touch of fun in tucked-away places. Brightly colored ceilings are another inventive option, lifting spirits and drawing focus upward, where statement fixtures can also take the spotlight.

^{Bright colors energize these wet bar areas by (left to right) Alicia Weaver Design, with Invigorate SW 6886 (116-C4); Shauna Glenn Design, in Biscay SW 6940; and Jill White Designs with a vibrant wall pattern applied in Stolen Kiss SW 7586 (275-C1).}

For the truly fearless, breathtaking applications of all-over color have been gaining popularity as well. In hospitality guest rooms, residential spaces, and beyond, a monochromatic approach elevates a joyful hue without feeling too busy, lending the entire space a clean look that tempers the impact of all-over color.

To see all the colors trending for the coming year, bold and subtle alike, our complete 2023 Colormix^® Forecast is a great place to find inspiration for your next project. And if you’d like your projects to be featured in a future edition of STIR, reach out to your local Designer Account Executive or Architectural Account Executive.

Top image colors: Framboise SW 6566 (103-C7); photos by Aimee Mazzenga.