Finding the Balance: Using Color Trends in Home Design
When it comes to home design, few things generate as much buzz as color trends. Each year, design experts and paint companies release their predictions for the hues that will dominate interiors, influencing everything from furniture choices to home accessories. But what does it truly mean to embrace these trends in your living space? Danielle Merrow, Designer at Maleno Custom Building, shares her approach to working with color trends while creating a timeless, livable home.
“While I love knowing what color trends are, I think people often think only of painting their walls in trendy colors,” Danielle begins. “But painting can be a chore, and obviously trends are... just that. And a trend isn’t really cool unless you love it.”
Danielle encourages homeowners to think of their spaces holistically, using trending colors as a way to enhance their personal style rather than dictate it. Instead of chasing every new shade of the year, she suggests viewing trends as an opportunity for inspiration and subtle integration.
The Foundation: Wall Colors That Feel Like Home
At the heart of any great design is a strong foundation, and for Danielle, wall color is just that—a starting point. “I like to advise people to choose colors they love for their walls—neutrals, brights, bolds, white or gray. Wall color is a backdrop. Kind of like choosing your favorite pair of comfy faded jeans—it’s a base to build on.”
This comparison perfectly encapsulates Danielle’s philosophy. Just as a beloved pair of jeans provides versatility and comfort, wall color serves as the canvas on which the rest of your design story unfolds. Whether you gravitate toward clean, minimalistic whites, cozy warm tones, or daring bold hues, what matters most is how the color resonates with you. A home should reflect the people who live in it, not just the trends of the moment.
Furniture as the Statement Piece
Once your walls are painted in a shade you love, it’s time to think about furniture. Danielle likens furniture to the “top” of an outfit. It sets the tone for the entire room, offering an opportunity to balance style with functionality.
“Keep it cozy and functional or dress it up a little bit. Mix in pattern or keep it solid. Choose colors or neutrals,” she advises. Just as a well-chosen blouse or sweater can elevate a pair of jeans, the right furniture pieces can transform your living space. From sleek modern sofas to plush armchairs, the key is to find items that not only complement your walls but also align with your lifestyle.
For example, a family with young children might opt for durable, stain-resistant fabrics in neutral tones, adding personality through patterned cushions or throws. In contrast, a minimalist homeowner might choose streamlined furniture in monochromatic shades, relying on shape and texture to create interest.
Accessories: The Fun Part of Decorating
If walls are the jeans and furniture is the top, accessories are where the real fun begins. Danielle believes accessories are the perfect way to incorporate trending colors into a space because they’re easy to swap out as styles evolve.
“This is the best place to add in the trendy colors—because they can be easily swapped out to keep things updated without having to redo the whole room,” Danielle says. “Just like a hat or a scarf can be just ‘the thing’ an outfit needs to feel pulled together—or to elevate a classic ensemble to something more daring and fun—the same can be done with decor.”
Think bold throw pillows in the color of the year, vibrant area rugs rich in texture and pattern, or even artwork that reflects the latest design movements. These small, impactful changes allow you to experiment with color while keeping the room’s foundational elements timeless.
One of Danielle’s favorite tips is to use accessories to add layers to a room. A mix of textures—plush blankets, smooth ceramics, and rough-hewn wooden accents—creates visual interest while ensuring the space feels cozy and lived-in.
Metallic Accents: The Jewelry of Design
No outfit is complete without accessories, and in the world of interior design, metallic accents serve as the jewelry that pulls everything together. Cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, and decorative items like vases or picture frames add a touch of sparkle and sophistication.
“Lighting is one of my favorite ways to incorporate metallics,” Danielle notes. “A striking light fixture can serve as both a functional piece and a statement element in a room.” Other ways to add metallics include updating drawer pulls, selecting a chic mirror with a metallic frame, or incorporating small tabletop accents in gold, silver, or bronze tones.
Metallics also pair beautifully with nearly any color palette, from warm earth tones to cool neutrals, making them a versatile addition to any room.
Trending Colors as Inspiration, Not Obligation
For homeowners who feel overwhelmed by the idea of following trends, Danielle offers a reassuring perspective. “Trending colors are not a suggestion to paint your whole house every single year,” she says. “Instead, I see it as an opportunity to explore what’s possible, to find ways to express personality in the spaces we live in, and to fully live—if not thrive—in the spaces we inhabit.”
This advice is a gentle reminder that trends should inspire, not dictate. Your home should be a reflection of you, and while trends can serve as a guide, they should never overshadow your personal preferences and needs.
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