You may know me as the woman who wrote a post that was basically called “affordable colorful art for people who are afraid of too much color” because I do indeed fall into that camp. So having me be the author of this VERY colorful trend post might seem…odd. Shouldn’t someone like Caitlin or Arlyn be writing this??? But let me tell you that this trend has me completely smitten. Each time I come across a photo where two or more rooms are in view, each drenched in happy colors with, at times, differing but complementary colorful trim my serotonin gets a hard hit. Each time I think “Ah! I love design! This looks amazing!” So perhaps I am the perfect person to write about this trend. But I am not the only one that has taken notice. As I was preparing this post I came across at least two other posts online about it. It’s happening y’all! They call it “Color Drenching” while I like to think of it as “Grown-Up Color Blocking”. But regardless of the name, for those of you needing color inspiration and an affordable way to make a big beautiful, high-impact statement I can’t wait to talk you through it.
I do want to be clear (and as the opening photo suggests) that this isn’t the color blocking of years before – overlapping shapes in a fun color palette. That was cool, creative, and still really works in the right space but is also rather specific. To me, it’s great for a modern space but maybe isn’t as ideal for other styles. However, the “color blocking” I’ve been seeing continuously pop up on my feeds is very versatile stylistically. It’s all about the colors you choose to fit the vibe you want. Most of the examples I have for you today are actually quite “traditional”, like an upgraded eclectic granny. I’ve gathered that there are about 4 different components to this trend so let’s dive in!
Medium Tones/Slightly Desaturated
I feel like most of the inspiration I’ve been seeing really leans into medium-toned paint colors (think Farrow & Ball vibes). They still feel vibrant but are a little softer than your bold jewel tones. Take this home by The House On Dolphin St. The room itself is drenched in that light grey blue with a darker blue trim, then right outside the door and into the hallway, there is that stunning green and yellow in a similar saturation.
With this trend, it’s more of a color blocking of structural elements or just each room in your house! It simply depends on how big you want to go:)
Now not to already backtrack in the first category (ha) but here we have some colors that I consider to be a bit bolder (like that mustard yellow room and bright red built-in cabinet). However, in these photos, they don’t seem to dominate over the other main colors (the mint and robin’s egg blue). They are beautifully complementary and are used on a smaller visual scale (well, I think so but also I don’t know how big the yellow room is:)). Plus, each space has decor with their contrasting colors to balance your eye.
These two spaces are just so good. What fun homes to live in!!
Don’t Forget The Trim
Trim/moulding is a BIG component in this trend as long as there is trim or moudling in the space. It’s not mandatory but it sure does look good. I love how designer, Becky Carter, chose to paint all but the ceiling’s trim in this room. It helps give the illusion that the ceiling is taller. It would have looked great either way but I think that was the right call in this space. Also note that some of these spaces are choosing a tonal, monochrome look with their trim paint colors while others are…
…not! Both are wonderful but mixing it up color-wise will definitely give your space a different feel depending on what you are looking for. This kid’s bedroom is a total dream. It’s playful and whimsical, but not overstimulating which I think is a big factor of this trend.
This room is one of the more “modern” ones and Dabito is a genius with color. It is actually a showhouse but those are meant to inspire trends and what we do in our homes. Plus, this blue, green, and pink combo is very pretty and very of this moment:)
Maybe Add A Wallpaper
While this trend is meant to be an affordable option for those with some paint, a brush, and the willingness to get their clothes a little messy (just me?), there’s always room for a little wallpaper, right? Given how colorful the other walls in this shot are, the decision to install a busy but neutral paper in one room was the perfect way to mix it up a little. Again, what a joyful-looking home! I LOVE this trend!
This example may be more wallpaper than paint but I love how this shows how colorful trim can really make a paper pop.
You might recognize this shot (slide to the second photo) from Auroura James’ home since it was just featured in Architectural Digest last week! Aurora chose two different tones of green for her entry/living room. One on the walls and one for the stair risers. Then instead of going really bold with another big color on the staircase walls, or maybe having it be a little underwhelming with a simple white, she chose that great floral wallpaper to bring the perfect amount of visual interest. It’s pretty perfect.
*Some* White Walls Are Ok
Music to my ears! You can still love this trend and not have to go ALL OUT. If you want your walls to have both a punch of color but also some “negative” space, let these photos be your inspiration. Kitchens can be a more straightforward application if you just want to dabble. Choose a fun color for your cabinets, another fun color for your island, and then keep your walls white. Done and done. But look how in the photo on the left designed by one of my favorites, Casa Josephine, they not only chose that beautiful blue for the mouldings but played with how they used the yellow in the bedroom versus the hallway. But then to avoid your eyes being potentially too overstimulated with colors everywhere, they kept some of the walls white. This example might actually be my #1 favorite. AH! It’s impossible to choose!
I wanted to end with a little ode to the power of dusty pink. It’s just so good and can be used with so many colors. Also, as you can see with these two photos it can go modern and it can more traditional. It’s a win-win.
Hey, even our dear Emily kinda played a little into this trend last year with her powder bath/family room combo. If she had really wanted to lean into it, the trim could’ve used a color too:) But that wasn’t her plan and it looks pretty perfect as is.
So that’s that! High-impact design does not need to be expensive. A little risk-taking, elbow grease, and time can clearly work wonders. Thoughts?? Do you like these looks? Have you done anything similar? Let’s chat!
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Lead Design by Julie Rose | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: A Little One’s Mid-Century Magical Bedroom Reveal
Just an FYI on Firefox – since you’ve talked about this metric before – my Pinterest button and Pinterest extension don’t work with the linked Instagram posts.
Unfortunately, you have to go into Instagram to save from there.
Yep. DTDT.
Thanks for writing about this, Jess. I’m an “updated eclectic granny” IRL, ha! I’ve been staring at dated built-ins and an undefined foyer for a few years and think this could be an easy way to add a soothing look to the space.
lol well just like the trend you sound SO COOL! I think that’s an awesome idea and send pics if you do it!
That sounds like a fabulous idea, Kim! I’d love some beautifully painted built-ins in my space. Good luck!
I love this trend. For those who want a big dose of this in book form, Dabito’s book Old Brand New is absolutely incredible. It’s also a love letter to his family and being a first generation American – I just loved everything about it!
Second this!!!
All these swaths of colors make my heart sing. Currently staring at my very safe dove grey walls (which absolutely do not inspire joy for me lol), and this is a wonderful push to get going on my dreams of painting the walls and trim (and heck maybe ceilings!) and being visually embraced by colors that I love. Thanks for putting this together, Jess!
Yay!! Please send pics when you do it!
A suggestion for a future series of post–could you address traditional looks? Go to Ethan Allen, Arhaus, WS Home etc and put together traditional groupings for living and family rooms?
Adding it to the list!
I love this colorful trend!! 100% want this in my house!
Go for it!!
That Dabito room doesn’t really exist, though, right? I’m assuming that’s what is meant by a “virtual show home”?
Correct:)
I love these photos! I painted a small craft room in my house white with powder blue trim. I thought the white would feel refreshing, but it’s boring. This kind of inspires me to paint the walls either the same color as the trim or maybe a few shades darker.
The bed nook above is such a cute detail—I would have loved sleeping in that as a kid!
Do it!!
I love ALL these pictures. They make my eyes happy!
I’m so glad!!
I love this trend…especially with the more muted colors. I especially love that people are paying more attention to their ceilings and not having them just be the only stark, white thing in the room. Softens everything and makes it feel more cohesive. Thanks for covering this one!
You are so welcome xx
This reminds me of the reno videos Ariel Bisset has been doing for years 😀 I love this style!
I love this look but have always wondered…when painting trim in different colors (or painting some and leaving some white), where does one color stop and the next start? Specifically asking about door frames, since they often wrap around from one room or hallway to another. Thanks!