Color of the Year: How to Use It in Your Interiors

Every year, design and paint companies unveil the Color of the Year, a shade that captures the spirit of the times and sets the tone for interior design trends. From soft pastels that evoke calm to bold hues that inspire energy, this annual pick influences everything from wall paint to accessories.

But knowing the Color of the Year is one thing—successfully incorporating it into your interiors without overwhelming your space is another. In this guide, we’ll explore how to style your home using the trending shade, whether you want subtle touches or a full-room transformation.

1. Understand the Color’s Personality

Before diving in with paintbrushes and fabric swatches, take time to understand the emotional and visual impact of the Color of the Year.

• Warm Tones: Perfect for creating a welcoming and cozy environment.
• Cool Tones: Best for promoting relaxation and calm.
• Bold Shades: Ideal for adding drama and a focal point.
• Soft Neutrals: Provide versatility and work well as a backdrop.

Pro Tip: Look at how the color pairs with shades already in your home to ensure a smooth integration.

2. Start Small with Accessories

If you are apprehensive to make a huge change, start with little home décor elements.

• Cushions & Throws: An easy, budget-friendly way to introduce the new color.
• Vases & Tableware: Add pops of the trend without changing your core design.
• Rugs & Mats: Ground your space with a new shade that complements existing furniture.

This approach works well for renters or anyone wanting a seasonal update without repainting.

3. Use It as a Feature Wall

A feature wall is the perfect middle ground between subtle and bold.

• Bedroom: Paint the wall behind your headboard for a cozy, modern feel.
• Dining Area: Use the trending shade on one wall to make your table setting pop.

Tip: Keep surrounding walls neutral to let the Color of the Year shine.

4. Update Your Soft Furnishings

One of the fastest ways to refresh your interiors is by updating textiles.

• Bedding: Create a seasonal switch-up for bedrooms.
• Table Linens: Add the shade to runners, placemats, and napkins for an instant dining room update.

Mix the trending hue with complementary patterns or textures to add depth and interest.

5. Bring It into Your Artwork

Art is a flexible, non-permanent way to embrace new color trends.

• Abstract Pieces: Choose paintings that feature the Color of the Year as the main tone.
• DIY Art: Create your own piece with matching paints or fabric.
• Gallery Wall: Incorporate a few pieces in the trending color alongside neutrals for balance.

6. Style with Plants and Greenery

Many Colors of the Year pair beautifully with natural greens.

• Planters: Choose pots in the Color of the Year to house your indoor plants.
• Foliage Pairing: Place greenery against a painted backdrop for a fresh contrast.
• Terrariums: Mini glass gardens in tinted containers add a unique touch.

7. Experiment with Color Blocking

• Walls: Divide walls into sections with the Color of the Year and a contrasting shade.
• Furniture: Repaint a bookshelf or cabinet in two tones.
• Doors & Trim: Highlight architectural details by painting them in the trending hue.

This technique works especially well in modern or eclectic homes.

8. Update Furniture for a Bold Statement

If you love the color and want to fully commit, furniture is your canvas.

• Reupholstered Chairs & Sofas: Make a large-scale statement piece.
• Painted Cabinets & Dressers: Give older furniture new life.
• Accent Tables: Small yet impactful, especially in living areas.

Tip: Pair with metallic or neutral accents to avoid overpowering the room.

9. Bring It into the Kitchen and Bathroom

• Kitchen Cabinets: Either go full color or paint just the lower cabinets.
• Bathroom Towels & Mats: Easy to swap for a quick seasonal refresh.
• Backsplashes: Colored tiles or painted sections can transform the look.

10. Layer It with Complementary Shades

The Color of the Year rarely stands alone—pair it with complementary hues for balance.

• Analogous Colors: Use shades next to it on the color wheel for harmony.
• Contrasting Colors: Add opposite tones for energy and vibrancy.
• Neutral Anchors: White, grey, beige, or black can tone down strong colors.

11. Think Seasonal Styling

• Spring/Summer: Pair with lighter shades for freshness.
• Autumn/Winter: Combine with deeper, richer colors for warmth.
• Holiday Seasons: Add metallics like gold or silver for a festive twist.

12. Don’t Forget Lighting

Lighting affects how any color appears in your home.

• Natural Light: Warms up cool tones and makes bright colors pop.
• Warm Bulbs: Enhance coziness, especially for deeper colors.
• Accent Lighting: Spotlights or LED strips can highlight areas painted in the Color of the Year.

Why the Color of the Year Matters

• Trendy Yet Timeless: While it’s fashionable now, it can also become a lasting part of your home.
• Easy Refresh: Perfect for updating spaces without a total remodel.
• Mood-Enhancing: The chosen shade often reflects emotional themes for the year.

The Color of the Year isn’t just a passing trend—it’s an opportunity to bring fresh energy into your interiors. Whether you embrace it with a bold feature wall, subtle accessories, or statement furniture, there’s a way to make the shade work for your style.

Start small if you’re unsure, experiment with different placements, and remember that design is about personal expression. The trending color should enhance your space, not overpower it—so make it yours.