Color is energy. It’s vibration, feeling, memory. It stirs something primal and intuitive in all of us. As interior designers, we don’t just see color—we feel it, work with it, shape it. It’s one of our most powerful tools.

Whether you’re designing your own space or dreaming up a client’s sanctuary, understanding how to use color is like learning a secret language: of emotion, intention, and harmony. In this guide, we’re exploring everything from the basics of color theory, to seasonal shifts, to unexpected color combinations that just work—even when they shouldn’t.

Color Theory 101: Intuition Meets Foundation

Let’s start with the bones.

Color theory is the study of how colors relate to each other and how they affect us emotionally and visually. You might remember the color wheel from art class—warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) sit opposite cool ones (blues, greens, purples). But in interiors, it’s not just about the wheel—it’s about feel.

A Few Foundations to Know:

Complementary colors sit opposite each other (think: blue & orange). High contrast, high energy.
Analogous colors sit side by side (like sage, olive, and emerald). Softer transitions, deeper cohesion.
Monochromatic palettes build off one hue in different shades, creating quiet depth and calm.

But rules? They’re just starting points. Color is a tool for storytelling. And every story is different.

Timeless Colors We Keep Coming Back To

Some colors have a kind of ageless magic. They don’t bend to trends—they anchor them.

Ochre – earthy, historic, deeply grounding
Bone – warmer than white, softer than beige
Deep navy – sophisticated, shadowy, classic
Dusty rose – romantic, worn-in, lived-with
Olive green – equally neutral and alive
Charcoal – moody, grounding, and versatile

These shades wear well over time and evolve with the space. We call them soul neutrals—colors that stay true, even as your tastes shift.

Color Through the Seasons: Let the Palette Breathe

Just like we shift our wardrobes or moods with the seasons, your home’s palette can breathe and flex too.

Spring: Soft greens, chalky lavenders, sky blues—color that feels like a stretch toward light.
Summer: Crisp whites, citrus tones, faded indigos, sun-warmed terracotta.
Fall: Burnt sienna, mustard, fig, weathered wood—grounding and rich.
Winter: Moody plum, deep pine, shadowy black-blue, snowy linen.

Designer Tip: Seasonal palette shifts don’t require repainting walls. Swap textiles, art, florals, and accessories to honor the time of year. Think: a linen curtain in summer, velvet cushions in winter.

Uncommon Color Combinations We’re Loving

These are the odd pairings that shouldn’t work—but totally do. Try them when you’re craving something a little offbeat, a little less obvious.

Olive green + dusty lilac – earthy meets airy
Terracotta + soft periwinkle – grounded and celestial
Moss + burgundy + icy grey – forest, wine, cloud
Sun-washed yellow + putty pink – nostalgic, faded, warm
Teal + rust + chalky white – jewel, earth, air

Sometimes, inspiration strikes from an unexpected place—a painted door in Lisbon, a wildflower field, a ceramic glaze in just the right light. Let those moments lead.

For Those Who Design with Feeling

Color is more than surface—it’s soul. It evokes, invites, and reflects. For designers, it’s a tool not just of aesthetic but of emotional alchemy. For clients, it’s a powerful way to express who you are and what you want to feel when you step into a space.

There’s no wrong way to begin—just start noticing. What colors are you drawn to lately? What’s changed since last year? What mood do you want to call in?

Let your palette evolve with your life.

THE ALCHEMY OF COLOR