The Art of Color Pops

There has been a trend of designing entire rooms with whites, light woods, and muted neutrals for a couple of years. As gorgeous and fresh as that feels, most people want to add a pop of color to their lives & homes, and we are seeing a trend of adding jewel, bright, and even neon tones as accents to interior design. Even Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year is Magenta! Color is invigorating, uplifting, and exciting and can bring happiness and stimulation to the psyche in ways most other things can't. For instance, yellow brings excitement and joy, while blues and greens offer calm and relaxation. Warm oranges and yellows spark energy. However, we recommend avoiding the overuse of red, as studies have shown this color can stir up anxiety and even anger. If you love red, it's still a great color to incorporate through accessories, so be bold and add some touches of ruby or crimson here and there. Ultimately, go with colors that speak to you the most. There is (almost) no wrong answer. 

So let's address some ways to energize and revive your home! 

If you are among the many who jumped on the monochromatic bandwagon, there are very easy ways to brighten and liven up your home while keeping the base neutral. The most natural & cost-effective remedy is to add colorful, fresh flowers or greens. A well-known & very affordable resource for fresh stems or plants is Trader Joe's. They have such gorgeous varieties and are so affordable that you can change them every week! If you have a yard with trees or bushes, you can snip small branches from; it can be an easily accessible way to bring the outside in (another fabulous current design trend!). You may even be extra lucky to live in an area with wildflowers...even just a single stem in a random glass bottle is a beautiful & whimsical way to add color & cheer to any space.

Add bold, colorful art pieces in a gallery wall, wallpaper, throw blankets and pillows, rugs, paint (for extra drama, paint a ceiling!)...and please, turn those books back around so we can see the variety of lovely colors in their spines! If you have a neutral pallet and can afford to change out furniture, trade in that white sofa for a mustard or emerald velvet alternative to create a WOW factor and focal point. Bottom line.... have fun again! 

As we all know, the extreme spike of depression & anxiety has overwhelmed society, families, relationships, and homes. As individuals, we can choose to be proactive in caring for our mental health and those around us in the simplest ways, starting with intentionally bringing mood-enhancing bursts of color into our world! 

Japandi: The Perfect Blend of Minimalism and Warmth for Modern Living

Many design styles are challenging for an interior designer to blend (try tropical island + New York City penthouse styles blended for a midwestern home). However, the distinctive Japanese and Scandinavian styles are two of the most naturally-suited genres to harmonize with one another.

If you have never heard the word “Japandi”, you would not be the first! Japandi is a blend of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalist design and has been around long before the creation of the buzzword we use today.

Both are foundational in their incorporation of modern, clean lines, as well as a considerable use of natural materials. Both use ample wood; Japanese leans toward the darker species, while Scandinavian leans toward the lighter species. Both focus intensely on minimalism, often with white walls as the backdrop of a room/space. These historically design-chic cultures pride themselves on the beauty of organic craftsmanship and attention to every single detail, critical with minimalism. When fewer pieces are placed in front of white backdrops, it allows each element to stand as a feature, as if they are their own piece of art highlighted in a gallery.

What develops when these distinctively cultural styles fuse, called Japandi, is nothing short of show-stopping design chemistry! Japandi has gained wild popularity recently, and this trend is still around for a while! With the assistance of design experts, a gorgeous evolution can transpire from the carefully crafted combination of sleek, functional elegance meeting the modern, clean lines of simple minimalism. Add in a focus of comfort and a soft, muted pallet, and the creation of a marvelous Japandi space can be attainable. This is quickly becoming one of HouseHome’s favorite design styles! 


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Want to read more about the history of Japandi style? Check out this great article from Architectural Digest. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/japandi-style-101