Color Your World: Life in Color 2024

Amid the ever-evolving landscape of interior design trends, the power of color remains constant
As shown in this “Old Hollywood meets Palm Springs”-inspired abode by Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design and Marsden Building & Remodeling, a seemingly popular color choice this year is soft pink—a recurring theme you’ll see in the following projects.

Photo by Corey Gaffer

There’s a continual push and pull between staying neutral and capitalizing on color, whether it be with fashion, makeup, or, most notably for us, home design. Neutral hues like whites, beiges, and grays are most often seen as the practical, low-commitment choice. Don’t get us wrong—playing with understated tones is a timeless art indeed, but then again, maximalist decor, bold wall coverings, color drenching, and more remain on today’s list of trends, leading us to believe what, exactly?

Words like “kitschy,” “eclectic,” and “whimsical” are leading the charge among current designs, proving the interest in quirky, colorful concepts is here to stay. Simply put, color makes us feel alive, and in turn, its inclusion in interior spaces brings a sense of soul to the spaces we cherish. For instance, think of the feelings you experience when you see the serene blue of the sky or the deep green of a garden; the bright yellow of the lemons on your counter or the bold red of a Coke can. These colors subliminally affect us every day, with capabilities of evoking the strongest emotions—whether we realize it or not.

Now, imagine your favorite colors in your own home, whether through a daring color-drenched space or a simple accent pillow. Unlike the “cookie cutter” black-and-white styles seen in many of today’s modern homes, the possibilities with color are endless.

Trends come and go, but one thing remains certain: Colorful elements will always find their way into the trends of the moment. No matter how it’s included, color emerges as a powerful tool of self-expression. So, perhaps instead of opting for the safe route, it might be time to ditch the dull and live a life of courageous color.

Retro Chic

Architecture
Rehkamp Larson Architects; Jean Rehkamp Larson, Anders Matney & Laurel Johnston; rehkamplarson.com

Contractor
Bob Cornell Construction, bobcornell.com

Interior Design
Barbara Clayton Design, barbaraclayton.com

Landscape Architecture
Keenan & Sveiven, kslandarch.com

From the navy-clad exterior—complete with vibrant pops of turquoise and orange—to the bold cabinetry, flooring, and furnishings found inside, this colorful cabin is punchy, playful, and packed with personality.

“Oftentimes when clients ask for color, they mean discreet pops [rather than] all-encompassing boldness,” says Anders Matney, AIA, of Rehkamp Larson Architects. But inside this Iowa lake cabin, the homeowner’s love of 1950s design and bold color permeates every corner. Vibrant doors, colorful cabinetry, and tile accents infuse a daring energy and are complemented by original salvaged fixtures and vintage lighting. Decor and accessories contribute to the colorful ambience as well, with funky furnishings and a carefully curated gallery wall boasting frames of all color varieties. Barbara Clayton of Barbara Clayton Design adds, “Looking at these colors and the energetic use of patterns makes me smile, and more importantly, makes my clients and their guests happy.”

Overlooking West Lake Okoboji, the interiors also reflect the owner’s passion for wooden boats through nautical elements like strategically placed porthole windows and a custom replica of a Garwood 16 Speedster. The racing boat—complete with a turquoise lighted cockpit bar—acts as the centerpiece of the living room and kitchen.

Designed as a companion to a larger structure on the lot, the cabin complements the grand home in both form and color, creating a visual link across the shared yard space. The dark navy siding is complemented by accents of turquoise and orange, and let’s not forget the bright neon sign—reminiscent of those often seen at old-school motels—that greets guests as they pull in for a weekend on the lake.

Palm Springs Paradise

Architecture + Interior Design
Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design, Sarah Hughes, aharchitecture.com

Contractor
Marsden Building & Remodeling, marsdenbr.com

Photo by Corey Gaffer

Photo by Corey Gaffer

Inspired by the client’s Hans Hoffman Gallery Exhibition poster, this multifunctional family space embraces pink, coral, blue, and green to create a vibrant palette that reflects their personal styles in a one-of-a-kind “Old Hollywood meets Palm Springs” fashion. Prioritizing both aesthetic appeal and functionality, the project boasts a bold and masterful use of color. To personalize the space, a beautifully textured dusty pink wallpaper adorns the entertainment unit, while a coordinating pink hue from Benjamin Moore, described by Sarah Hughes of Albertsson Hansen Architecture and Interior Design as “deep, rich, and cozy,” decorates the walls throughout. To further embrace the Palm Springs feel, playful window valances and pillows bring punchy patterns to the forefront. Balancing the rosy palette are “his and hers” angular blue chairs, which offer contrast alongside their smaller pink velvet counterpart.

Teal Appeal

Interior Design
Interior Impressions, Amy Leferink, interiorimpressions.org

Located in the heart of downtown Stillwater, this vibrant loft is a celebration of color and pattern. Throughout the transformation, the Interior Impressions team went on a journey of color exploration, where each hue was chosen to evoke emotion and infuse the space with personality. In fact, each element of the remodel was designed to delight and calm the senses, keeping true to the integrity of the location while also brightening up to match the clients’ vibrant personalities. The standout feature—a rich teal shade from Sherwin-Williams—echoes the calming essence of waterside living while adding a bold touch to the interior spaces. To balance this eye-catching color selection, a collection of carefully curated patterns adds intrigue and ensures cohesion with the home’s tranquil aesthetic.

Photo by Spacecrafting

Wake Up Your Walls

Interior Design
Treva Vogt Interiors, Treva Vogt, trevavogt.com

Photo by Spacecrafting

“Bringing clients’ favorite colors into their homes is what we love to do,” says Treva Vogt, founder of Treva Vogt Interiors. In fact, her love of color is beautifully showcased in her own home through vibrant material selections and 18 unique wall coverings—each of which adds its own layer of visual interest and personality. With three busy boys, practicality was also a priority. Luckily, each wall covering is wipeable, offering a durable solution that keeps the home looking fresh and pristine despite the daily hustle and bustle. The thoughtful integration of these wallpapers contributes both beauty and functionality to the interior spaces, making the design a “win-win” for both the parents and children. Vogt says, “The best compliment I’ve received is when my neighbor’s daughter came in and said, ‘Your house feels like Easter.’”

Tickled Pink

Interior Design
Codie Donahue Interior Design, Codie Donahue, codiedonahue.com

Photo by Spacecrafting

Photo by Spacecrafting

Crafted for the discerning fashion enthusiast, this designer-inspired closet boasts custom lighting, bespoke cabinetry, an open layout reminiscent of a luxury retailer, and a plentiful palette of pinks drawn from a Gucci floral motif. To mimic the designer look, six distinct wall coverings come together to create a mesmerizing color arrangement. The multitude of pink patterns is in turn complemented by a papered ceiling that naturally draws the eye upward and highlights the elegant Parisian chandeliers. Prioritizing functionality, the closet is complete with a coffee bar, custom makeup vanity, and upholstered jewelry drawers—all of which help to conceal the clutter and play up the practical appeal in high style.

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