5 Best Practices When Designing With Color And The Two Most Timeless Colors

5 best practices when designing with color. Kitchen design by Jessica Nelson Design — Design: Jessica Nelson Design | Photography: Carina Skrobecki

DESIGNER INTERVIEW

How To Design Your Home With Color

With Jessica Nelson

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In a world where white, beige, and gray have dominated the interior design world for a decade, incorporating color back into your home can feel like a perplexing feat. It’s a bit like relearning how to ride a bike. What once felt like second nature is now a skill you need to relearn. Where and how should you use color in your home? How should you create a color palette? And what colors will stand the test of time? Let’s dive into these questions!

I’ve heard it time and time again, “Color makes my home feel alive!” And that’s no surprise given the power that color holds. It can foster a feeling of peace and solace or it can invigorate your mind and spirit. A simple change of color can shift the entire mood of a room and there are few things in design that carry that kind of power. So we must give color adequate thought and consideration when designing our home.

Jessica Nelson, founder of Jessica Nelson Design

To learn best practices for incorporating color in your home and to discover new ways to design with color, I interviewed the incredibly talented interior designer Jessica Nelson. Jessica is a color connoisseur, designing homes in Seattle and beyond. I asked Jessica – What colors are timeless? How do you create a whole home color palette? And should you do a bold color on a permanent fixture of the home? Let’s see what she has to say!

How to add color to your home. Navy blue living room walls. Design by Jessica Nelson Design — Design: Jessica Nelson Design | Photography: Carina Skrobecki

Color drenching has taken over the design world by storm. How do you feel about rooms, walls, trim, cabinetry, etc that are all painted the same color? Do you foresee this style staying?

“I am a big fan of color drenching! I think it creates an elevated, sophisticated feel and I often prefer it to other paint alternatives. I think it also works with colors that range from light to dark, bold to muted, so it is a very versatile option. I do foresee this style staying. It takes it’s routes from timeless english design, where we have seen this idea for many years.”

How to design a home with color. Blue bathroom with wallpaper. Design by Jessica Nelson Design — Design: Jessica Nelson Design | Photography: Carina Skrobecki

Are there some colors that are more timeless than others? If so, which colors would you classify as “more timeless?”

“I always say blues and greens are always in. There may be moments where they feel trendy, but from my perspective, they have always been relevant and are very versatile. Some colors I see as trendier are reds, purples and yellows. These seem to rotate in and out more frequently.”

How to add color to your kitchen. Designing with color tips. Blue kitchen tile — Design: Jessica Nelson Design | Photography: Carina Skrobecki

“I think homeowners should do what they love. If color lights you up and brightens your day, I do not think you should shy away from it. However, if you get tired of things more quickly, I would say stick to decor accents and paint that can be changed more easily.”

Moody powder bathroom. Charcoal gray roman clay limewash walls. Dark bath — Design: Jessica Nelson Design | Photography: Carina Skrobecki

Is it true that painting a room a dark color makes the room feel smaller?

“I tend to disagree with this statement. I often paint the smallest rooms in a home dark, a powder bathroom or office for example, and it does not have this effect. If you do the color drenching technique, I actually think it can make the room feel larger, especially if you paint the ceiling as well.”

5 tips for adding color to your home. Purple bookcases and teal couch in living room. — Design: Jessica Nelson Design | Photography: Carina Skrobecki

One of the most common things homeowners struggle with is creating a cohesive color palette from one room to the next. Do you have a formula for creating a cohesive color palette in an entire home?

“Yes! I think it’s super helpful to gather all the paint samples you are considering for your home and look at them altogether. Ideally you want them to compliment each other and flow nicely. We want to avoid “skittles” where every room looks disjointed and fights with one another. 🙂 You also shouldn’t be afraid to repeat colors in multiple places throughout your home. I would say stick to 5 or less, three if you’re feeling overwhelmed.”

Moody baquet with navy blue walls and green velvet sofa. Jessica Nelson Design — Design: Jessica Nelson Design | Photography: Carina Skrobecki

Just for fun, what’s your current favorite color?

“Oh gosh- this is always so hard for me!! I love so many. Currently, I am loving cognac and ochre so much. I love how warm and inviting they feel while also being super versatile.”