Design diaries

A design trend that was starting to become popular in 2022 and is gaining traction into 2023 is the use of the color green. Green symbolizes rebirth, hope, health, and overall well being which is in line with people trying to return to normalcy after the Covid pandemic. Green is very versatile and easy to incorporate into a home whether it’s in a big or small way. It used to be that homeowners were attracted to bold colors, patterns, and the unexpected. However, we saw that diminish several years ago when gray became popular (which was preceded by beige). Homes took on subdued monotonous tones, and the use of color was conservative (splashes on pillows, artwork, decor). During the Covid epidemic, many homeowners struggled with being confined to staying indoors, so the emphasis was bringing the indoors outside (indoor-outdoor living). Patios/covered porches/outdoor living spaces were being outfitted with furniture that looked like it belonged inside but was specified for outdoor use. Now, we are beginning to see the trend flip to outdoor-indoor living. The connection between nature and living spaces is still strong but has completely swapped places. Inviting the outdoors inside starts with bringing nature into our living spaces - and one way is using the color Green. This can be as easy as incorporating decor (like plants) or more intentional (plant-patterned wallpaper, room color, furniture, window treatments). With so many shades of green, you really can’t go wrong.