Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
The world of interior design is experiencing a significant shift.
It is moving away from the sterile minimalism of recent years and embracing a more layered, expressive, and emotionally resonant approach.
This trend, driven by a growing desire for spaces that nurture well-being, provide sanctuary from the stresses of modern life, and reflect individual personalities and values, is reshaping how we think about and interact with our homes.
Gone are the days of stark white walls and minimalist furniture, replaced by a yearning for warm, inviting, and deeply personal spaces.
This shift is reflected in the rising popularity of jewel tones – rich, deep hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, moody teal, ruby red, and amethyst purple.
These colors, often associated with luxury and nature, bring a sense of warmth, depth, and visual drama to a space.
They evoke feelings of comfort, grounding, and even nostalgia, offering a welcome respite from the bright, stark environments often associated with minimalism.
The appeal of jewel tones is also tied to a broader movement towards darker, moodier interiors.
This shift can be attributed to several factors:
Darker colors, such as navy, forest green, and deep purple, can create a sense of warmth and intimacy beyond mere visual appeal.
They can evoke a feeling of enclosure, like being wrapped in a comforting blanket, offering a sense of security and protection from the outside world.
This soothing effect of darker hues contrasts the stark, clinical feeling that can often be associated with minimal, light-filled spaces.
This trend is exemplified by the growing popularity of "grand millennial" design, which embraces a cozy and layered aesthetic, often featuring dark and rich colors.
Our constant exposure to screens, with their bright, harsh light and constant visual stimulation, has led to a growing sense of digital fatigue.
Darker interiors offer a much-needed respite from this overstimulation, creating a more calming and restorative environment.
The absence of bright light allows our eyes to rest and our minds to relax, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility.
This trend aligns with the increasing popularity of biophilic design, a concept that emphasizes the integration of nature into interior spaces.
By bringing in natural elements like plants, wood, and stone, biophilic design can create a more grounding and restorative atmosphere, complementing the mood created by darker hues.
Combining darker colors and natural elements can create a sense of sanctuary, offering a refuge from the digital world and a connection to the natural world.
The shift towards darker interiors rejects the sterile, perfect spaces often associated with minimalism.
This trend embraces imperfections and unique touches that reflect the lives of the people who inhabit them.
Darker colors can create a backdrop for curated collections, vintage furniture, and personal artifacts, adding a sense of history and personality to a space.
Embracing imperfections and unique touches, rather than striving for a perfect, sterile look, creates a more welcoming and inviting atmosphere that feels personal and authentic.
For example, the 'cottagecore' trend, inspired by a romanticized interpretation of rural life, embraces rustic charm and vintage details, often incorporating dark wood, natural textures, and rich colors to create a lived-in and cozy space.
On the other hand, the 'vintage maximalist' trend embraces a layered and eclectic aesthetic, often incorporating bold colors, patterns, and textures to create visually exciting and unique spaces.
Darker interiors often challenge traditional design conventions, offering a refreshing alternative to the predictable and safe.
Instead of the classic white walls and minimalist furniture, darker colors create a sense of drama and intrigue, adding depth and complexity to a space.
This is particularly true when contrasted with metallic accents, rich textures, and statement lighting.
The bold choices in color and design create a unique and memorable space that reflects the individual's personality and style.
Designers like Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler have embraced darker palettes and jewel tones in their work, showcasing the potential of these colors to create rich and sophisticated interiors.
On social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, there is a growing community of homeowners embracing darker interiors.
Homeowners are sharing photos of their living rooms painted in deep navy, bedrooms with emerald green walls, and kitchens with rich, earthy tones.
If you're interested in joining this movement, consider starting with an accent wall in a jewel tone or incorporating darker furniture pieces.
This trend is also reflected in the popularity of home renovation shows, where designers increasingly utilize dark palettes and jewel tones to create dramatic and personalized spaces.
Studies have shown a strong connection between color and mood.
For example, a study published in the journal "Environmental Science & Technology" found that exposure to green colors can reduce stress and improve mood.
Other research has shown that exposure to blue can promote calm and relaxation.
The psychological impact of color is well-documented, and designers are increasingly incorporating this knowledge into their work.
This shift towards personalized, emotionally resonant design, where spaces nurture well-being and reflect individual personalities, will likely continue to gain momentum.
As people seek refuge from the pressures of modern life, the demand for spaces that offer comfort, authenticity, and a sense of sanctuary will only grow stronger.
The future of interior design lies in creating spaces that nourish the soul, not just the eye.
This trend departs from a purely functional approach to interior design, embracing a more holistic understanding of how spaces impact our well-being.
Jewel tones and darker hues are just the beginning.
As designers and homeowners continue to explore the power of color, texture, and individual expression, we can expect to see an even greater emphasis on creating spaces that are not just beautiful but also deeply personal and emotionally enriching.
This shift goes beyond aesthetics.
It reflects a growing awareness of the profound connection between our surroundings and well-being.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, the desire for spaces that offer comfort, security, and a sense of belonging will only grow stronger.
The future of interior design celebrates individuality, embraces emotion, and fosters a deeper connection between our homes and ourselves.