“There’s a reason we don’t see the world in black and white.”
— Designer Celerie Kemble
An infusion of colour is taking over our homes in a growing trend that several Ottawa designers say has found its time.
“After years of soft neutrals and minimalism, there’s a collective desire for depth, warmth and personality in our spaces,” says Candace Plotz of Candace Plotz Design. “Rich tones create a feeling of cocooning and comfort, something many of us are craving.”
That’s not surprising coming out of the pandemic, when we were spending so much time at home. And as uncertainty remains at the forefront amid elections, tariffs and challenges for the economy, that comfort of adding colour is appealing.
“The world is feeling very bleak these days,” says colour-loving Emma Doucet of Grassroots Design and Build. “I think surrounding (ourselves) with colours that wake us up — even momentarily — to some of the beauty in the world is something people are craving right now.”
And adding colour isn’t just an esthetic choice anymore; it’s a way of creating a space that reflects our emotional needs, personal style and desire for positive change, adds Zeina Agha, a design consultant with Laurysen Kitchens. It “provides a way to inject life, warmth and energy into our spaces, helping us connect more deeply to the environment around us. It’s a form of creative liberation that feels particularly relevant in today’s world.”
One of the most visible examples of this infusion of colour came in the Minto Dream Home that was part of the 2023 CHEO Dream of a Lifetime lottery. Sensing a resurgence in rich tones and warm woods when she was creating the concept in 2022, Tanya Collins of Tanya Collins Interior Design drenched the prize home in deep green, blue, burgundy and mustard — to dramatic effect.
We have since seen an embracing of colour everywhere in Ottawa homes and that, says Collins, is a reaction in part to all the muted tones that came before. “Rich colours provide energy, drama and mood, unlike neutral interiors… Spending time in a rich interior is like a warm hug — you feel enveloped by it.”
Blues and greens have dominated, particularly in kitchens, and are being joined by warmer, earthy tones in both colours and woods.
“Shades like deep forest greens and dark rich blues have a grounding effect,” notes Natalie Cox of CPI Interiors, who expects that as homeowners become more comfortable with adding colour, we’ll likely see it in places we might have previously avoided. “Expect to see bold colour in upholstery or on statement ceilings. Other places I can see colour being used more are on cabinetry and doors.”
But while we are now looking for new ways to express ourselves, Caitlyn Blaney of RND Construction cautions that there needs to be a balance between the muted tones and adding vibrant colours. “Bold colours are daunting… unless you’re 100 per cent committed, start with a small area or a forgiving medium.”
Cox agrees. “It’s important to add colour with balance in mind. If you are adding a bold shade, make sure it has a (neutral) buddy in the room.”
Plotz expects that over the next year or two, we’ll see a more nuanced approach to rich colour, “moving beyond bold statements to a deeper exploration of tone, texture and layering,” with earthy, grounded hues like terracotta, deep ochre and inky blues continuing to gain momentum.
“Ultimately, colour is becoming more personal,” she says. “The ‘rules’ around it are loosening, allowing people to experiment and embrace palettes that feel intuitive rather than trend-driven.”
Collins, who — despite the trendy dream home — eschews trends in favour of timelessness, thinks we will start abandoning trends and opt for what resonates, with authentic individualized interiors becoming the trend.
For those who do want to explore adding colour in their spaces, here are a few more designer tips:
- Colours must work together to create a cohesive look. Think of what you will be doing in that room. Do you want it to be bright and fresh or calm and soothing? asks Caroline Castrucci of Laurysen Kitchens.
- Trends come and go, but colour should feel personal and timeless, says Plotz. Instead of choosing a shade just because it’s popular, find tones that resonate with you and work with your existing architecture and furnishings. Ultimately, colour should enhance your home in a way that feels both intentional and effortless, creating a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle.
- Trust yourself, adds Doucet. “I don’t know how many times people will say to me, ‘I love colour, but I just don’t have the confidence.’ Confidence for who? Anyone who judges you for filling your space with colour is not right, they are just different.”
Collins sums up the idea of colour well: “Colour infuses a space with joy whether you apply it minimally or maximally. One of my all-time favourite designers, Kelly Wearstler, says: ‘Living without colour is like living without love.’ How long can you go without love in your life?”
