Coming back from High Point Market always leaves me buzzing with ideas. But this season, what stuck with me most was color. Not just trendy colors, but thoughtful, fresh palettes that made me instantly think: this is what people are craving in their homes right now.
Whether it’s a bold wall, a saturated sofa, or a soft accent, color is often where the design conversation starts. And after what I saw at Market this spring, I can confidently say this: color is back in a big way and it’s smarter, softer, and more soulful than ever.
Let me show you what I saw, and how it’s already influencing the way I guide my clients through paint consultations.
Pattern as Palette Inspiration
This playful, storybook-inspired print shows how upholstery can drive a room’s color story. Mustard, teal, and rusty reds. It’s a whole palette in one piece.
This Wesley Hall chair stopped me in my tracks. It’s playful without being juvenile, and nostalgic without feeling stuck in the past. What I loved most was how it quietly suggested an entire room’s worth of color direction. Mustard, olive, deep rust, muted aqua. It’s proof that inspiration doesn’t have to come from a paint chip, sometimes a single fabric does all the talking.
When I meet with clients for paint consultations, we often start with a beloved piece, like a pillow, a rug, even a scarf they love wearing. If you’re drawn to it in life, chances are, it’ll bring you joy in your space, too.
Joyful Maximalism Is Having a Moment
Color confidence! This Taylor Chair High Point vignette is a reminder that bold doesn’t mean chaotic, it just means intentional.
This room was pure joy. It reminded me of a summer garden party, all saturated teal, zesty yellow, and bursts of pink. The repeating pattern on the wallpaper gives rhythm, while the solid sofa acts as a visual anchor. This kind of layered design gets clients excited and also, sometimes, a little overwhelmed.
That’s where a good paint consultation can calm the chaos. If a room has a lot going on visually, we choose a paint color that creates harmony without stealing the show. And if we want a wow moment on the walls? We pull one tone from the palette and turn up the volume. It’s all about striking the right balance.
Dusty Florals and Muted Mauves
Mauve is making a comeback and it’s grown up. Paired with creams and botanicals, it reads serene, not sweet.
This Revolution Uttermost bedroom had such a lovely mood to it, soft and welcoming, with just enough color to feel styled, not sterile. Mauve can get a bad rap, but when it’s grounded with earthy, botanical tones like this, it feels fresh again. I’ve had more than one client say, “I want cozy, but not beige.” This is what I show them.
It’s also a great example of how paint can shift the feel of a room. This mauve could easily veer romantic or overly traditional, but in this space, it’s grounded by clean whites, textured fabrics, and a playful mix of shapes. It feels like a gentle exhale.
Earth Tones, But Make It Modern
Natural tones, updated. This Revolution Uttermost space mixes clean shapes with warm, saturated color for a modern-organic feel.
Earth tones are definitely having a moment but forget the flat beiges of the past. What I saw at High Point was rich, dimensional color: terracotta, camel, ochre, and taupe layered with texture and light. And they weren’t paired with heavy wood or Tuscan vibes, they were softened by sculptural lighting, clean upholstery, and handmade accessories.
These colors work beautifully in paint, especially for clients who want warmth without visual clutter. A clay-colored wall in a living room with natural light feels sophisticated and lived-in. And it’s a palette that plays well with both vintage and modern pieces, which is basically my favorite kind of mix.
What It All Means for Paint Consultations
Every paint consultation I do starts with this question: how do you want the room to feel? High Point gave me a whole new vocabulary to work with. Colors that feel joyful, grounded, creative, calming, moody, or inviting. And every one of them can start with something simple: a swatch, a chair, a piece of art, or a favorite outfit.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, you’re not alone. Pinterest boards and paint decks can only take you so far. The real magic happens when you take those trends and tailor them to your home, your light, your furniture, your life.
Ready to find your perfect palette?
Whether you’re painting one room or your entire home, I offer personalized paint consultations that help you move forward with confidence. We’ll make sure your walls reflect more than just what’s popular, they’ll reflect you. Reach out! I’d love to help you bring your color story to life.
Julie
