This season, embrace the beauty of jewel tones in your decor. While deep reds, greens, and blues are often associated with the holidays, designers highlight that these rich colors are gaining popularity and will continue to thrive into 2024.
For years, trends have leaned towards neutral tones and minimalist aesthetics. However, there's a noticeable shift as people are becoming bolder with their color choices. With the rise of dopamine decor, jewel tones are more popular than ever.
Many stunning interiors are now featuring deep eggplant hues or intricate forest green wallpaper, showing a clear departure from beige. Below, we share our favorite jewel tone inspirations and tips from designers on how to incorporate these luxurious colors into your home.
Decorating Tips for Jewel Tones
“Darker, richer shades like royal blue, plum, and emerald green are becoming increasingly desirable,” shares a design expert. “These colors evoke a sense of drama and luxury reminiscent of the Renaissance, bringing sophisticated flair to modern homes.”
As we move towards a more colorful era, how can you integrate these bold hues seamlessly into your living spaces?
1. Choose the Right Shade for Your Area
A common worry when using dark colors is that they might make a space feel cramped. However, when done right, they can enhance warmth and character. Selecting shades with the correct undertones is crucial; knowing whether your room faces north or south can guide your choice. Warm plums create a welcoming vibe, while cooler blues can evoke a chillier atmosphere depending on the room's orientation.
Consider the room's function too. For example, jewel tones work beautifully in bedrooms, fostering a cozy retreat, especially when softly lit by lamps and candles. In contrast, kitchens benefit from fresh, airy feels, making muted dark greens ideal when paired with natural wood and metallic elements.
2. Layer Jewel Tones
“I love incorporating muted gem tones into my designs,” expresses a renowned designer. “When gem tones are softened, they can beautifully complement any room.”
These shades pair wonderfully, such as an evergreen with a rust or copper. To introduce more jewel tones into your decor, start with throw pillows and blankets. When designing with a gem-inspired palette, use these colors for walls and in textiles like furniture and drapery.
3. Embrace Color Drenching
When decorating with vibrant hues, commitment is key. Rather than just painting an accent wall, consider enveloping the entire room in color—walls, ceilings, and all. This approach looks fresher than stark color contrasts, which can date a space.
Dark colors can create the illusion of larger rooms and higher ceilings. Instead of pure white ceilings, opt for a shade that complements your walls, reducing harsh contrasts. For the daring, extending color onto the ceiling can enhance the “more is more” philosophy.
4. Ground Light Schemes with Jewel Tones
Integrating jewel tones into a neutral palette helps anchor lighter colors. Skip the feature wall to avoid stark contrasts; instead, use textiles to introduce deeper shades. A well-chosen headboard can harmonize beautifully with lighter tones and wood accents.
“Jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire radiate vibrancy. Pairing them with off-white ceramics and warm neutrals creates an elegant contrast,” suggests another expert.
5. Balance Dark Tones with Lighter Hues
“Jewel tones shine year-round, especially as the holidays approach,” notes a designer. “They are versatile and easy to incorporate. For instance, if you have light greens, introducing an emerald throw can add sophistication. Pair ruby reds with pinks or amethyst with lavender for a cohesive look.”
In lighter rooms, try introducing one jewel tone through various accessories. If working with a deep color like navy, feel free to mix multiple jewel tones for a captivating effect without overwhelming the space.
6. Treat Jewel Tones Like Neutrals
Consider jewel tones similarly to neutrals for a less intimidating decorating experience. “Jewel tones can function like a neutral palette, just darker,” explains a designer.
“I love setting a living room's mood with a jewel-toned velvet sofa, complemented by a patterned rug featuring rich hues. If your scheme is light, add darker jewel tones through throws and decorative pillows for a pop, or use deeper colors like maroon or teal in accent pieces.”
Decorating with jewel tones doesn’t have to be daunting. Following the advice of treating them like neutrals makes it easier to create a harmonious and vibrant space. Commit to a cohesive color scheme and layer different rich gem-inspired shades for a stunning effect. If you're looking for winter decor inspiration, consider adding hues of purple, blue, and green through textiles and accessories.
