Designing with Color (Without Losing Timelessness)

There’s a common belief in design that “timeless” means neutral, white walls, beige tones, and safe, trend-proof choices. But we believe that timeless design doesn’t have to be colorless.

We love bringing color into spaces in a way that still feels calm, classic, and layered. Color can add soul and warmth, it’s just about knowing how to use it with intention.

Here are a few ways we help clients incorporate color with confidence, without sacrificing longevity or flow — featuring glimpses from our Morning Sun project as a soft example of what’s possible.

Choose Muted Tones That Feel Grounded

If you’re hesitant to commit to color, start by choosing hues that feel a little toned down, think sage instead of lime, clay instead of cherry. Muted or earth-based tones tend to act more like neutrals, which makes them easier to pair with other finishes.

Repeat the Color in Subtle Ways

When color is repeated throughout a home, even in small or varied doses, it starts to feel cohesive instead of risky. Repetition helps create flow and comfort.

That same muted green showed up again in other spots at Morning Sun Cottage, like the bathroom cabinet and kitchen cabinet colors. These little echoes help tie everything together.

Let Finishes Support Your Color Story

Pairing intentional hardware or metal finishes with your color palette can reinforce the mood you’re creating. Brass, for example, brings out warmth in greens and adds a timeless glow.

In this project, we leaned on unlacquered brass fixtures, which aged beautifully alongside the soft colors and classic wood tones.

Keep Your Surroundings Simple

When you’re working with painted cabinetry or bold tile, it helps to keep the rest of your material palette more subdued, like warm wood, soft white walls, or honed countertops. That contrast lets your intentional color moments stand out.

The balance of tone-on-tone layering in Morning Sun, light countertops, wood flooring, and neutral tile, allowed the green accents to shine without overwhelming the space.