What Color Season is Navy Blue? A Guide for Interiors & Style

What Color Season is Navy Blue? A Guide for Interiors & Style

by | Jan 12, 2025 | Color

Navy blue is more than a color—it’s a state of mind. A visual exhale. Associated with intelligence, confidence, and calm, it’s no wonder navy remains one of the most used and most loved hues across fashion and interior design.

But here’s the question many still ask:
What color season is navy blue—and how should you use it at home?

From crisp Winter navy to muted Summer chambray, here’s how to find your shade—and your palette.

Color Psychology Meets Color Seasons

Color psychology studies how hues affect mood, behavior, and perception. Navy blue, for instance, is often used in uniforms and branding because it evokes trust and stability.

Color seasons, on the other hand, come from color analysis—a method of identifying the best colors for you based on the undertones in your skin, eyes, and hair. Each person aligns with one of four main palettes: Winter, Summer, Autumn, or Spring.

Layer the psychology of color over seasonal theory, and you get more than a color match—you get emotional resonance. Whether in your wardrobe or your home, the right navy can bring clarity, composure, and cohesion.

Is Navy Blue a Winter Color?

Yes. Rich, deep navy belongs in Winter’s world of high-contrast, cool tones. It pairs beautifully with crisp whites, icy blues, charcoal, and jewel accents like emerald or ruby.

For Winter types, navy is a grounding neutral—it brings out the cool undertones in your features and balances bolder hues.

In interiors, a navy velvet sofa or high-gloss cabinetry evokes quiet sophistication. It reflects light while absorbing mood.

Try this: Anchor your space with the Sorella Woven Mirror to contrast clean white walls and deep navy cabinetry for sculptural balance.

Paint ideas:

  • Sherwin-Williams “Tricorn Black”

  • Farrow & Ball “All White”

  • Portola Paints “In the Navy” (Roman Clay)

Can Summers Wear & Decorate with Navy?

Absolutely. Summers do best with muted, cool tones, and navy—when dusted down—offers a softer alternative to black. Think chambray or washed indigo.

Pair it with blush, sage, lavender, and dove gray. Use tactile materials like stonewashed linen, unfinished ceramics, or antique silver to soften the palette even more.

Pair with: Duskberry Linen Napkin—a soft plum tone that echoes dusty navy with romantic subtlety.

Can Navy Blue Work for Fall?

Surprisingly, yes. While Autumns thrive in earthy tones, certain navies with green or golden undertones blend beautifully into the mix.

Use navy as a neutral backdrop for camel, terracotta, olive, or ochre. The trick is to balance it with texture and warmth—wood, leather, wool, and jute.

Much like a navy dress grounded with suede or leather boots, navy interiors layered with brass and oak feel timeless for fall.

Enhance your palette with: Paloma Scallop Placemat to add a woven organic counterpoint to deep blue cabinetry or walls.

How Springs Can Wear Navy

Traditional navy can feel too heavy for Springs, but lighter, clearer versions like Mediterranean blue or air force blue can work beautifully.

Pair them with Spring’s happy hues—coral, aqua, butter yellow—for a playful contrast that feels alive. Choose breezy fabrics like voile, washed linen, or crisp cotton.

Bring Spring energy home with the Isla Dot Pillow—a dotted accent pillow that gives navy a bright cheery uplift.

Why Navy Works for Nearly Everyone

Navy is one of the few colors that adapts across all four seasons—it just depends on undertone and saturation:

  • Cool & Deep = Winter

  • Cool & Muted = Summer (aka “muted navy blue”)

  • Warm & Muted = Autumn

  • Clear & Light = Spring

Unlike royal blue, which is electric and energizing, navy is more grounded—offering emotional depth and subtle contrast. It’s not just timeless—it’s stabilizing.

3 Ways to Use Navy Blue at Home, Based on Your Season

Winter:
Try a lacquered navy console against a crisp white wall for contrast and control.

Summer:
Add a chambray throw to a pale linen bed for softness and quiet cool.

Autumn:
Contrast navy cabinetry with ochre accessories and warm brass hardware.

Spring:
Use a striped navy runner on a whitewashed table for breezy definition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What season is navy blue in color analysis?
Navy blue is traditionally a Winter color but can suit all four seasons depending on the undertone.

Can Summers wear navy blue?
Yes—especially if it’s softened, like chambray, stonewash, or stormy blue.

Is navy blue warm or cool?
Navy is usually cool, but some versions with green, gray, or gold lean warm—great for Autumns.

What’s the difference between navy and royal blue?
Royal blue is vibrant and assertive. Navy is more stable and sophisticated—easier to layer and live with.

Related Reading to Deepen Your Palette

Looking for more seasonal styling advice? Read our:

Final Thought

Navy blue offers more than visual depth—it offers grounding. In a world of overexposure, it gives us pause. It carries weight without heaviness, style without noise.

Whether you’re designing a space or dressing for the day, the right navy is never out of season.

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Summer Colors 2025: Calm, Collected, and Radiant

Summer Colors 2025: Calm, Collected, and Radiant

by | Feb 9, 2024 | Color, Interior Design

There’s something about summer light—it softens everything. The days stretch, the air shifts, and our homes beg to feel lighter, brighter, and calmer. But summer doesn’t mean neon. At least not here. As a designer, I see seasonal color not just as a trend—but as a chance to recalibrate. To bring freshness without chaos. In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite summer colors to live in and wear—rooted in design theory, shaped by sunlight, and softened for calm, collected living.

“From boutique hotels to homes that feel like retreats—I create the spaces you never want to leave.”
—Rachel Blindauer

What “Summer Colors” Really Means

The term “summer colors” often means two things:
  1. Seasonal color palettes for people based on their skin, eye, and hair tone (in color analysis, Summer types wear soft, cool hues).
  2. Colors that thrive in natural summer light, especially in home design.

This post covers both—how to dress and how to decorate with calm, refreshing hues that reflect the energy of the season without overwhelming it.

Rachel’s Go-To Summer Interior Colors (2025 Edition)

Grouped by mood, not just color:

 

Serene Summer

  • Sky Blue: Tranquil, expansive, best in bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Shell Pink: Soft and flattering, especially in natural light
  • Cool Sage: A neutral-with-benefits. Great for cabinets, linens, and upholstery
  • Misty White: A warm white that reflects sunlight gently

Coastal Summer

  • Dune Beige: Calm and grounding—pairs well with white oak and rattan
  • Seafoam: A refreshing pastel with coastal roots
  • Sunwashed Terra Cotta: For those who love color but want restraint

Refined Summer

  • Dusty Lilac: Elegant and unexpected
  • Charcoal Navy: Sophisticated depth for trim or accents
  • Chalky Linen: Understated but not forgettable

What to Wear If You’re a Summer Palette (Or Want to Look Radiant)

Even if you’re not deep into color analysis, the “Summer” palette—with its cool undertones and delicate hues—flatters most in warm-weather lighting.

Try:

  • Light and Airy Blues: Sky blue, periwinkle, dusty aqua
  • Soft Pinks: Rose quartz, blush, ballet pink
  • Cool-Toned Neutrals: Dove gray, shell white, misty beige

These colors glow at golden hour and photograph beautifully—a quiet nod to the season without trying too hard.

Check Out Our Best Paint Colors by Region Blog

Rachel’s Rules for Summer Color

“Don’t match summer’s energy. Soften it.”
“Cool doesn’t mean cold.”
“Your space should feel like an exhale.”

Your Next Step: Design with Clarity If you’re craving calm in your home—or clarity in your wardrobe—I can help you design both. Whether you’re planning a renovation, a wardrobe reset, or just need a palette that brings you back to center, the right color is where it all begins.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

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New Build Construction: have an interior designer on the project early

New Build Construction: have an interior designer on the project early

by | Jan 30, 2024 | Color, Commercial, Interior Design, Residential

The importance of interior design in new build construction

When embarking upon a new build construction project, involving an interior designer from the outset can make a significant enhancement to the final look and feel of your space. By collaborating with an interior designer early on, you can ensure a cohesive and well-integrated design that aligns with your vision, enhances your daily functioning with the architecture. Interior designers bring valuable insights into optimizing space usage, enhancing functionality, and creating a harmonious aesthetic. A designers expertise can also help streamline the decision-making process, helping to avoid costly design changes later in the project. Incorporating a professional focused on the interior design scale from the beginning can ultimately result in a more cohesive, visually appealing, and functional space.

How interior designers contribute to the early project phases

In new build construction interior designers provide valuable input on layout design, material selection, and color schemes, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing outcome. By collaborating with architects and builders from the start, interior designers can help streamline the construction process, minimize potential design conflicts, and optimize the use of space. Their expertise in spatial planning and knowledge of current design trends and building materials can ultimately lead to a more efficient and successful project.

Collaboration between interior designers and architects

Having an interior designer involved early in a new build construction project can bring multiple benefits. The collaboration between interior designers and architects helps ensure that the building’s interior and exterior are harmoniously designed, maximizing both functionality and aesthetics. Early involvement of interior designers allows them to provide input on spatial planning, lighting, and materials, ensuring that the design vision is cohesive and consistent throughout the entire project. This collaboration can lead to a more efficient use of space and optimized aesthetic appeal, ultimately contributing to a more successful and appealing end result.

Designing for functionality and aesthetics

When it comes to designing a new build construction, it’s important to consider both functionality and aesthetics. Hiring an interior designer early in the project can ensure that the space not only looks beautiful but also works well for your needs. This can include optimizing the layout for better flow, selecting durable and practical materials, and creating a cohesive design that reflects your style. Working with an interior designer from the start allows for a seamless integration of the design with the architectural plans, leading to a more cohesive and thoughtfully designed space.

Maximizing space and layout during the construction process

To maximize space and layout during the construction process, involving an interior designer early on can make a big difference. They can provide valuable input on optimizing the use of space, creating efficient layouts, ensure the size of the rooms will fit larger bedsides, double check usage requirements are provided for and ensuring a functional design that meets your needs. With their expertise, an interior designer can help you make the most of the available space, allowing for better flow and functionality within the new build construction.

Material and finish selections for new build construction

Getting the interior designer and the architect on the same page is important. Selecting materials and finishes for new build construction is a critical process that can significantly impact the final look and feel of your space. Getting an interior designer involved early in the project can help ensure that the materials and finishes chosen align with your desired aesthetic and functionality. Here are a few key considerations when making these selections:

  • The type and quality of materials can affect the durability and maintenance of your space
  • Different finishes can create distinct atmospheres within your home
  • Interior designers can provide valuable insights and access to a wider range of options
  • Early involvement of an interior designer can help maintain the overall design vision and prevent costly changes later on

Incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly design elements

Sustainable and eco-friendly design elements are important for new build construction projects. By incorporating these elements, you can reduce the environmental impact of the building and create a healthier indoor environment. Some ways to achieve this include using renewable materials such as bamboo or cork, installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and utilizing natural ventilation and daylight to reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. Additionally, implementing water-saving fixtures and recycled materials can further contribute to the overall sustainability of the project. Working with an interior designer early on can help ensure that these elements are seamlessly integrated into the overall design, resulting in a more efficient and environmentally conscious building.

Budgeting and cost considerations with an interior designer

When considering budgeting and cost considerations with an interior designer for a new build construction project, it’s important to remember that hiring an interior designer early on can help you save money in the long run. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

  1. Cost Efficiency: Working with an interior designer from the beginning can help you make informed decisions that can potentially save you money on the overall project.
  1. Budget Planning: An interior designer can help you establish a realistic budget for your project, preventing unexpected expenses down the line.
  1. Value for Money: While it may seem like an added expense upfront, the expertise of an interior designer can lead to cost-effective choices in materials, furniture, and decor, ultimately maximizing your budget.
  1. Customization: An interior designer can help you prioritize where to invest your money, customizing the design to your needs while staying within your budget.

By involving an interior designer early in the new build construction process, you can ensure that your project stays within budget and meets your vision for the space.

Communication and coordination throughout the construction process

Throughout the construction process, clear communication and coordination are essential for ensuring that the interior design aligns with the overall vision. Having an interior designer involved early on allows for seamless integration of design elements and avoids any potential conflicts with the construction timeline. This collaboration ensures that the construction team and the interior designer work together efficiently, leading to a cohesive and harmonious end result.

The benefits of early interior design involvement

Early involvement of an interior designer in new build construction can result in a more cohesive and well-planned design. It allows for seamless integration of various design elements, such as layout, lighting, and materials, creating a more harmonious and functional space. Interior designers can also provide valuable input on space utilization and aesthetic choices, ensuring that the final result meets both practical and aesthetic goals. Their early involvement can lead to cost-saving by avoiding design changes and ensuring that the built environment reflects the desired aesthetic and functional needs from the start.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a client with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With their wealth of experience and expertise, they can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

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2024 Interior Design Trends

2024 Interior Design Trends

by | Jan 15, 2024 | Color, Commercial, Interior Design, Residential, Trends, Uncategorized

As we look ahead to 2024, let’s explore the new trends in interior design from furniture to color schemes. Based on my research of trending searches and design knowledge, here are the top 9 trends in interior design for 2024:

Embracing the Warmth of Brown

Brown couches are set to be popular in 2024 as they bring earthen warmth, hide spills/dirt and function as a warm dark neutral in room. They create a cozy and inviting atmosphere and function as a neutral that grounds the popular cream texture looks. Sofa shown by Vladimir Kegan

 

Curved Couches and Chairs

Embracing flowing lines and organic shapes, curved couches and chairs are becoming increasingly popular. They add a touch of modernity and sophistication to your living space while also promoting a sense of comfort and relaxation. Chair and ottoman by Rachel Blindauer’s vendor Collector Group

Stacked Tile and Brick

This trend puts a twist on the classic tile and brick pattern by stacking tiles so they are aligned horizontally and vertically creating an unexpected layout. Stacked-tile backsplashes create visual interest and add a unique touch to your kitchen or bathroom. Domomite stacked tile pictured.

Industrial Charm Gets Sophisticated

Industrial-style decor continues to be popular in 2024, but gets more sophisticated with hand hewn stone, hand hewn wood, brick and metal accents. These features add a rustic yet modern charm to your home, creating a earthen and relaxed atmosphere.

Sculptural Art + Statement Pieces

Wall-mounted sculptures offer depth and dimension, adding a unique touch to your space. Mixing artworks in a variety of finishes, textures, and shapes can create a bold statement. Statement pieces add personality and create a wow factor. Moon Light by Rachel Blindauer vendor Ben & Aja Blanc at Future Perfect.

Dynamic Range Hoods

I anticipate a greater focus on hood vent covers in 2024. Bolder designs incorporating distinct textures such as plaster or wood fluting will be popular. Pairing a dramatic hood vent with an eye-catching range can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Custom plaster range hood pictured.

Two or Tri-Tone Color Schemes

Creating depth and complexity, two or tri-tone color schemes are among the top interior design color trends for 2024. These combinations of colors add visual interest and allow you to play with different shades and tones in your home.

A Pause From Technology

In 2024, there is a shift towards “dumb homes” where clients are seeking a break from technology. Harsh blue daylight lights, flashing led lights, tech listening in and bright touchscreens are giving way to a love of mechanical controls: old-school buttons, switches that toggle up and down, and simpler toilet washlets.

Inviting Living Rooms

So long to cold, white living rooms! Embrace a living room you can actually enjoy without worrying about accidental wine stains. Minimalism has evolved into a look that is less rigid for a more organic and inviting feel. Warm, textural spaces with natural materials in moodier, earthy color palettes. We’re moving away from bright whites and grays toward more creams, browns, rusts.

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Virtual or In Person Consultation

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Interior Color Theory Explained: Warm vs. Cool Colors & How to Use Them

Interior Color Theory Explained: Warm vs. Cool Colors & How to Use Them

by | Jul 10, 2020 | Color, Highlight 1, Interior Design, Trends

Color isn’t just visual—it’s visceral. It can energize, calm, expand, or contain. But choosing the right shades for your home often feels like guesswork. Here’s how to understand interior color theory like a designer—starting with the color wheel and ending with practical palettes that live beautifully.

Understanding the Color Wheel

To understand color well, we return to a concept we all learned as children—the color wheel. This visual guide, originally created by Isaac Newton during his studies on light and prisms, maps out how primary, secondary, and tertiary colors relate.

Primary colors—red, yellow, and blue—combine to form every other color. Mixing these creates secondary and tertiary colors, all of which find their place on the wheel. In design, this understanding forms the foundation for harmonious palettes.

Warm vs. Cool Colors

Colors aren’t just seen—they’re felt. We often refer to them as “warm” or “cool,” but what does that really mean?

Warm colors—ruby, amber, carnelian, citrine—are associated with sun, fire, and energy. They advance in space, making them ideal for expansive rooms that can handle intensity. Cool colors—azurite, emerald, jade, amethyst—mirror water and foliage. They recede visually, creating calming environments and helping smaller rooms feel open.

Warm Colors:

  • Ruby
  • Carnelian
  • Citrine

Cool Colors:

  • Amethyst
  • Sapphire
  • Emerald
Unsplash

Choosing Your Colors

Color selection can feel overwhelming. An abundance of options, uncertainty about undertones, and fear of regret can lead to indecision. My advice? Start with your wardrobe. The hues we wear most often tend to reflect what we enjoy seeing around us.

Another smart starting point: take the Style Quiz to uncover your personal palette.

Color Psychology: How Colors Make You Feel

Each color carries an emotional charge. Here’s how to work with that:

Unsplash

CITRINE

Uplifting, positive, and creativity-inducing. Perfect for offices and social spaces. Use sparingly to avoid overstimulation.

CARNELIAN

Passionate, sensual, and stimulating. Use in dining areas to boost appetite, or bedrooms in muted tones.

color theory
color theory

RUBY

Passionate, sensual, and stimulating. Use in dining areas to boost appetite, or bedrooms in muted tones.

ROSE QUARTZ

Playful and soft. Lovely in bedrooms and powder rooms. Best when balanced with neutrals.

color theory
color theory

AMETHYST

Luxurious and creative. Light tones are restful; dark tones are dramatic. Ideal for studies, bedrooms, and lounges.

OBSIDIAN

A dramatic neutral that pairs well with everything. Great for entryways and dining rooms but should be tempered with light sources.

color theory
Interior Color Theory Pearl

PEARL

A balanced neutral. Works anywhere but should be warmed or accented to avoid sterility.

SAPPHIRE

Classic and calming. Deep blues bring sophistication, while lighter shades feel coastal and breezy.

​

SophisticatedinBlueOffice
SophisticatedinBlueOffice

EMERALD

Earthy and serene. Excellent for bathrooms, bedrooms, and spaces designed for restoration.

WHITE

When it comes to deciding on how the colors need to be combined, the desired nature and feel of the room should be considered. For instance, if the intention is to create a breezy and light feeling in the room, much like Scandinavian style interiors, using airy neutrals as the base color for the ceiling and walls are ideal. Colors like pearl, selenite, citrine and celestite have an airy quality that can be utilized for this. For a room that is to be more grounded and earthy, colors like smoky quartz, tiger’s-eye, obsidian and hematite provide a good base color. As a base color, this would form the main part of the scheme, with other colors being added in where necessary. These colors can also be utilised as accents for a similar effect in the designs.

SophisticatedinBlueOffice
Interior Color Theory Pink

CONNECTING ROOMS AND COLORS

Every room in a house does not need to follow the same color scheme, and could instead have varying secondary or accent colors. In such schemes, it is important to create a continuity in the design using common colors or textures. For instance, if a living room is designed with the ceiling in an amethyst hue, and the dining room adjacent to it uses ruby on the ceiling, the color scheme can be connected by using a common color in the palette, like selenite. The color schemes can also be bridged by adding amethyst accents in the dining room – as part of the dining chairs or a rug, and ruby accents in the living room – on throws and cushions on the sofa or accessories. This would weave a common thread through the designs and make the design cohesive

Coordinating Across Rooms

Not every room needs to match. In fact, variation is part of good design. Still, connecting color schemes across rooms through repeated hues or textures ensures flow. Think: a ruby ceiling in one room echoed in a pillow or art piece in the next.

60-30-10 RULE

One of the most effective ways to combine colors in an interior is to use the 60-30-10 rule. This rule is a simple ratio for using 3 colors in a room. According to this principle, 60% of an interior should use the dominant or base color, 30% should be in a secondary color and the remaining 10% should be the accent color. In a living room or bedroom, the 60% would include walls, large furniture and furnishing pieces like the bed, sofa, and area rugs. 30% of the room would be cabinetry, curtains, coffee tables and smaller pieces of furniture, while 10% of the room would be accent furniture and decor pieces like artworks, plants and accessories.

The 60-30-10 rule does not need to be adhered to completely, and can be tweaked and played around with as needed. Which part of the room makes up each of the percentages is open to interpretation, as are the number of colors used. For example, 60% of a kitchen or living room can be the walls, ceiling and flooring, or it could include the walls and a majority of the furniture or cabinets. Similarly, if the room design feels like it needs both emerald and gold as accent colors, the percentage can be modified accordingly, as long as the accent colors add up to 10% of the room.

At Rachel blindauer interior designs, I begin every design process with a color analysis. This helps me identify the colors that work best for each person. Working as an interior designer in Tampa and Sarasota, I am inspired by the surroundings, and many of my interior designs in Florida are often bright and colorful. With an understanding of the various facets of color theory, you too can effortlessly choose the colors for your interior and furniture designs.

Blue Sapphire & Amethyst

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an interior designer and decorator? A decorator focuses on the visual—furniture, lighting, colors—while a designer can also address layout and renovation decisions. Rachel Blindauer blends both for a cohesive, expert-led experience.

Do you work with existing furniture or only start fresh? Both. Rachel can elevate what you have or curate a full design from the ground up—based on your vision, lifestyle, and budget.

Can I book a virtual design consultation if I’m not in Missouri? Yes. Rachel offers 2-hour virtual consultations for clients nationwide, bringing her refined design sensibility to any home, wherev

Take the first step towards creating your dream space. If you are a couple with multiple homes looking for a decorator near you, a hotelier doing a redesign, or a developer looking for top-notch interior design services near you, Rachel Blindauer and her team are here to bring your vision to life. With our wealth of experience and expertise, we can create stunning and functional spaces that exceed your expectations and bring you to a new height of design and sophistication.

2 Hour Interior Design Consultation

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Best Interior Colors for Your Seasonal Color Palette

Best Interior Colors for Your Seasonal Color Palette

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Color, Links Page Highlights

The Book That Changed the Way We Dress, Decorate, and See Ourselves

It started as a quiet revolution. In the early 1980s, amid shoulder pads and perms, a slender paperback made its way into women’s closets—and consciousness. Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson was more than a bestseller. It was a manifesto, handed down from mother to daughter, friend to friend, like a treasured secret. And its message was both radical and reassuring: You already look your best. You just need the right colors to prove it.

Jackson’s premise was deceptively simple: each person belongs to a seasonal color palette—Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn—based on undertones in their skin, eyes, and hair. Find your season, and everything else falls into place. Shopping becomes easier. Makeup makes more sense. Even your living room might begin to feel more like you.

“Color isn’t a trend. It’s a mirror.”

The System That Gave Women a Language for Their Beauty

Seasonal color theory didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Jackson drew on the work of artist and Bauhaus teacher Johannes Itten, who observed that students instinctively gravitated toward colors that harmonized with their complexions. She adapted this philosophy into something democratic and accessible—something that felt more like liberation than limitation.

Suddenly, women who had never felt “seen” by the fashion industry had a framework. Winters could stop pretending to like pastels. Autumns had permission to embrace rust and olive without apology. Summers found softness in muted tones, and Springs lit up in citrus and cream. More than a style system, it was a kind of permission slip: to be more yourself.

“Knowing your season was like finding your voice—in color.”

From Wardrobe to Wallpaper: How a Personal System Became a Lifestyle

What began in front of a mirror eventually seeped into the home. As an interior designer, I often return to this foundational theory not out of nostalgia, but because it continues to reveal truth.

When we design a space using a client’s seasonal palette, the transformation is subtle but undeniable. A Winter’s living room in crisp white and sapphire doesn’t just look chic—it feels right. A Summer’s powdery lavender walls quiet the mind. A Spring’s sunny kitchen energizes the morning routine. The home, like the wardrobe, becomes a second skin.

As an interior designer designing for a couple, I take both of their palettes into consideration. A successful space should reflect the people who live in it—not just as individuals, but as a partnership. Sometimes that means finding the harmonious overlap; other times, it’s about balancing contrast to create something layered, nuanced, and uniquely theirs.

This isn’t aesthetic matching. It’s psychological alignment.

The Enduring Allure of Color Me Beautiful

Forty years on, Jackson’s framework still resonates. TikTok is filled with color analysts holding swatches to glowing faces. Instagram carousels map lipstick to leaf season. In a world of endless options, we crave systems that give structure to our style—and meaning to our choices.

But more than that, we’re rediscovering the joy of being truly seen. And that’s the lasting genius of seasonal color theory: it doesn’t push you to fit in. It shows you where you’ve always belonged.

Interior Color Guide by Season

Season Best Paint Colors Accent Colors Design Tips
Winter Tricorn Black, All White, In the Navy Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby High contrast, glossy finishes, bold materials
Spring Summer Shower, Masquerade, Sea Salt Coral, Aqua, Apple Green Light woods, brass accents, floral textiles
Summer Just Beige, Oval Room, Skimming Stone Mauve, Dusty Rose, Sage Matte finishes, antique glass, linen upholstery
Autumn Bancha, Devonshire Green, Wonderland, Salon Drab Terracotta, Camel, Olive Earth tones, jute, leather, layered textures

Your Season, Your Story

Curious how your palette might shape more than just your outfit but also your interior? Here’s a look at the original four types—and what they reveal.

InteriorDesignBlack&White

Winter Interior Color Palette: Cool, Bold & Dramatic

You might be: Cool Winter, Deep Winter, or Clear Winter

  • Complexion: Cool undertones, often fair with pink tones or deep skin with a blue or olive undertone.
  • Hair: Dark brown, black, or platinum blonde.
  • Eyes: Dark brown, black, icy blue, or vivid green.

Color Personality: Winters are striking, high-contrast, and thrive in saturated hues. Their style leans modern, sleek, and impactful.

Winter Colors: icy white, true black, charcoal gray, cobalt blue, jewel-toned ruby, emerald, and fuchsia.

Top Colors for Winter Interiors:

  • Charcoal or Deep Navy – Striking for living rooms, offices, or dramatic accent walls.

  • Crisp Cool White – Perfect for trim, ceilings, or creating gallery-style contrast.

  • Emerald, Sapphire, or Ruby – Ideal for bold feature walls or lacquered cabinetry.

  • Jet Black or Graphite – Best used in moody powder rooms or chic modern kitchens.

💡 Design Tip: Winter palettes shine with glossy finishes, clean lines, and bold materials like marble, velvet, or lacquer.

🎨 Paint Tip: Try Sherwin-William’s “Tricorn Black by“ or Portola Paints “In the Navy Roman Clay” or Farrow & Ball’s “All White”

❄️ Explore more curated inspiration on our Pinterest Board for Winter Interiors

Spring Interior Color Palette: Light, Fresh & Uplifting

You might be: Light Spring, Warm Spring, or Clear Spring

  • Complexion: Warm undertones, often peachy or ivory skin that flushes easily.
  • Hair: Golden blonde, strawberry blonde, or light auburn.
  • Eyes: Clear blue, green, or light hazel with golden flecks.

Color Personality: Springs radiate energy, optimism, and light. Your best colors are clear, fresh, and sun-kissed.

Spring Colors: creamy butter yellow, coral, clear aqua, apple green, peach, and golden ivory.

Top Colors for Spring Interiors:

  • Creamy Butter Yellow – A cheerful yet soft neutral for kitchens, entryways, or bedrooms.

  • Peachy Coral – Perfect for feature walls or a playful powder room.

  • Mint or Soft Aqua – Brings life to a bathroom, laundry, or sunroom.

  • Warm Ivory or Buttermilk – A cozy alternative to stark white for trim or base walls.

💡 Design Tip: Pair Spring tones with brass hardware, light oak woods, floral textiles, and plenty of natural light to maximize their uplifting quality.

🎨 Paint Tip: Try Little Greene’s Masquerade or Benjamin Moore’s “Summer Shower” or Sherwin William’s “Sea Salt”

🌸 Explore more curated inspiration on our Pinterest Board for Spring Interiors

RachelBlindauerInteriorDesign
 

Summer Interior Color Palette: Soft, Cool & Muted

You might be: Soft Summer, Light Summer, or Cool Summer

  • Complexion: Cool undertones, often with rosy beige or porcelain skin.
  • Hair: Ash blonde, light brown, or soft gray.
  • Eyes: Soft blue, gray, or muted green.

Color Personality: Summers glow in delicate, powdery tones. Gravitates toward softness, romance, and subtle layering.

Summer Colors: powdery rose, stormy blue, sage green, mist, mauve, and soft lavender-gray.

Top Colors for Summer Interiors:

  • Dusty Rose or Mauve – A romantic choice for bedrooms or a serene sitting area.

  • French Blue or Wisteria – Brings tranquility to bathrooms or home offices.

  • Sage Green – A modern, cool-toned neutral that pairs beautifully with natural textures.

  • Oyster Gray or Mist – Timeless and elegant for cabinetry, trim, or entire rooms.

💡 Design Tip: Accentuate Summer palettes with matte finishes, brushed nickel, antique glass, and linen upholstery for a look that’s layered but never loud.

🎨 Paint Tip: Try Benjamin Moore’s “Just Beige” or Farrow and Ball’s Oval Room or Farrow & Ball’s “Skimming Stone”

🌿 Explore more curated inspiration on our Pinterest Board for Summer Interiors

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Autumn Interior Color Palette: Rich, Earthy & Warm

You might be: Warm Autumn, Deep Autumn, or Soft Autumn

Color Personality: Autumns feel at home in rich, nature-inspired hues. Your palette is warm, textural, and soulful.

Autumn Colors: terracotta, moss, aubergine, ochre, rust, pumpkin, camel, and espresso.

Top Colors for Autumn Interiors:

  • Terracotta or Clay – Brings instant depth to dining rooms or cozy nooks.

  • Olive or Moss Green – A sophisticated, grounding choice for libraries or cabinetry.

  • Spiced Pumpkin or Burnt Sienna – Adds seasonal richness to accent walls.

  • Camel or Warm Taupe – A versatile, warm neutral that makes any space feel welcoming.

💡 Design Tip: Use matte or eggshell finishes, layer with natural fibers (like jute and linen), and incorporate wood tones, leather, and rattan for warmth and character.

🎨 Paint Tip: Try Farrow & Ball’s “Salon Drab” or Farrow and Ball’s “Bancha” or Portola Paint’s Roman Clay “Wonderland” or Benjamin Moore’s “Devonshire Green”

🍁 Explore more curated inspiration on our Pinterest Board for Autumn Interiors

Why It Works: Your Personal Seasonal Palette, Applied to Your Home

When you walk into a room that aligns with your seasonal palette, something clicks.

The light feels right. The colors flatter your features in photographs. The energy in the space feels calm and tailored—not overstimulating, not dull. Just right.

And it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s psychology. Your seasonal palette can subtly influence your energy levels, confidence, and even the cohesion of your wardrobe and interiors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best interior color palette for a Summer personality?
A: Soft, cool, and muted tones like dusty rose, sage green, French blue, and misty grays work beautifully for Summer interiors. Pair them with matte finishes and subtle textures for a calming effect.

Q: How do I decorate my home using seasonal color theory?
A: Start by identifying your palette—Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn—based on your natural undertones. Then layer those hues into your wall color, fabrics, and finishes. This creates a space that reflects your energy and feels deeply personal.

Q: Can couples with different palettes still have a cohesive home?
A: Absolutely. I often design for couples with contrasting palettes. We balance their tones through layering, complementary contrast, and thoughtful material choices that bring both personalities into harmony.

Q: Is seasonal color theory still relevant today?
A: Yes—more than ever. It offers structure, personalization, and timeless guidance in a trend-driven world. I use it regularly to create interiors that resonate emotionally and aesthetically.

A Color Consultation, Reimagined

At Rachel Blindauer Interiors, color isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation of every great space. Whether you’re dreaming of a full-scale renovation or a simple paint refresh, align your interior palette with your essence. Because your home shouldn’t just look like a magazine. It should look like you, on your best day.

🎯 Book a personalized Color + Design Consultation →

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