Curious about color drenching? The new neutrals that make your space feel more like you.

Beautiful bedroom design by Raili CA Design. Image by David Tsay.

“I want more color—but I don’t want it to feel loud or overwhelming… I don’t want to regret it!”

By far and away, this is the number one thing clients communicate to me during a Design Discovery call. I grew up in Southern Wisconsin - a place deeply shaped by Protestant tradition and it’s related avoidance of all things flashy.

While color, for me, was almost euphoric, the visual landscape in my home, the library, our church, the post office, were defined by neutrals. These spaces were often utilitarian, so my design mind approved, but, my soul longed for color!

With each new stage of life, I internalized the freedom I had to define how my home would feel - for myself, as I awoke each day, or for those who would visit. The right recipe for me was and is: light, clever organization and cheerful color/pattern. The experience has been so deeply impactful for my metal health, that it has become my “Roman Empire”, and now, I want to help YOU find the recipe that feels best.

Scientifically, we know that the human brain does not thrive in a big white or monotone box. It feels unsettled - the eye unsure where to land and overwhelmed by the lack of visual hierarchy. So, while super neutral homes photograph really well for Instagram and real estate listings, they don’t FEEL good.

Enter one of my favorite design strategies: saturated neutrals.

Take a moment to envision olive green, muted navy, rust orange, and earthy mustard. (Or click the links above!) Because these colors mimic our natural surroundings—the earth, the sky, the trees - they feel grounded. They’re complex shades that have the depth and versatility of traditional neutrals, but with far more personality. AND, they have the power to literally help us regulate our nervous systems! More on that here…

A Gateway for the Color Curious

Unlike pure or primary colors, saturated neutrals have a softness and complexity that make them incredibly livable. They're infused with gray, brown, or earthy undertones, which helps them settle into a space rather than dominate it. An olive green sofa? It plays well with wood, cream, black, and even blush. A muted navy wall? It's as grounding as charcoal, but far more interesting.

These hues shift beautifully with the light throughout the day and offer emotional warmth without sacrificing sophistication. They also work across a range of styles—from Scandinavian minimalism to boho eclectic and midcentury modern.

In our Scandi Modern Retreat project, we keep this streamline look interesting by pairing #saturatedneutrals with postmodern silhouettes and a nuanced mix of patterns and textures, inspired by the 1970s.

If you’re feeling color curious, send me a note here; let’s find the right recipe for you.

Yours, in color. <3