Ca’Pietra Pink Moodboard, featuring Akazu Mosaic, Reform Reformed Stone, Marlborough Arabesque, Bamboo Mosaic, Wiltshire Hares
Colour or neutrals? Neutrals or colour? That is the question. I personally flit back and forth between the two. I spent my younger adult years living in magnolia rentals so I developed a bit of a fear of colour. It took me a good few years to feel confident bringing colour into my own home once we bought our flat. About as soon as I managed it, the tide turned and neutral palettes were dominating home renovations, with soft whites, greys, and beiges becoming the chosen backdrop of contemporary interiors. Around the time of the pandemic I noticed a distinct split in home interior trends with some people opting for what I called organic minimalism, whilst others were veering towards joyful maximalism. Neither of these trends are better than the other and it totally depends on how we want to personally feel at home.
Personally, I am very happy to see colour making such a big comeback. The grey period we went through was so uninspiring and I for one and glad to see the back of it. Now we are seeing not only in accents and furnishings but within the very materials used to construct and renovate our homes. From tinted concrete and terrazzo to boldly pigmented tiles, colour is reinvigorating modern home design and it is as visually captivating as it is functional.
Let’s take a look at the exciting ways that colour is making a bold return to modern home design and how you can incorporate it into your own projects.
Infusing Life with Tinted Concrete
Colour isn’t just for walls and furniture. In an exciting twist, it’s becoming a core element of building materials, and concrete is just one example of this. We would normally associate concrete with dull shades of grey, but it is now available in a spectrum of hues, thanks to dyes and pigments that can be mixed directly into the material. This creates beautifully rich slabs that add depth and personality to spaces while remaining incredibly durable.
Coloured concrete is especially practical for high-traffic areas. Unlike painted surfaces, the colour runs through the entire material, meaning chips and scratches won’t reveal an underlying layer. Whether used for flooring, countertops, or even outdoor patios, tinted concrete is a stylish and low-maintenance option for achieving a modern yet hardwearing aesthetic.
Terrazzo: A Timeless Trend Making a Comeback
Left: Canaletto Graphite Terrazzo Effect Tiles (60x60cm) from Tile Warehouse | Right: Terrazzo Hexagon Nevada Pink Porcelain Tile from Walls and Floors
If there’s one material that has proven its staying power, it’s terrazzo. Originating in 15th-century Venice, terrazzo was a mosaic flooring traditionally made using marble offcuts mixed into cement. Today’s versions incorporate glass, granite, and even metal fragments for a contemporary twist, it is available in a wide range of colours and styles.
What makes terrazzo so appealing is its ability to blend function with artistry. It’s a durable, low-maintenance material that resists staining and wear, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Whether used in flooring, countertops, on walls or for statement furniture pieces or interior accessories, terrazzo adds a touch of timeless elegance while allowing homeowners to experiment with colour and pattern.
Bold and Beautiful: Pigmented Tiles
Left: Bali Teal Bathroom and Kitchen Tiles from Direct Tile Warehouse | Right: Oxide Navy Blue Wall & Floor Tiles from The London Tile Co.
Tiles are quite possibly one of the easiest ways to add colour to the foundations of your home. They have long been a staple of home design, but recent years have seen a shift towards bolder, more colourful choices. Whether it’s a rich emerald green backsplash, deep blue hexagonal floor tiles, or soft blush pink accents in the bathroom, pigmented tiles are a simple yet effective way to introduce colourful materials into a space.
Unlike painted walls, which may require regular touch-ups, colourful tiles provide a lasting impact. Many options are also available in natural, sustainable materials such as clay or recycled glass, making them an eco-conscious choice for homeowners looking to add character without compromising on environmental responsibility.
The Psychology of Colour in Home Design
Colour has a transformative power when it comes to setting the mood of a space and dictating how we feel. Architects and designers often use colour psychology to enhance the function and feel of a room. Soft blues and greens, for example, promote relaxation, making them ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. Warmer tones like deep reds and burnt oranges stimulate conversation and appetite, making them a popular choice for dining areas and kitchens.
When incorporating colour into a renovation, it’s worth considering not just aesthetics but also the emotions different hues can evoke. A carefully chosen colour scheme can transform the way we feel about our home and in our home.
Sustainability Meets Style: Eco-Friendly Colour Choices
Sustainability is becoming a priority in home renovations, and the good news is that colourful materials can be both stylish and environmentally friendly. Many manufacturers are now producing non-toxic, plant-based paints, recycled glass tiles, and natural clay finishes, allowing homeowners to embrace colour without harming the planet or their family’s health.
Choosing eco-friendly materials not only reduces your environmental impact but also contributes to healthier indoor air quality—an important consideration for modern living.
How Colourful Materials Can Enhance Property Value
Olive & Barr Shaker Kitchen
While neutral tones have traditionally been seen as the safest choice for resale, there’s a growing appreciation for thoughtfully used colour in home design. A well-executed colour scheme can make a property stand out in the market, adding a sense of luxury and sophistication.
In spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, where buyers tend to focus their attention, incorporating colourful materials through cabinetry, backsplashes, or feature walls can add a unique selling point. Kitchen remodeling experts like Clarksville Construction focus on this aspect but advise homeowners not to follow trends too closely as they quickly go out of style and can look dated. Instead choose more timeless colours that can last the test of time and remain relevant.
Even subtle touches, such as a statement-coloured front door or an accent wall in a living area, can make a home more memorable to potential buyers. Just be sure not to go overboard with pattern and colour as you will put some buyers off. Finding the right balance of colourful materials is vital when it comes to resale.
Colour is no longer just a decorative afterthought—it’s becoming an integral part of how we build and renovate our homes. From the deep tones of tinted concrete to the striking patterns of terrazzo and pigmented tiles, colour is reshaping modern interiors in a way that’s both stylish and functional.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your home with a few bold accents or planning a full-scale home renovation, embracing colourful materials and finishes can create a space that is not only visually stunning but also uniquely personal. So, why stick to neutrals when you can design a home full of vibrant personality and lasting appeal?