If bold color isn’t your thing there’s a world of color that exists in the category that we call neutrals. Sure there’s beige, taupe, gray, cream, brown, black, and white. Pure neutrals like gray, black and white, have no prominent undertones on the color wheel. But pure neutrals combined with primary colors create warm neutrals with undertones like pink and yellow or cool neutrals with undertones of blue, purple, or green. Really a neutral is just a muted shade that lacks strong color hue - think white with a pink undertone or taupe with a purple undertone. If you’re bright color averse, go for neutrals that introduce muted shades of color. The beauty in playing with color neutrals is that they pair so incredibly well together and saturated neutrals can be just as impactful as saturated color hues.  

As the Pantone Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse demonstrates, a saturated neutral can be powerful and bold. Mocha Mousse is an earthy brown with taupe undertones that creates a versatile foundation for enhancing a wide range of palettes and styles of design—from minimalist to richly detailed. It also serves as a great way to tiptoe into a more impactful color space by creating warmth and bringing organic, earthy tones indoors. 

With so many color choices and so much inspiration to pull from, choosing an updated palette for your home can feel daunting. We know that finding a drool-worthy color story that will fit your lifestyle and personality is a bit overwhelming, so to help make a little more sense of it all we reached out to one of our savvy friend, Asia Clark of Asia Gabrielle Design. 

Asia brings a unique perspective to the design world. Having honed her craft in the vibrant New York City design scene at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Asia recently returned to her roots in Greenville with a profound belief that everything starts with home. Asia Gabrielle Design merges creative vision with practical expertise, fostering close collaboration with clients to conceptualize and bring to life bespoke designs. Specializing in new builds, remodeling, and space refreshments, Asia’s approach ensures a harmonious blend of innovation and functionality. 

Tip #1. Color is personal.  

When helping to determine the color palette that works best for a new space, I approach the decision with intention. I start by considering the architecture, natural light, and the overall mood my clients want to evoke. I also think about how the space connects to adjacent rooms—there should be a flow, not just a singular moment. I love layering tones inspired by nature, rich textures, and subtle contrasts to create depth. Instead of chasing trends, I focus on colors that feel timeless and that my clients will love living with every day.

Tip #2. You don’t have to make bold moves to embrace color.

Sometimes I find that clients are hesitant to make a bold move with color choice. A great way to introduce color is through textiles—upholstery, throw pillows, or drapery in an unexpected hue can shift the mood of a space without overwhelming it. I also love incorporating color through art, which can bring a room to life in a very personal way. Even subtle touches—like a painted interior of a bookshelf, a deep green kitchen island, or a warm ochre trim—can create impact without full commitment.