Cloud White, Color of the Year — and Why Color Still Belongs at Home

Each year, the Color of the Year sparks plenty of conversation in the design world.This year, it’s Cloud White — soft, light, and undeniably calming.

We love a good white. Truly. Whites like this can be beautiful, grounding, and incredibly useful when done well.

But there’s something else happening in homes right now that feels just as important. People are craving warmth. Comfort. Spaces that feel layered, lived-in, and personal. Homes that feel homey again. And that’s where color comes in.

White Isn’t the Problem — It’s the Balance

Cloud White works wonderfully as a backdrop. It reflects light, gives rooms room to breathe, and allows other elements to shine. It’s timeless for a reason, but we’re seeing more clients want spaces that feel less stark and more soulful. Rooms that feel collected rather than styled. Homes that don’t rely on one note to do all the work. Color whether bold or subtle brings depth. It brings softness. It brings life.

Spaces like this work because white is layered with texture, warmth, and pieces that feel personal — not because the palette follows a headline.

Color Has Always Been in Style

Color isn’t a trend. It never has been.

What changes is how we use it. Right now, color is showing up in quieter, cozier ways — muted blues, earthy greens, warm neutrals, textured plasters, layered textiles, and natural materials that invite you to slow down.

Sometimes it’s not about choosing “a color,” but choosing warmth, undertone, and mood. Those choices are what make a space feel personal.

The Only Design Rule That Really Matters

If there’s one piece of advice we’ll always stand behind, it’s this:

Design your home so it feels like your home — not a reflection of whatever is trending this year.

When a space supports how you live and what you love, it doesn’t go out of style. Trends fade. Headlines change. But a home that feels right to you will always feel current.

That might mean Cloud White on the walls, layered with warmth and character. Or it might mean embracing color more fully because it brings you joy. Both are valid. The key is intention.

Designing for Real Life

At Indigo Alley, we design for longevity, comfort, and real life — homes that feel welcoming, layered, and lived in. So yes, Cloud White may be having its moment but color has never left and it never will.

Layered, Livable, and Yours: The Indigo Alley Approach to Design

When we talk about "livable design," we're not just referring to stain-resistant fabrics or a well-placed storage bench. We mean spaces that are built for real life—comfortable, considered, and full of quiet character. At Indigo Alley, our interiors are shaped around how you live, not just how things look.

Design That Lives With You

A balance of old and new makes this living room feel both timeless and uniquely personal.

Your home isn’t a showroom. It’s where your kid drops their backpack, where friends gather for casual dinners, where the dog naps in a sun patch. So when we choose a rug, we’re thinking about how it feels underfoot and how it holds up. When we hang art, we think about how it connects to the space, the story, or the moment. Good design doesn’t just fill a room—it gives it purpose.

Layering With Intention

Layering is central to what we do. It brings depth and warmth to a space, but it also helps a home feel personal. That might mean mixing materials, periods, or patterns. A vintage table with modern chairs. A clean-lined sofa paired with handwoven pillows. It's about balance, not perfection. The goal isn’t to simply impress—it’s to reflect the people who live there.

How We Begin

Every project starts with listening. We want to understand what matters to you, what your day-to-day looks like, and how your space needs to function. From there, we build a design story through finishes, furnishings, and thoughtful details that support your lifestyle and feel authentic to you.

Layered neutrals, durable finishes, and generous island seating—this kitchen was designed to host, gather, and grow.

This family-friendly entryway balances function with calm, layered style

Keeping It Simple

Design can feel complicated. We work to make it easier. From the first meeting to final install, we keep things clear and collaborative. We’ll guide you through decisions, keep the moving parts organized, and make sure the process feels steady and supportive.

Final Thoughts

The most successful spaces aren’t just styled—they’re lived in, loved, and designed to evolve with you. If you value thoughtful details, natural textures, and a sense of ease in your home, we’d be excited to collaborate with you. Let’s make something lasting, together.

Ready to start your project? Reach out to us here or book a discovery call. Let’s design a space that feels like it was always meant to be yours.

Let's Talk Color!

Embracing Bold Patterns and Bright Colors in Interior Design

In a world where minimalism often takes center stage, embracing bold patterns and bright colors can be a refreshing way to bring personality and energy into a space. Whether you're looking to make a dramatic statement or add playful accents, incorporating vibrant hues and striking designs can transform your home into a reflection of your unique style. Here’s how to do it effectively.

The Power of Color

Color has a profound impact on mood and atmosphere. While neutral tones create a sense of calm, bright colors like deep blues, rich reds, and sunny yellows can evoke excitement, creativity, and warmth. When used thoughtfully, these hues can add vibrancy without overwhelming a space.

To get started, consider:

• Paint: One of the easiest and most transformative ways to introduce color into a space. A fresh coat of paint in a bold shade can dramatically shift the mood of a room. Consider color-blocking techniques, ombre effects, or even painted ceilings for a unique touch.

• Furniture Pieces: A brightly colored sofa or statement chair can become the focal point of a living space.

• Artwork and Accessories: Colorful artwork, rugs, and decorative pieces offer easy ways to introduce vibrancy without long-term commitment.

Mixing and Matching

Combining bold colors with striking patterns can seem daunting, but a few design principles can help maintain harmony:

• Stick to a Color Palette: Choose a few key colors and use them consistently throughout the space to create cohesion.

• Vary Scale: Mix large-scale patterns with smaller ones to avoid overwhelming the eye.

• Balance with Neutrals: If bold colors and patterns dominate, balance them with neutral furniture or accessories to create visual rest.

Playing with Patterns:

Patterns, whether geometric, floral, or abstract, add depth and interest to interiors. The key to successfully integrating patterns lies in balance and cohesion.

Some ways to incorporate patterns include:

• Wallpaper: A bold, patterned wallpaper can transform a room, making it feel dynamic and lively.

• Textiles: Mixing patterned throw pillows, curtains, and rugs can create a layered and cohesive look.

• Tiling: Intricate tiles in kitchens or bathrooms add personality and artistic flair.

Mixing and Matching:

Combining bold colors with striking patterns can seem daunting, but a few design principles can help maintain harmony:

• Stick to a Color Palette: Choose a few key colors and use them consistently throughout the space to create cohesion.

• Vary Scale: Mix large-scale patterns with smaller ones to avoid overwhelming the eye.

• Balance with Neutrals: If bold colors and patterns dominate, balance them with neutral furniture or accessories to create visual rest.

Making a Statement While Staying Timeless:

If you’re concerned about longevity, consider using bold colors and patterns in ways that can be easily updated. Statement pieces like patterned cushions and vibrant artwork allow you to experiment without a long-term commitment.

At Indigo Alley Interiors, we believe design can be playful and unique while still maintaining a sense of timelessness. Whether you’re ready for a complete transformation or just want to dip your toes into bold design, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Are you ready to embrace the bold? Contact us today to start your journey toward a more vibrant and expressive home!

The Kitchen Island - Do I paint it a different color than my cabinets?

That is the question. We get asked this often, and it’s a good one. “Should I paint my kitchen island a different color than the rest of my kitchen cabinets?” 

There’s definitely no right or wrong answer for everyone. Personally, we love doing a contrast to the island. It can add a bit of color and warmth to your kitchen…and it doesn’t have to be anything drastic! 

Here are some of our recent projects where we have loved how the kitchen island differs from the rest of the cabinets. In these kitchens, the light (or dark!) contrast gives the kitchen some depth and an extra touch of character.

In this lovely kitchen, the medium gray island blends so nicely with the clean, neutral kitchen. The gray compliments the stainless steel appliances as well as the veining in the countertops.  This is a perfect pairing if you’re wanting to add a bit of contrast to the kitchen but you are wanting to keep things neutral. 

Photo by tripp smith

Kitchen Cabinets: Custom Color, NC White

Island: Custom Color, Flint

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Next, we love white cabinets set against a dark gray gothic tile backsplash. We chose a greige for the kitchen island…the almost stone color is a beautiful contrast on the island. It brings some earthy tones to an otherwise neutral kitchen, and we can’t get enough of that greige.

Photo by jess ballard

Kitchen Cabinets - BM Simply White

Island - SW Argos

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This serene coastal kitchen is so dreamy in its completion.

The kitchen cabinets are actually an off-white color. For the island, we chose a natural white oak wood finish to go with the rest of the house. It is such a soft neutral for this kitchen…the natural wood is the star of this kitchen and adds the perfect warmth to the space.

We are so happy with how this kitchen turned out!

photography by jess ballard

Kitchen Cabinets - Custom color, Divinity White

Island - Custom white oak finish

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Lastly, this darker transitional kitchen features pops of black in the windows, the hood, and hardware. The surrounding cabinets compliment those in a lovely earthy stone color. To contrast, the kitchen island shines in a black onyx finish.

It’s a bold choice and works perfectly in this kitchen. 

photo by callie cranford

Kitchen Cabinets - Custom color, Stone

Island - Custom color, Onyx