While we're still in the full swing of summer, the beginning of August often marks the first glimpses of the fall months ahead. Whether you're eagerly looking forward to the changing seasons or are relishing the warm weather and al fresco dining, there's lots to love about August.
Not least, August brings with it the latest summer color trends that designers say are significant for the new month. These color trends reflect the last of the summer sun with hints of a more autumnal feel.
If you're wondering what the best room color ideas for August are, read on to get the lowdown from the experts.
5 colors to decorate with in August
From earthy neutrals to the viral 'brat' green, read on to uncover five of the most popular color trends for August 2024, as suggested by designers and color experts.
1. Burnt orange
While August is certainly still summer, it is often the first month we begin to anticipate fall. Although fall decor ideas are still a way off, that's not to say we can't start to make subtle nods towards the impending changing seasons in our color schemes.
Burnt orange is one of the best colors to do so; it's still summery yet brings connotations of fall. This is a favorite color to decorate with during August for interior designer Gray Walker of Gray Walker Interiors, who tells us: 'The anticipation of fall is beginning to set in as the summer heat has taken its toll for a good three months. These colors set against a light neutral background remain light and airy with depth that carries into the autumnal season.'
2. Brat green
Decorating with green is always a favorite amongst designers, for its calming quality year long. But in summer 2024, 'brat' green is the trending shade that's gained plenty of momentum online.
A bold and assured variation of lime green, this viral color trend gained momentum from the album cover of Charlie XCX's latest album, Brat. While this yellow-green hue is likely not for those who prefer an understated look, there's no denying it's one of this summer's most popular shades.
'The aesthetic embraces individuality, non-conformity, and a carefree attitude,' says Tash Bradley, Director of Interior Design at Lick and color psychologist, on the brat green color trend.
While lime green paint ideas can be a great way to add zeal to a room, there are more subtle ways of nodding to this core color trend, according to Tash.
'Green 05 Rome House has an energizing quality that will make your space feel restorative and uplifting,' while 'Green 07 has an optimistic quality which invites balance and harmony into your home.'
A pared-back take on the viral brat green color trend, Lick's Green 07 feels refreshing and vivid, but not at all jarring.
3. Light and airy neutrals
Decorating with neutrals is a timeless choice all year round, but in August, light and airy neutrals can create a calming feel throughout the home amid high temperatures outdoors.
'Whether it’s Rose Quartz or Novelty Wave by Backdrop or our classic go-to Alabaster from Sherwin-Williams, paint colors that aren’t as heavy and exude openness are popular,' says Luis Carmona, owner and lead designer at VERDE Interior Design.
Whether you opt for light neutral paints to refresh the walls or embrace light colors through decor, understated shades at this time of year are a failsafe choice, both stylish and soothing.
Looking for a classic and fresh backdrop color for your home? Backdrop's Harvest Moon is a warm white paint that feels light, airy, and cozy.
4. Earth tones
Another favorite color trend amongst designers for August is earthy tones. Similar to neutrals, muted and earthy paint colors like Farrow & Ball's Dead Salmon feel timeless and sophisticated as our spaces begin to transition from summer to fall.
'I always gravitate toward earthy tones in August, with browns being my absolute favorite,' says interior designer Blair Moore of Moore House Design.
'I also adore pink and am excited to incorporate Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball into upcoming projects. This beautifully muted pink, with its earthy brown undertones, offers a warm, comforting palette that perfectly complements the season's transition.'
A favorite Farrow & Ball paint color, Dead Salmon provides more depth than lighter neutrals, yet its muted quality gives it a liveable feel in many rooms throughout the home.
5. Cool blues and greens
During August, temperatures can remain high in certain parts of the US. Because of this, it's a good idea to consider paint colors that repel heat inside the home. In short, this means avoiding warm, saturated tones and instead opting for cool color schemes to create a cooler feel indoors.
'Since Texas is so hot in late summer we like to decorate with all colors cool,' explains Becky Duca, Senior Project Designer at Meg Lonergan. 'For instance, cornflower blue, sage green, and periwinkle are a few of our favorites, as they are refreshing to our warmer climate.'
From cool and calming neutrals to daring lime green hues, August presents an opportunity to get creative with your color choices, whatever your interior design style. Always remember to test new colors in different lighting conditions before committing to ensure your paint colors best suit your space.
