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The Future Looks Bright!
2025 Color Trends We’re Loving

Make room, Millennial Gray—there’s a whole new palette ready to play! It’s time to share the spotlight.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, a full-service Knoxville interior design firm based in Farragut, we’re welcoming 2025 with open arms and wide-open paint decks, because color is back in a big way. From rich jewel tones to reimagined rusts to the joyful burst of vibrant lilac, this year’s design landscape is drenched in bold, expressive hues—and we mean that literally.

Let’s explore the color trends we’re most excited about, how we’re already using them in Knoxville and surrounding counties, and why color drenching might just be your new favorite thing.

Gray Area: Why We’re Not Breaking Up—Just Seeing Other Colors

Let’s set the record straight: we never fell out of love with gray. We just realized it doesn’t have to be the only color we commit to.

There was a time when gray was the go-to—fresh, polished, and endlessly versatile. And truth be told? It still is. Gray can be timeless, grounding, and effortlessly chic when used with intention. At Rowan Hall, we still reach for a soft greige or a moody charcoal when the space calls for it. In the right setting, gray doesn’t just work—it shines.

But when the world hit pause in 2020, something shifted. With all that extra time at home, our our Knoxville interior design clients started to tune into how their spaces made them feel. And for some, all-gray everything began to feel a little…flat. The result? A craving for warmth, depth, and a touch more personality.

We started seeing clients light up over bold wallpapers, richly colored upholstery, and cabinetry painted in hues that felt distinctly them. Even during gray’s reign as design’s darling, it wasn’t a cure-all—because let’s be honest, no color is. (If only it were that easy!) That’s exactly why great design matters. It’s not just about picking pretty shades—it’s about finding your perfect fit.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we believe there’s still plenty of room for gray—it’s just not the automatic answer anymore. Our job is to help you strike the right balance between classic and current. Whether that means layering in warm tones to soften a cool backdrop or letting a deep graphite moment make a statement, we make sure every choice feels intentional—and beautifully you.

So no, gray isn’t over. It’s just evolved. And we’re here for every shade of it.

Images from Feizy, showcasing some of their rust-toned rugs

Rust Revival: Earthy but Elevated

Rust is having a major moment—but this isn’t your 1970s shag carpet situation. Today’s rusts are richer, moodier, and far more refined—think burnished terracotta, spiced cinnamon, and desert clay.

These warm, earthy tones bring instant depth and dimension, especially when paired with materials like stone, brass, or olive green.

For a modern update, rust has traded out its old partner avocado (we don’t miss it—sorry, not sorry!) for deep indigos and sapphire blues. The result is less “desert adobe” and more “art collector’s townhouse.”

Our Color Specialist, Sylvia, puts it best:

“For just a hint of rust that’s less earthy and more sophisticated, we’re seeing it paired with cool jewel tones—especially blues—and loving it!”

We love using rust in:

  • Velvet accent chairs and ottomans
  • Layered textiles like throws, drapes, and area rugs
  • Art, ceramics, and accent pieces that warm up a space without overwhelming it

Bonus: Rust bridges the gap between old-world charm and modern edge, making it a transitional superstar—just like us.

Images from Thibaut, featuring their gorgeous textile prints.

Jewel Tones: Drama in the Best Way

Nothing says intentional luxury like a moody emerald or a saturated sapphire. Jewel tones are unapologetically rich, adding drama and depth in just the right doses—but the way we’re using them in 2025 feels fresher than ever.

Sylvia explains it perfectly:

“Classic jewel tones always seem to circle Art Deco motifs—stunning when done right, but very Great Gatsby costume party when done wrong! We’re used to seeing them play out in geometric patterns or paired with yellow gold and bright silver metallics—but that often feels heavy and overbearing, like we’re putting on airs.

2025 jewel tones have been recontextualized to feel less formal. I’m seeing them in florals and organic shapes for the first time. We’re really considering other methods of presentation to enjoy the richness of the color free from the context of the old ways the palette was styled.”

This new take is just right for the Rowan Hall aesthetic—livable luxury that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Our transitional design style, a favorite among our Farragut interior design clients, aligns perfectly with these modern reimaginings of bejeweled palettes.

We recommend jewel tones for:

  • Dining rooms (they deserve to be unforgettable)
  • Libraries and home offices
  • Ceilings! (Yes, really—don’t forget the fifth wall)

By pairing them with natural materials, curved silhouettes, and softer finishes, jewel tones feel elevated and approachable.

Photo from Sherwin Williams 2025 Colormix Forecast- Paradox, showing off Euphoric Lilac (SW 6835)

Lilac’s Bright, Bold Moment

You heard it here first: Lilac is the new blush—and it’s bringing the energy.

Gone are the shy, barely-there lilacs of the past. In 2025, lilac is vivid, youthful, and full of life. It’s showing up everywhere—from textiles to cabinetry—with a personality that’s impossible to ignore.

We’re especially seeing lilac:

  • Pulling forest green and olive accents through botanical prints
  • Accented with chartreuse or yellow for bold, high-contrast combos
  • Used in vibrant upholstery, wallpaper, and painted millwork

Mauve, by contrast, is lilac’s more versatile cousin—a quieter, muted variation for those craving subtlety. But if you’re ready to make a statement? Lilac is the way to go.

Sylvia is loving the shift.

“We saw lilac—along with its shier cousin, mauve—and a high-risk, high-reward partner like chartreuse in Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color Capsule. Now those predictions are coming true before our eyes in the new textiles arriving at the office!”

Lilac is vibrant, joyful, and unapologetically fun—exactly the kind of energy we’re channeling into 2025.

What’s Color Drenching—and Why We’re Obsessed

Of all the trends we’re loving for 2025, color drenching might be our favorite.

The concept? Take one color (or a tonal family) and apply it floor-to-ceiling—walls, trim, ceiling, cabinetry. The result? A cocoon-like space that feels immersive, dramatic, and oh-so intentional.

We love it for:

  • Home offices (hello, deep focus)
  • Powder rooms (tiny but mighty!)
  • Bedrooms (cue the cozy, spa-like vibes)

Our Knoxville interior designers are seeing color drenching more and more in client requests—and we’re here for it. Whether it’s a moody blue study or a soft clay bedroom, the effect is always luxe and tailored. If you’re new to the idea, start with a muted hue like sage, mauve, or warm earth tones. From there, layer in wood, metal, and texture to build depth and dimension.

Pro tip: Paint the trim and ceiling, too. That’s what makes it magic.

In Summary: Your Home Deserves More Color

If the last decade was about playing it safe, 2025 is about playing with color. Whether you’re dreaming of a full-home transformation or a single room that makes your heart skip, our team is here to help you make bold, beautiful choices you’ll love living with.

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in.

With our structured 4-step design process, custom furnishings, strong vendor partnerships, and climate-controlled staging area, Rowan Hall Interiors brings warmth, clarity, and creativity to every colorful project.


Ready to let color lead the way?
Schedule your design consultation today, and let’s drench your space in something delightfully you.

From Boxes to Beautiful: How We Transform Your Home in 48 Hours
A behind-the-scenes look at installation day with Rowan Hall Interiors, Knoxville’s full-service interior design firm.

You’ve made it through the mood boards, the material samples, the Friday updates, and the construction dust. You’ve waited patiently while your new furniture arrived and tucked itself safely into our climate-controlled staging area. And now… it’s time.

Install day.
Or as we like to call it: the moment the magic becomes reality.

Yes, we really do turn a house into a home in just one to two days—but don’t let the quick turnaround fool you. This transformation has been in the works for weeks, even months. Every pillow, paint swatch, and custom rug has been thoughtfully chosen and perfectly planned.

As one of the top Knoxville interior designers, our process is polished, personal, and designed to give you a completely custom interior design experience. Let’s pull back the curtain and give you a peek behind the scenes of what actually happens during Rowan Hall Interiors’ big reveal.

Months of Planning = A 48-Hour Masterpiece

By the time we reach installation, we’re on the final step of our signature white-glove interior design process. That means the design is complete, the construction is wrapped, and every item—from your drapery rods to your custom furnishings—has been ordered, tracked, and stored with care.

We’ve already confirmed finishes, planned out your room layouts, and worked closely with our network of vendors and tradespeople to ensure that everything arrives at just the right time.

“By install day, we’ve already made a hundred tiny decisions so you don’t have to,” Alfie often says.

Trucks, Teams & Timing

Install day starts early. Our trucks arrive packed to perfection, filled with everything from custom-upholstered furniture to vintage accessories we’ve sourced just for you.

The RHI Dream Team rolls in with purpose. Designers lead the charge. Stylists fluff and finesse. Installers get to work placing each piece precisely where it belongs. As a full-service interior design firm, we manage every moving part—so you don’t have to lift a finger.

From Layout to Layering

First things first, we unpack—every piece you’ve seen pictures of, plus the little styling surprises we’ve been saving to wow you. This is far more than furniture delivery. This is a full-production design installation sprint.

We cut rug pads to size. Place them. Shift them. Shift them again. Then top them with perfectly centered pieces—triple checked by Alfie’s tape measure, naturally. Furniture is unboxed and carefully assembled over moving blankets—we treat floors with the utmost care. That’s a hill we’re willing to die on.

Once the big pieces are in place, we roll out the blankets—but it’s still no picnic. It’s a styling head-to-toe workout. Jazzercise could never.

We spread out every bowl, candle, coaster, and sprig of greenery across the floor like a mood board come to life… or an OCD dragon’s hoard.

From there, we start layering in the details. That picture frame on your console? We angled it five different ways before deciding it looked best exactly there. We clean as we go because—design secret—styrofoam is one of our greatest enemies. Pleated draperies are seamed, lint rollers abound, and of course, pillows are karate-chopped with precise force.

Every detail is picked, placed, polished—and polished again.

Why You’re Not There (And That’s a Good Thing)

We know it’s tempting to peek, but trust us—the reveal is so much more powerful when it’s all at once.

We encourage our clients to step away while we install. Grab lunch at Kefi. Wander the aisles of the Southern Market. Book a facial. When you return, your space will be completely transformed by one of the most trusted Knoxville interior design firms.

No boxes. No stress. No unfinished corners. Just a fully styled, move-in-ready, luxurious home.

The Big Reveal

Picture this: You open the door and step into a space that feels both brand new and completely you.
Everything looks absolutely perfect (except the designers themselves—we look a little disheveled).

You might gasp. You might tear up. You might spin in a circle like you’re on a home makeover show. We live for that moment—because it means we got it exactly right.

And we don’t leave you hanging afterward. We walk you through the space, answer questions, and make sure you feel at ease. You’ll also receive care instructions, thoughtful tips, and, of course, a few hugs.

Final Touches & Lasting Impact

We often schedule professional photography on reveal day, capturing your space in its most picture-perfect form. It’s our way of documenting the story we’ve just helped write—and trust us, you’ll want to remember it.

At the end of it all, we don’t just hand over a pretty space. We deliver a feeling. A sense of comfort, joy, and pride in the place you call home.

Ready for Your Reveal Moment?

Whether you’re renovating, relocating, or simply ready for a change, we’d be honored to walk you through the Rowan Hall Interiors experience—from welcome packet to big reveal.
We specialize in custom interior design, custom furnishings, and full-service interior design that transforms your home and how you feel in it.

Based in Knoxville and working throughout East Tennessee, we’re here to bring your design dreams to life.
Schedule your consultation today, and let’s turn your home from boxes to beautiful.

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

Is Custom Design Worth It?
When Should You Splurge on Bespoke Interior Design?

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we know the thrill of a good HomeGoods find. (We’ll never say no to a cute candle or seasonal accent.) But when it comes to designing a truly livable, luxurious space—the kind of home that reflects your life, your taste, and your everyday needs—there are moments when custom is more than just a splurge… it’s the smartest design decision you can make.

As Knoxville interior designers with over two decades of experience, we’ve helped countless clients upgrade their homes with thoughtfully curated pieces—many of them one-of-a-kind. But how do you know when investing in custom furnishings is really worth it?

Let’s walk through three times when custom interior design makes all the difference—and why it’s a signature part of the Rowan Hall experience.

When Scale Matters

Not all homes are created equal—and neither are their floor plans. One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is making store-bought furniture fit into a room that’s anything but standard. That’s where custom upholstery and made-to-measure furniture come to the rescue.

Whether you’re designing for vaulted ceilings, a historic home with narrow rooms, or an open-concept layout that needs a piece to define space without overwhelming it, scale is everything. Off-the-shelf options rarely get it right. But with custom interior design, we can create a piece that’s tailored exactly to your space.

Picture a sectional that perfectly hugs your awkward living room corner and leaves room to walk behind it. Or a dining table that comfortably seats twelve without crowding your walls. That kind of perfect fit? It only comes with custom furnishings designed just for you.

When Quality Is Non-Negotiable

If your home sees real life—muddy paws, spilled wine, rowdy toddlers, and “surprise” art projects—you need pieces that can stand the test of time. And no surprise here: that kind of durability doesn’t usually come from mass-produced furniture.

Custom furniture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about longevity. These pieces are made by skilled craftspeople using the highest quality custom fabrics, hardwood frames, and finishes that wear well and clean easily. They’re built with care and attention to detail you simply don’t get from assembly-line production.

And because we’re Tennessee interior designers who’ve seen it all, we know how to select custom finishes and performance textiles that are just as beautiful as they are practical.

Our resident color and textile expert, Sylvia, says it best:

“I grew up in a house where dogs were family, and family sits on the couch! My mom covered the ‘nice couches’ in—frankly—hideous blankets she got at the neighborhood yard sale to protect them, but the $2 fleeces became a nearly permanent fixture rather than the upholstery she was trying to preserve. Sometimes the reasons we feel like we should decorate with cheaper pieces we can afford to ruin are exactly why we should invest in something that will last! Custom high-performance upholstery would have wiped down and been beautiful to look at. This is your call to ditch your dog blankets—and all the other MacGyvered solutions to challenges your lifestyle presents,” she says with a grin.

Your furniture should work with your lifestyle—not against it. Custom design helps you create a home that holds up beautifully, even when life gets messy.

When You Want Something No One Else Has

Maybe you’ve noticed your Pinterest board is starting to look like everyone else’s. Or maybe you’re simply tired of seeing the same beige sectional in every catalog. We get it. And we’ve got good news: custom design gives you back your originality.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we specialize in designing custom furnishings that are as unique as the people who live with them. Whether it’s a velvet ottoman in your favorite shade of green, a console table inspired by an heirloom desk, or a statement chair covered in a bold, unexpected custom fabric—our job is to bring your personality into every corner of your home.

We believe luxury doesn’t come from having what everyone else has. It comes from walking into a space and thinking, this feels like me. That’s the power of working with a team of experienced Knoxville interior designers who know how to interpret your vision—and make it even better.

The Bottom Line: Custom Isn’t Just for Show—It’s for Life

You don’t need to fill your home with custom pieces from top to bottom. But knowing when and where to invest in custom furnishings can make a world of difference in how your home functions and feels.

As full-service Tennessee interior designers, we help our clients decide where custom is worth it—from the perfect dining banquette to the showstopper coffee table you’ll never stop loving. We’ll guide you through material choices, collaborate with trusted vendors, and handle all the logistics—from ordering to installation.

Ready to explore the beauty of custom?

Let’s chat. Book your discovery call today and start dreaming about what’s possible when your furniture, your fabrics, and your finishes are made just for you.

Because your home deserves more than “good enough.” It deserves Rowan Hall custom.

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

Tariff-ied? Trust Knoxville’s Source for American-Made Style
Get Luxe Local Design without the Import Headache

Tariffs got you sweating over that sofa upgrade? You’re not alone. With international shipping delays, increased costs, and new tariffs hitting imported goods, refreshing your home might feel more complicated than ever. But if you’re looking for a way to update your space without the global price tag, Rowan Hall Interiors—your go-to Knoxville interior design firm—has the perfect solution.

We specialize in sourcing American-made home décor, custom window treatments, designer-quality rugs, and upholstery services right here in East Tennessee. That means your next home refresh can be stylish, personal, and tariff-free.

Custom Window Treatments Made in the USA

Say goodbye to generic drapes and mass-produced curtains. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we source American-made fabrics to create custom window treatments that are designed specifically for your space. Whether you’re into soft linen panels, tailored Roman shades, or light-filtering sheers, our expert designers will help you select the perfect textile—often from U.S. vendors unavailable to the general public.

And because we’re a full-service interior design firm in Knoxville, we handle it all—from measuring to professional installation—so you can simply enjoy the view.

Furniture Reupholstery in Knoxville, TN

Love your furniture but not the way it looks right now? Reupholstery is a smart, stylish alternative to buying new—and it’s entirely free of tariff drama. Our design team works with talented local artisans to give your beloved chairs, sofas, and ottomans a second life. We will help you choose everything from fabric to trim, and we’ll tailor the comfort level to fit your lifestyle.

Reupholstery not only saves money and reduces waste, but it also gives you a completely custom piece with timeless appeal—all curated by Rowan Hall Interiors, Knoxville’s trusted interior design firm.

Designer Rugs Made in Georgia

When it comes to rugs, we love to keep it close to home. Georgia is a hub for some of the highest quality rugs in the country, and thanks to our longstanding vendor relationships, we can offer Knoxville clients access to pieces that are beautiful, durable, and made right here in the South.

Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance performance rug for your family room or a luxe showstopper for your living space, we’ll help you choose the perfect rug to anchor your room—no international delays or import fees in sight.

Plan Now, Enjoy Later

Even if you’re considering holding off until tariffs settle down, now is the perfect time to begin planning. The design process takes time, and our Knoxville interior design team is here to walk you through it—step by step. From sourcing and scheduling to fabrication and installation, getting ahead of the curve means you’ll be enjoying your new space sooner rather than later.

Designing with American-made sources not only supports local makers and manufacturers—it ensures a faster, smoother, and more reliable design experience.

Whether you’re planning to refresh a single room or revamp your entire home, Rowan Hall Interiors offers Knoxville homeowners insider access to the best American-made products in the business. You won’t find many of our vendors online, and you certainly won’t find this level of personalized service just anywhere.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation or a complimentary discovery call. Let’s design something beautiful, practical, and completely tariff-free—right here at home.

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

From Beige to Brave
Finding the Right Neutrals for Your Home

Raise your hand if you’ve ever painted a room “greige” and then stood there thinking, “Why does this look like a Band-Aid?” Don’t worry—we’ve all been there. Neutrals are deceptively tricky. That’s why our Knoxville interior design team at Rowan Hall Interiors—led by our expert color consultant, Sylvia—is here to break down the warm vs. cool conundrum and help you choose the perfect shade that’s neutral—but never blah.

Know Thy Undertone

Not all whites are white. Not all beiges are boring. And not all grays are as neutral as they claim. The key? Undertones.

  • Warm neutrals often have hints of yellow, red, or orange.
  • Cool neutrals lean into blue, green, or even violet undertones.

Our Knoxville paint color experts always start by evaluating your home’s fixed elements—flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and lighting. Even exterior factors like landscaping or your neighbor’s brick can affect how paint reads inside. Picking the right neutral is more than a guess—it’s a strategy, and that’s where our color consultation services shine.

The Neutral Mistakes We See All the Time

As experienced interior designers in Knoxville, TN, we’ve seen it all. Here are the most common pitfalls we help clients avoid:

  • Too cool = sterile
    That chic gray might look elegant in a sample but can turn clinical in natural light.
  • Too warm = muddy
    That inviting beige might turn unexpectedly yellow or peachy depending on your surroundings.
  • Too safe = forgettable
    A space with one flat neutral tone everywhere lacks the layered, custom feel of a professionally designed home.

Sylvia’s Go-To Neutrals That Never Let Us Down
These tried-and-true Sherwin Williams neutrals are staples in our Knoxville interior design projects:

  • Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): A warm greige that lives up to its name—flexible, cozy, and always client-approved.
  • Mindful Gray (SW 7016): The just-right mix of warm and cool for almost any room.
  • Shoji White (SW 7042): Soft, creamy, and grounded—ideal for traditional-meets-modern aesthetics.
  • Eider White (SW 7014): Subtly cool with a gentle gray undertone that adds freshness without starkness.

Our color consultations always start with core selections like these when you’re ready to ditch the guesswork.

From Soft Neutrals to Quiet Color

Once you’ve nailed your base neutral, we love to guide clients in adding subtle depth using neutral-adjacent paint colors. These are quiet greens and blues that read almost like neutrals but introduce just enough visual interest to make your home feel layered and lived-in.

Whether you’re updating a lake house, mountain home, or Farragut family retreat, these are the shades our Knoxville color consultants often recommend:

Sherwin Williams Soft Greens:

  • Sea Salt (SW 6204): A spa-like, breezy green-gray
  • Silver Strand (SW 7057): Airy and elegant without feeling cold
  • Magnetic Gray (SW 7058): A sage-toned gray with timeless appeal

Sherwin Williams Dusty Blues:

  • Uncertain Gray (SW 6234): Cool, adaptable, and perfect in transitional spaces
  • Krypton (SW 6247): A muted slate-blue that’s anything but basic
  • Samovar Silver (SW 6233): Understated and sophisticated
  • Argos (SW 7065): Misty and modern for a clean, polished look
  • Passive (SW 7064): The faintest whisper of blue-gray for ultra-neutral lovers

These hues are a favorite among our Knoxville interior design clients who want calming color without visual clutter. Sylvia calls them “the introverts of the color wheel”—quiet, complex, and endlessly versatile.

The Rowan Hall Rule of Neutrals: Balance is Better than Bland

Whether you’re planning a whole-home remodel or simply rethinking your living room paint, remember: the most beautiful neutral rooms have contrast and texture. Our expert Knoxville designers layer materials, play with sheen and finish, and always add warmth through wood, fabric, and lighting.

Don’t just paint your home beige and call it done. Let us help you bring it to life.

Ready to Get Brave with Your Neutrals?

If you’re stuck in the gray-and-greige zone, it might be time for a paint color consultation with Sylvia or a full design consultation with our Rowan Hall Interiors team.

Our Knoxville interior designers are here to make your space more personal, more livable, and—most importantly—more you.

📞 Call us today or schedule your color consultation to start your journey from beige to brave.

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.