Color Versatility: One Color, Three Ways: A Fresh Look at Versatility in Color Theory
When we think about versatility in design, color often gets overlooked. It’s easy to assume that if you want a flexible home, you have to stick with neutrals—but that’s not always the case.
In fact, the right color can be incredibly adaptable. Used thoughtfully, color becomes a powerful tool that can evolve with you over time and across styles.
This month, as we wrap up our series on versatility, we’re exploring how a single color can take on different roles in your home depending on what you pair it with. We’re using three of this year’s most popular hues to show you how versatile color really can be.
Color 1: Deep Olive Green
Rich and grounding, olive green is having a major moment—and for good reason. It's earthy but elevated, neutral but expressive.
This is my own living room—designed by me and filled with pieces I truly love. The olive green Haven Extra Deep Sofa from West Elm grounds the space while giving me total freedom to play with color. I’ve paired it with turquoise, red chartreuse, warm wood and wicker, and a gallery wall full of bold tones like navy, hot pink, and orange-red. It’s proof that a strong neutral can be the most versatile piece in the room.
Paired with warm woods + leather: it leans rustic, cozy, and timeless.
With black, cream, and brass: it feels modern and architectural.
Add dusty rose or terracotta: suddenly it’s romantic and moody.
Design takeaway: Olive green plays well with both earth tones and refined finishes. It’s a great color for anyone who wants personality without loudness.
Color 2: Soft Clay (Muted Terracotta)
This warm, muted pink-orange tone brings in just the right amount of color while still feeling grounded and grown-up.
We designed this North Scottsdale luxury Airbnb to feel warm, modern, and effortlessly livable. The clay-toned walls paired with rattan textures, light wood, and gold accents create a grounded yet elevated palette that feels right at home in the desert. It’s a perfect example of how a soft terracotta base can flex between earthy and elegant, depending on what you layer with it.
With creamy white and natural rattan: it reads fresh and airy.
Add charcoal or navy: it becomes bold and modern.
Layer with linen, stone, and raw wood: it evokes Mediterranean calm.
Design takeaway: Clay tones are deeply versatile and incredibly livable. They shift effortlessly between soft minimalism and grounded eclecticism.
Color 3: Slate Blue
Somewhere between navy and dusty sky, slate blue is calm, classic, and endlessly flexible.
This modern kitchen we designed leans into deep indigo tones—a close cousin to slate blue—and was fully designed around our client’s incredible, quirky art collection. We kept the palette rich but restrained, allowing the bold artwork to take center stage while the cabinetry adds depth and drama. It’s a reminder that versatile design doesn’t mean quiet—it means creating a backdrop that lets your personality shine.
Paired with walnut and brass: it feels sophisticated and traditional.
With white oak and pale neutrals: it’s relaxed and coastal.
Add burgundy or ochre accents: it turns rich, layered, and editorial.
Design takeaway: Slate blue can swing formal or casual depending on context. It’s a great base for evolving tastes.
Final Thoughts
Versatility doesn’t always mean beige. With the right approach, color can be just as flexible as any piece of furniture or floor plan. These examples are just a starting point—try looking at the colors you already love and imagining how they could evolve with you, instead of boxing them into one “look.”
Design isn’t about picking one lane—it’s about staying open to change and letting your space reflect the full spectrum of your life.
