Trends

Dive Into Cobalt Blue

Adding a splash of color to a room is a surefire way to take its design to the next level. For anyone looking for a color that’s both calming and bold, then cobalt blue is the go-to. This hue packs a punch while still managing to soothe the senses, making it a winner in our book. Plus, all the varying shades of cobalt are simply mesmerizing. Let’s not forget about the complementary colors that really make this shade pop. Pairing cobalt blue with hints of orange and light brown creates an eye-catching combo that’s sure to impress. To really amp up the sophistication factor, we like to pair cobalt with gold finishes and wooden furnishings. When it comes to incorporating this color into textiles, velvet fabric is the way to go for a luxurious touch. Just a hint of cobalt blue in a space is enough to make any buyer say, “Wow!”

Tile with Style: All About Tile Backsplashes

As we head into spring, many of us are embracing a fresh start, and there’s no better place to begin anew than in the home. Tile backsplashes, for example, are a great addition to any space. Not only is tile practical, as it does wonders in protecting walls from stains and splashes in the kitchen and bathroom, but it’s also visually appealing.

A stylish tile backsplash can set the tone for an entire space, and because these areas are typically small-scale, there is a lot of room to be adventurous. Bright and bold colors, from dazzling hues to neutral earthy tones, are perfect for transforming a ho-hum painted wall into a tiled knockout that brings an inviting touch of sparkle and drama.

When incorporating a tile backsplash, it is important to consider the purpose of the application, such as protecting the wall from stains and splashes. With a wide variety of materials available, like porcelain, stone, clay, marble, glass, etc., the function of the tile will make a difference when it comes to choosing the ideal material. Textured tile can be utilized to create a layered, rustic look, or instead, something sleek and smooth for a more contemporary aesthetic. Not to mention, between a matte, glossy, or natural finish, there are plenty of options to add more depth to the space.

Often sandwiched between the upper and lower cabinets in a kitchen, or between a mirror and sink in the bathroom, the backsplash is the attention-grabbing pop of flavor that adds visual interest and emphasizes the surrounding elements. A backsplash takes what would be a normally-painted wall and adds a touch of sparkle and drama. Now that’s value!

Score Big with Sports-Themed Spaces

As March Madness season heats up, many of us are getting into the sports spirit. So why not bring that excitement home with sports-inspired home design? Whether through simplistic accessories, bedding, wall art, or a paint accent on a wall, incorporating athletic themes into a home can add a fun and imaginative element to a kid’s room or loft space, where a bit of creativity is welcome.

A sports-inspired theme can help buyers envision their family in a space, making it more personable and invoking a little passion when they see their favorite team or hometown athletes represented in a room. Adding a surfboard to a wall alongside a few key decor pieces can add just the right amount of sporty fun to a space.

When incorporating these design elements, using specific accessories related to the sport is key to getting the theme across. But it’s not just about the decor—we love using paint accents to drive the theme home and add a unique touch. For example, themed wallpaper, striped details, or a painted graphic can bring a room to life and add a playful touch that’s perfect for any sports enthusiast.

So, whether the goal is to appeal to die-hard fans or just add a touch of intrigue, incorporating sports-inspired design elements is a great way to liven up a room. With so many ways to bring the spirit of sports into a space, a home can easily become a winner.

Gilded Interiors

Gold may be rare, but it’s utilized often in interiors, and we absolutely love this metallic hue. Gold accents add a touch of luxury to any space and can look particularly striking against whitewashed finishes. This metal has a softness that shines and stands out without looking too harsh. Deep warm colors often look best when accompanied by gold accents, but alongside black and white, this metal can add an ultra-covetable brightness. The sophistication and richness of gold accents make them a great addition to any space that is already chic and wants to fully exude elegance. Adding even small touches of gold make a space look more expensive and tasteful, especially when complemented with a mixture of sophisticated fabrics and materials like velvet, wood, and glass. Mirrors, tables, and light fixtures are decor pieces that wear gold well and are sure to dress up a space. The key to incorporating gold in an interior is to avoid overdoing its elevated look and veering into a tacky or gaudy aesthetic. Using subtlety and thoughtful, tasteful touches throughout a space is the answer. We tend to avoid relying on one fixture or element to bring in the gold and instead create the perfect “je ne sais quoi,” for example, by using gold hardware on light cabinetry.

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year: Viva Magenta

The wait is finally over; Pantone has announced their color of the year for 2023: Viva Magenta! This color is an unconventional hybrid of red and pink that’s rooted in the natural sunset hues we’re all familiar with. Signifying strength and optimism, this year’s color is a bold shift from 2022’s lighthearted pastel, Veri Peri. Viva Magenta is bold and joyous—exactly the mindset we aim to keep as we go into this bright new year. This pink and red hue is fabulous for interiors because it encourages self-expression, confidence, and joy as it captivates the attention of a room. It works best as an accent due to its visually loud nature, and when mixed with other colors, it’s ideal for large-scale applications like wallpaper. We have also used this shade for upholstery on furnishings, such as a small desk chair and a headboard. The effect this color has is beautiful, especially when used in small, tasteful touches, be it accent pillows or artwork. We can’t wait to take this fearless shade into 2023 and make a statement with its empowering energy as we take on an exciting new year!

Groovy, Funky, and Thriving With Retro Interiors

As we move into 2023 and reflect upon all the amazing gifts 2022 has given us at Chameleon, we want to look back just a bit further. Recently, there has been a resurgence of 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s-inspired design elements in interiors, and we’re loving it! There isn’t just one way to make a space “retro,” but we have a few tips and tricks from decades past that we love to incorporate into our home designs to achieve those epic looks.

When we want to add a bit of 50s style flair, we incorporate fresh pastels into our color schemes. These bright hues keep a space playful when combined with white tones. Bright white walls and pastel accents create a clean, modern touch without being too reminiscent of “I Love Lucy.” Adding a sleek Eames chair to a corner easily completes this 50s-style decor trend.

For a bit of a 60s groove, we like to use organic-shaped furnishings—whether that’s in the form of an accent chair, sofa, or even a glossy white dining table and chairs. Of course, we can’t mention this time period without incorporating midcentury modern design, which is trending once again. Warm colors like oranges, reds, and browns add depth and stylistic intrigue that align with this mellow era.

We get funky with a nod to 70s style by using lots of walnut-toned woods through furnishings and accent decor. Pattern is also a big inspiration from this era, and we channel the decade’s carefree spirit with retro, tiled backsplashes, patterned rugs, and abstract artwork.

While most people gravitate toward the 60s and 70s-inspired decor when going for a retro interior, certain 80s trends also greatly enhance this goal. Transparent furnishings, like acrylic chairs or coffee tables, offer an unexpected and unobtrusive addition to colorful spaces.

Elevate with Emerald Green

Modern environmentalism is taking the stage for interior design trends, and we’re seeing a bold shift to natural textures and forest-y tones. As we lean into soaking rooms in natural light and decorating with seasonal houseplants, we’re reminded that nature’s beauty is our true source of inspiration. Sage and moss greens are a soft, lovely addition to any space, but emerald green—their opulent, sophisticated sister—is attracting the spotlight this season. Emerald adds the perfect amount of depth and moodiness that complements the cold weather and the return of deep, fall-inspired hues. We love this shade in all its jewel-tone glory, whether it’s delivered in a bold splash of paint, a few simple accessories, or revamped upholstery. Naturally, like all the best things in life, emerald green is best appreciated in moderation. Rather than dousing all the walls of a room in this shade, we prefer to use touches of it where it can truly shine and have the grandest effect. For example, a boldly painted emerald green accent wall is an alluring pop of drama, while a velvety green accent chair can transform an ordinary room into one that’s rich, moody, and luxe. Surrounded by pale neutrals and a touch of gold hardware, this soothing, autumn-inspired color is the perfect upgrade to any room’s interior.

WPG and Chameleon: A Beautiful Partnership

Chameleon Design and Woodbridge Pacific Group have had a fantastic working relationship and mutual appreciation spanning over 26 years. Our first project together in 1996 was Fairway Estates in Dove Canyon, and we’ve worked together ever since! Bradley Davis, the Marketing Director at WPG, states, “The Chameleon team is second to none, and I could not imagine working with anyone else for our design needs. Their eye for design speaks for itself, and the level of service they provide is outstanding. They push us to take risks, are flexible when we throw them curveballs, and are never satisfied with good enough. They are one of the most important pieces of the Woodbridge Pacific team, and it’s a privilege to work with them.”

The process of working with Woodbridge has always been an inspiring one, and our respective teams work closely on all aspects of the design process—from design inspiration to installation—and we share a mutual love for the homes we design, bring to fruition, and sell out! Over the years, our teams have had the honor of being chosen as finalists and receiving many top awards for the interior design of these model homes, sales offices, and communities. Having participated in award shows like the SoCal MAME Awards, The Nationals, and the Gold Nugget Awards, it’s clear that the collaboration between WPG and Chameleon Design is a beautiful one.

At this year’s 2022 MAME Awards, six of our model home designs for Woodbridge Pacific Homes—at University Park and Signature PGA WEST®—are finalists for the gold award. With interior design, trends are ever-changing, and it’s a top priority to make sure the home designs appeal to the target buyer. There are a few current trends we love talking about that, we think, helped us snag the judges’ eye! You can head over to the Woodbridge Pacific Group blog to see our top trends, but here are three to give you a sneak peek:

Earth Tones and Desert Hues

As demonstrated in Plan 7 at Citrine at Signature PGA WEST®.

White Interiors

As demonstrated in Plans 1 and 2 at Jewel at Signature PGA WEST®.

Slab Door Cabinets

As demonstrated in Plan 7 at Citrine at Signature PGA WEST®; Plan 2 at Nova at University Park; and Plan 1 at Jewel at Signature PGA WEST®.

A Dash Of Drama ft. Dark Wood

Pristine, white interiors had their moment in the sun, but now we’re seeing dark and moody spaces taking the spotlight. While soft, Scandinavian shades and blond woods have been a favorite in recent years, we’re embracing high contrast interiors with dark wood tones that envelop and welcome you. Deep brown colors evoke sophistication and bravado, and when paired with soothing houseplants, can have a calming effect. This style beautifully complements contemporary aesthetics and furnishings, which playfully aligns with the resurgence of modern home decor. We are careful to ensure the space doesn’t become overly dim by incorporating light, contrasting elements. In a kitchen, dark wood cabinetry looks great in conjunction with a pale-colored island and countertop. However, this effect isn’t limited to cabinetry or any other finish in the home. In our projects, we’ve used porcelain tile with the appearance of natural wood across an entire wall as an accent wall, and the effect it has is showstopping and unique! We’ve also used wood veneer wallpaper to create a feature wall for a similar effect. Dark, dramatic wood undertones stylishly elevate any interior, and provide a handsomely grand vibe.

Leather: A Classic Textile

Leather is a classic, timeless textile that continues to build in popularity in 2022, and for good reason. Homebuyers are focusing on natural materials that provide comfort in their ideal homes, and leather accomplishes this goal in a variety of ways. Our designers will often add just one leather element in a space, and its unique, textural contrast makes it truly stand out among the other pieces in the room. Incorporating leather seating at a dining table, or via a barstool, club chair, or ottoman, adds a flair of desirable sophistication and drama that draws in the eye and creates a showstopping effect. This textile, with its variety of textures and colors, can easily be incorporated into a modern, contemporary, or vintage aesthetic. From the typical warm brown tones, to stark black, or even brightly colored hues, there’s a shade of leather to fit every home.