What’s Inspiring Me In Design Right Now: A story on seasonal color inspiration, heritage materials, and layering culture into modern interiors
Every season, I find myself pulled toward certain colors, textures, and patterns. They pop up in my mood boards, in the vintage shops I browse, even in the clothes I want to wear. Right now, two palettes are at the heart of my inspiration: the boldness of chartreuse and the richness of teal paired with burl.
These two directions couldn’t be more different, but they both feel connected to the way I design; modern heritage, layered with culture, and memories.
Chartreuse Energy
Chartreuse always sneaks up on me around this time of year. There’s something about Fall that makes me want to play with bolder colors and richer textures. Lately, I’ve been drawn to tortoiseshell and animal prints. These are details that feel a little luxurious, a little vintage, and completely timeless. Whether it’s a tortoiseshell bowl on a coffee table, an animal print chair, or even jewelry, these accents ground chartreuse and give it that sophistication I love.
Chartreuse actually gets its name from a French liqueur first made by Carthusian monks in the 1700s. Its electric yellow-green shade was so striking that the color itself took on the name. In the 1960s and 70s, chartreuse had a big moment in both fashion and interiors, showing up in bold textiles and art. It’s always been a color of confidence. It’s a shade that says, “look at me.”
That’s what I love about it. Chartreuse has energy, vibrancy, and forward motion. It doesn’t shy away from being seen, and when it’s layered with tortoiseshell or brass, it transforms into something chic and unforgettable.
What excites me about this palette is how unexpectedly versatile this color really is. Against black and white, it’s graphic and modern. Paired with brass, it feels chic and grown-up. Set next to natural wood, it almost becomes earthy. For me, this visual represents energy and boldness.
Teal + Burl Richness
If chartreuse is the spark, teal is the depth. This palette feels grounding and soulful, especially when paired with burl wood, brass, and glass accents. Burl has become such a focus for me because it has natural movement in its grain that almost looks like art. Next to teal, the richness of burl feels even more luxurious.
There’s also a deep history here. Turquoise has been cherished across cultures for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to Native American traditions, where it symbolized protection, wealth, and healing. Teal itself was named after the stripe on the teal duck, but it found its big design moment during the mid-century era. Jewel tones like teal were celebrated alongside woods like walnut and burl, bringing a layered, timeless richness to interiors.
Mixing teal with burl, gold, and glass brings that history forward into now. It creates a palette that feels collected, soulful, and rooted in heritage. Where chartreuse pushes forward with bold energy, teal and burl pull me back to memory and meaning.
Both of these palettes are inspiring me right now, and I love the balance they bring. Chartreuse with its bold energy, tortoiseshell, and animal print feels like the playful side of fall. Teal with burl, brass, and glass feels like the grounded, soulful side.
Design is always about storytelling, and these palettes are telling mine: one of vibrancy and movement, and one of heritage and depth.
So now I want to know…which palette are you drawn to right now? Do you find yourself leaning toward the spark of chartreuse or the quiet richness of teal?
And if you’re feeling inspired but not quite sure how to pull these colors into your own home, I’d love to help. Reach out and let’s bring a little of this energy into your space.
-Brittani