Design Trend: Living in Color

A vibrancy of colors can be seen among the new builds and renovations. Pastels merge with saturated primary colors; lush organic hues and shapes fill reading nooks; and bold colors mark service areas and desks, key spaces to congregate, or alcoves to retreat into. 

A historic Carnegie building, the Lorain Branch of the Cleveland Public Library is revitalized through careful remodeling, vibrant and playful use of blown glass lighting, reoriented entrances, and a 1,328 square foot addition. CREDITS: HBM Architects, architect; Scott Esterley, photo

The vibrant, whimsical children’s area at the Lake Community Branch of the Stark County District Library, Uniontown, OH, features flexible seating around a digital interactive table, LEGO table, puzzles, manipulatives, and more. CREDITS: HBM Architects, architect; ©2023 Eric Hanson Photographic, photo

Cleveland Public Library’s West Park Branch uses bold colors to create standout nooks, updating and honoring the nearly 100-year-old building with thoughtful and deliberate community spaces. CREDITS: Vocon, architect; photo courtesy of Cleveland Public Library

The new 52,000 square foot Marion Public Library, IA, offers high-contrast finishes and bold colorways to complement its maker spaces, demonstration kitchen, and programmable areas for activities. CREDITS: Engberg Anderson, architect; AJ Brown, photo