Your Guide to Bringing Colour Back Into Your Home
For years, “millennial grey” and beige minimalism reigned supreme across UAE interiors. This is where we were looking for the calm, neutral, and Instagram-perfect aesthetic. But 2025 has been signalling a shift. According to The UAE Colour Confidence report commissioned by Caparol and conducted by YouGov, 70% of UAE residents are ready to break free from their beige walls and inject more personality, creativity, and colour into their homes. This points to a cultural turning point: design is no longer just about aesthetics, but about self-expression and emotional connection.
While nearly half of homes across the UAE remain dominated by whites, creams, and greys most residents now say they want their spaces to better reflect who they are. What’s driving this movement isn’t just design trends but it’s culture and generational change. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge, with nearly half of 25–34-year-olds describing themselves as more thoughtful. And in a place as diverse as the UAE, where heritage meets modernity, colour has become a way to express identity and individuality.
In other words, the “beige mum” era of 2024 is over. Colour is redefining what modern homes in the UAE look and feel like. Whether it’s through accent furniture, bold artwork, or a statement rug, pops of colour don’t have to mean chaos. Many people still hesitate to experiment because they’re unsure how to combine colours or worried about “getting it wrong.” But when done thoughtfully, colour doesn’t just brighten your home, it lifts your mood, sparks creativity, and makes your space feel alive.
From bold ceramics and textured cushions to colourful lamps and patterned rugs, there are endless ways to inject personality into your space. Here are the our favourite ways to instantly add character, warmth, and life to your home without having to commit to larger furniture pieces or painting your walls.
Vases and Plant Pots
Vases are the easiest way to play with colour. They’re low-commitment, endlessly interchangeable, and perfect for experimenting.
Ichendorf Milano Boreale A Petrol-Green Vase
We love this coloured glass vase because its translucent finish lets the light dance through, creating soft, ever-changing hues throughout the day. Shop here.
H&M HOME Stoneware Plant Pot
Plant pots don’t need to shout for attention to make an impact. A softly coloured ceramic pot paired with lush greenery adds a natural vibrance that brings your space to life. Shop here.
Coffee Table Books and Shelves
Assouline AlUla Flora
Coffee table books are the perfect marriage of colour and culture. Find one that reflects your interests and let it double as décor. Stacked or laid open, it adds an instant layer of sophistication and tone. Shop here.
Umbra Conceal Floating Bookshelf
We also love the idea of floating bookshelves — like this sleek conceal wall shelf — that let your book covers act as art. Your favourite reads become a colour story, turning your walls into a living bookshelf. Shop here.
Throw Blankets and Pillows
Urban Outfitters Blue Toile Throw
Throw blankets are the most underrated form of warmth (both physically and visually). A patterned or colourful throw instantly softens a room while making it feel lived-in and personal. We love this blue toile throw for its cosy aesthetic and timeless charm. Shop here.
Anthropologie dduende studio Café Icon Cotton Cushion
Cushions and throws are an easy seasonal update. Swap them out with the weather, holidays, or just your mood. It’s an effortless way to experiment with texture and tone. Shop here.
Rugs and Carpets
Rugs are where the real transformation happens. They anchor your space and can completely shift its energy. Even if everything else in your room is neutral, a rug sets the mood.
West Elm Sunset Lake Rug
For something subtle, the Sunset Lake Rug adds soft, natural tones that blend seamlessly while introducing warmth and colour. Shop here.
Let’s Go Persian Gabbeh of Persian 122294
Or, make a statement with a Persian carpet. A timeless piece that introduces culture, craftsmanship, and personality. Each detail tells a story, from the weaving style to the palette. Shop here.
Wall Art
Joe Horner’s Blessed
Art is the truest reflection of your personality within your home. It can be bold, abstract, moody, or minimal but it’s always expressive. This lavender-toned Joe Horner print is soft yet full of character, with orange accents that bring unexpected warmth. Shop here.
Or, make it personal with your favourite movie or album posters. They add nostalgia and authenticity that no generic wall print can match.
Lighting and Trinket Trays
Schoolhouse Rospo Table Lamp
Lighting sets the tone of your home, but the right lamp also doubles as sculpture. The Rospo Table Lamp adds a playful splash of colour by day and the perfect glow by night. Shop here.
JOY&CO Crystal Tray
For a small accent that still makes an impact, we love this crystal tray. Muted tones with a glimmer of colour, perfect for those easing into bolder décor choices. Shop here.
