Why Bold Hues Are a Signature Move for This AD100 Designer
At a recent AD PRO Design Dialogues summit, interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins discussed how color can personalize a home and evoke emotional responses, countering the trend of neutral palettes. He advises hesitant clients to start with a small, boldly painted room to build confidence, and draws inspiration from design history rather than fleeting trends. Jenkins emphasizes that color should flow with a client's personality and collections, not necessarily match perfectly.
Jenkins participated in the AD PRO Design Dialogues summit on September 16, appearing alongside Sam Cochran and Sue Wadden, who serves as Director of Color Marketing for Sherwin-Williams. His own Upper East Side residence demonstrates his philosophy in practice, incorporating his husband's navy sofa amid red, green, and brown jewel tones. Jenkins cites historical design figures including Mario Buatta, Billy Baldwin, Mark Hampton, and Jamie Drake as influences on his approach. The panel also addressed practical concerns, with Wadden noting that homeowners often feel paralyzed by too many color choices, suggesting paint as an easily changeable testing ground for hesitant clients.
This story may influence how homeowners approach interior design decisions, potentially encouraging more personal expression over trend-following. Renters and homeowners alike could feel empowered to experiment with bold colors in small spaces, affecting paint and decor industries. The emphasis on emotional responses to color may also shift conversations about mental wellbeing in domestic environments, though individual preferences will always vary.