There’s a mantra in real estate: location, location, location. But for interior designers, it could easily be color, color, color. At least, that’s how Jessica Brugger, Founder and Creative Director of Dwell Well Design Co. sees it. And judging by the response she’s getting from clients, it’s clear she’s onto something.
“Oh, color is everywhere right now—and honestly, it’s about time!” Says Brugger. “We’ve moved into a season of spaces that actually feel personal and expressive.” And expressive is what Dwell Well does best. As Jessica says, “Color is such a powerful storytelling tool. It’s how homeowners say, ‘This is our home, and it doesn’t look like anyone else’s’.”
But there’s a deeper current to this line of thinking for Jessica. “I think this trend toward color is really about a bigger shift: people leaning into bold individuality and designing homes that feel uniquely theirs.” And that's exactly the kind of design Dwell Well focuses on.
Cultural Trending in Color
There will always be timeless color options (like how black goes with everything), but trends do surface every year. As one who keeps her eye on those shifts, Jessica has a lot of insight that she can share with her clientele in this matter. “Culturally, I think we’re still feeling that post-pandemic craving for joy, comfort, and a return to craft and heritage.” A glacial move that has been building for some time, according to Brugger. “You can see it in palates that feel a little vintage, a little global, and full of soul.” Jessica reflects.
“But, for me, it will always be greens. There are endless variations—sage, olive, emerald, you name it—and they play so well with everything from vintage woods to sleek metals.” A warm and inviting color that transcends time. Matching nature can often be a hallmark of color styles. It’s as Jessica says, “Warm, earthy tones—like rich ochres, olive greens, and soft terracottas—are still going strong because they feel timeless and rooted.” Add to those hues a new direction and, like Jessica says, “I’ve been surprised (in the very best way) by how much deep aubergine and chartreuse are sneaking into the spotlight.”
Gushing on color in New Albany
We can see how Jessica’s affinity toward vibrancy plays out in practice with her recent refresh of a home in New Albany. With her client, the two were treading familiar territory and discovering the joy of color.
“This project was truly a dream.” She begins, “The homeowners had worked with a designer about ten years ago and were pretty hands-off in that process. The result was lovely, but it didn’t feel like them...” When they met Jessica, it was love at first swatch. “They came to me and said, ‘We want color. We want bold,’ So, we went for it.”
And ‘going for it’ included massive amounts of pigment and textures. “The result is a vibrant, layered space full of pattern, personality, and color—” Jessica recalls, “but it’s all grounded in classic shapes and thoughtful application, so it still feels cohesive and elevated.” Jessica treads these color-rich waters with expert understanding of her clients’ wants and needs. “They’re a young, fun family who loves being at home, and now their space truly reflects that energy.”
Finding color-filled inspiration in the city
Discovering ways to push every clients’ palate, Jessica is always looking for new trends and colors that speak to her. “I spend a lot of time hunting for treasures right here in Columbus.” She says, “I’m a total sucker for a vintage find, so local boutiques and vintage shows are my happiest places.”
Tapping into the unique Columbus zeitgeist is a way to connect families’ homes to their location as well as to a trend. “What I truly love about our local scene,” Jessica explains, “is the pride people take in creating homes that are livable, layered, and meaningful. We’re not trying to replicate Brooklyn or LA—we’re making our own thing here. It’s cozy, it’s collected, it’s elevated, and it’s got that unmistakable Midwest charm.”
Jessica's design firm takes translates that Midwest charm aesthetic into a palate of colors for homeowners. This lightning strikes most often while strolling around local neighborhoods “like German Village and my old stomping grounds, Bexley.” She says. “They’re packed with character, charm, and a ton of design inspo if you’re paying attention.”
The intersection of cutting-edge trends and local inspiration is where Jessica lives. “When I started Dwell Well,” she says, “I wanted to help people experience home in a way that feels deeply important—something that’s not just about aesthetics, but about how a space can truly reflect who we are.”