When someone says the word “neon,” I immediately think of highlighters and workout tights from the 80s. It's bright, eye-catching, and a little hard to look at if you stare at it for too long – and something I wouldn't normally consider when designing my home. But when the internet's favorite trend forecaster, Taylor Simon (the interior designer behind the now-viral “unexpected red theory”) says “strategic neon” is the new way to spruce up your space, I can't help but take notice.
“I think that we are always looking for new colors,” she explains her motivation for the latest interior design trend. “The mix of undertones for a neon color is complex and in the right space and combination, it creates an interesting color contrast that is unique and unusual.”
By drawing the eye to an unexpected point in the room – be it a decorative piece, a piece of art, or even something as statement-making as a piece of furniture – “strategically” placing a touch of neon (note, not the entire room) can really be successful give energy to a room and give it luminosity and lots of character. But it's certainly not as simple as a touch of red. To help you get it right, we've broken down everything you need to know about strategically incorporating neon into your interiors below.
Why is “strategic neon” trending indoors?
(Image credit: Azotea, Alejandro Ramirez Orozco)
Basically, if you were a fan of the “unexpected red theory,” you will also be a fan of “strategic neon,” you just need to understand how it works. I had the opportunity to talk to Taylor Simon about it and she explained that she first came up with the idea while scrolling Pinterest for inspiration.
“I saw the deliberate use of neon in otherwise muted spaces, and I really liked the pop of something unexpected,” she told me. She's also a fan of interior designer Paige Wassel's YouTube videos, and after hearing Paige talk about neon, Taylor knew there was something behind the trend.
This year, designers and homeowners have been exploring new ways to add personality, fun, and what we call “playfulness” to their homes – and this color trend fits right in.
“I think people are craving more color in their spaces,” says Taylor. “Neutrals and beiges (now politely referred to as 'sad beige') have been very popular in recent years, but I think the pendulum is swinging the other way towards colors and prints.” So why not neon?
How to style the “Strategic Neon” trend in your home
(Image credit: Giorgio Possenti. Design: Muuto / File Under Pop)
Neon colors aren't an easy palette to work with at home, but Taylor is changing that narrative. You don't have to go big to do it well, rather opting for a subtler accent is what defines “strategic neon.” strategically.
“It could look like a single painting, a single book, or even a floral arrangement if you're really non-committal,” Taylor explains. “I think the key is to only have one or two things, because a little goes a long way, and you don't want your home to look like an underground rave.”
But with that, Taylor adds: “I never say never, but that's a particular color that I would avoid drenching, although I'd love to see someone succeed. I think a muted lime green or a pale yellow is a great color.
(Image credit: Romanek Design Studio, 1st Dibs)
Because neon is so artificial, contrasting it with natural materials helps tone down the tones and blend them more harmoniously into your home. Materials like wood, stone, and more relaxed fabrics like linen serve to balance neon's exaggerated saturation. “The juxtaposition, or what I like to call 'conflict,' of how neon interacts with these objects is what makes it so interesting,” says Taylor.
Interior designer Lauren Sweet-Schuler, principal of Studio Sweet-Schuler, says, “Neon is great for artwork because it's the easiest way to incorporate the color. However, we like to use it in very small doses, e.g. B. in books, lighting, and small accessories on a shelf.
Shop Strategic Neon Decor
Coffee table book “Living Bright” by Matthew Williamson
Price: $40
This illustrated book comes from award-winning British designer Matthew Williamson. He is a genius when it comes to color and contrast. So while you add a little neon decor, you can also get a few stylish tips.
Pink abstract painting print
Price: $220.41, Was: $244.90
Size: 16″ x 24″, stretched canvas
This playful pink painting comes stretched on canvas and is ready to hang in your home. Artwork is the easiest way to add a touch of neon to your interior, and pink is always the best solution.
Price: $8.29
Neon green is my favorite color in the neon family and this candle holder is a stylish and subtle way to follow the trend. You can bring these out “strategically” while designing certain events or display them throughout the year.
What colors complement neon?
(Image credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg. Design: Zoe Feldman)
As for the color palettes that would work well with this trend, Lauren notes, “Neon works really well in a monochromatic scheme where the room or facade is a harmonious color.” You can then add a touch of a neon version of your main color to the room add to create just the right amount of dimension and subtle interest. “It feels bold and that’s what we love about neon,” adds Lauren.
You can take advantage of the trend's playfulness even further by introducing neon into more maximalist spaces; The bright shades are more versatile than you think. In the kitchen above, a neon yellow range is combined with natural wood and a checkerboard backsplash.
“This kitchen combines classic elements with modern colors to create a space that screams fun,” explains Washington, D.C. designer Zoe Feldman, founder and principal of Zoe Feldman Design. “The neon yellow stove and hood stand out against the black-and-white checkerboard tile backsplash and peach-colored cabinets.”
(Image credit: Alexander James)
This is a trend that will make you feel like anything is possible, and there's nothing more exciting than creating a home that feels both stylish and a bit daring. Are you brave enough to try the “strategic neon” interior design trend in your home?