Back to School: 4 Trendy Color + Design Ideas for Children and Teen Spaces

As the fall season emerges, school session returns with new hope, beginnings, adventures, and friendships. And with these major life events in full swing, let’s look to color and design trends focused on back to school, youthful, fun vibes for children’s rooms and dorm spaces:

 Desert Decorating

While the Southwest desert boho aesthetic has been trending for some time in all markets, with its emphasis on warm tones, natural materials, and graphics, a newer term called “desert decorating” has become popular among the younger generation. Emphasizing nostalgic, soothing sanctuaries with a touch of Western ranch life, these rooms bring a sense of peace and comfort. Similar to cottagecore in feeling, Desert Decorating emphasizes punchy patterns, Southwestern-inspired décor, warm woods, natural textures and rustic elements.

Pattern and graphics display a range of succulent illustrations, checkered contrasting materials, visual displays of sunsets, sarape blankets, 70s inspired topography and equestrian wall art. Iconography includes layered landscapes, cacti silhouettes, retro floral and sun motifs, and western animal photography. The color palette is filled with sunshine and a balance of green and warm hues. This focus on softly layered comfort, sunshine hues and modern desert aura confirm the Southwestern design revival continues.

Color Palette: Aloha Sunset (DE5178); Carrot Cake (DE5230); Camouflage (DEA172); Primitive Plum (DEA195); Hollyhock Bloom (DET417)

Oceancore

Pulling from summer’s Mermaidcore obsession, we continue to look to water sources for inspiration. As the ocean imbues a sense of calm, this is an ideal focus for school stress. Borrowing elements of Mermaidcore and adding a subtle, sophisticated nautical twist then shifts focus to fall’s Oceancore trend. Bringing the sea into personal spaces with calming hues, minimal décor and an emphasis on natural materials is a driving influence on this aesthetic.

Pattern and graphics showcase iridescent finishes, blue gradients, contrasting dyes, watercolor and wave effects. Iconography influences include crashing waves, scalloped seashells, Matisse-like art and whimsical sea art, smooth arches and nautical illustrations. The color palette highlights a range of calming blues and greens, balance with soothing warm tones. Minimalist Mediterranean aesthetics elevate nautical design, adding subtle nuances in lieu of overt kitschy touches, to complete a soothing Oceancore ambiance.

Color Palette: Pale Frost (DE5805); Lake Lucerne (DE5808); Deco Gray (DET609); Traveling Tan (DE6080); Bittersweet (DET462)

Retro Nomad

Continuing the spirit of summer adventure, Retro Nomad inspires us to cherish reminders of camping life, road trips, the great outdoors and leisure activities. Touching on the importance of preservation, including memories, this trend captures the beauty of rugged nomad travel and conservation of local resources.

Pattern and graphics display geographic scenery, grid lines, retro typography, patchwork, quilting, and mountain peak illustrations. Iconography focuses on National Parks maps and park logo motifs, along with natural elements like mushrooms, tent camping motifs. The color palette is rugged and nature-infused, enveloping a range of earthy greens and browns, punctuated with bright retro pops of color. Retro Nomad caters to those with an adventurous spirit, playful attitude, and a longing to make a difference after school.

Color Palette: Tangerine Dream (DE5160); Splish Splash (DE5844); Shaker Gray (DE6231); En Plein Air (DET623); Shaded Spruce (DE5587)

Candy Coated

We look to history again with Candy Coated, but this time we seek inspiration from the 70s disco club era blended with a touch of varsity school pride. Full of optimism and comfort, this revivalist trend is bold and fresh for today’s youthful creative exploration.

Pattern and graphics include vintage black and white photography, groovy line art, abstract geometrics and duotone accents. Iconography makes a strong statement with disco balls, inflatable shapes, powder coated steel, poufs, black and white disco art, and twisted forms. The color palette is bold and fruity, blending grape, cherry, lime and lemon with a balance of deeper tones. Look to pure joyful escapism with the Candy Coated trend.

Color Palette: Plum Passion (DE5006); Red Power (DEA108); Bright Mango (DE5195); Rusty Orange (DE5248); Frozen Wave (DE5829)

To learn more about Dunn-Edwards color trend forecasting insights, visit us here to view the 2024 color + design trends report, and see the learn about the latest color and design trending ideas for this fall 2023.