Here we are; on the dawn of the new month, it so happens to be one of the summer’s most beautiful months! August is a special month for many reasons. We’re all looking to absorb as much summer as we can and enjoy every moment of warm daylight and cozy evenings. As a color specialist, I truly enjoy August for the variety of colors that nature provides us to help with the ease into early fall. August colors are some of the most striking yet relaxing color palettes we’ll experience all year.
I find that there is a relaxing tone and energy to August. The rush of early summer and holiday travel is over, and people are simply trying to enjoy all that the season has to offer at a relaxed pace. If June and July are the appetizers and entrees of summer, August is the sweet and refined dessert!
In this article, I will be discussing some of the most striking colors of August and how you can celebrate the month that we all treasure dearly.
When I picture August colors, I think of scenes in nature, usually at dawn or dusk, because the light has softened slightly since June, but it produces amazing pinks, reds, and oranges that are embraced through hazy/humid skies. We also have the opportunity to enjoy the soft teals and blues of the season!
Fields of Gold
Picture this, an evening walk with your loved ones, around 7 pm when the sun is just starting to begin setting; you’re in a field of tall grass with hues of beautiful light green and wheat-yellows. As the sun continues to set, the sunlight casts a golden-pink hue across the sky and surrounding flora. There’s an energy that’s powerful but not overwhelming, it’s a relaxing aura, and all the soft hues envelop you with a sense of peace and relaxation. To me, this is a perfect August scene, and the colors we can draw from these circumstances are harmonious and graceful.
To bring these colors back to your home, I would suggest having some evening outdoor dinners. It’s hard to replicate the soft, warm natural light of August evenings indoors, so why not celebrate them outdoors!?
Set up your outdoor dining table with a vase comprised of orange poppies and pink gladiolus! They’re the flowers of August and represent August colors just beautifully. Adorn your table with old lanterns and even lightly twinkling string lights, and top it all off with a colorful tablecloth and napkins to really complete the palette!
Pink and Purple Waves
If you’re fortunate enough to get some time by the water during the summer, you count your blessings. Whether that be the oceanside coasts or by a beautiful freshwater lake, you know the amazing colors that bodies of water can produce at all times of the year, but especially in summer/August.
I think of walking down a sandy coastline beach with wild grasses ranging from warm wheat tones to fresh lime greens. The sweet colors of a summer palette are unlike any other time of year. The sand is soft and powder-white, while the ocean has hues of deep blue, greens, and even a hint of soft purples amidst the sky-blues filing the summer sky. It’s splendid and hard to reproduce in words.
So, how do you emulate this in your home’s interior or exterior design? I find that these particular types of pallets work in rooms where the emotional intention of the space is to create a zen, peaceful, and reflective atmosphere.
These colors are suited best for the living room, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. Picture your living room bringing in the colors you love of the coast, whether it is softer sly blues or rich teal blues of the ocean; adding a bit of color can be the way to bring back the memories of your favorite month of the year!
I love adding a rustic touch to the design, adding a casual feel to the room. Rustic elements will instantly make a space feel more relaxing and less formal. When the palette of colors and textures comes together, it creates the magic of your August experience all over again!
Along with colors and design elements that remind you of the times you enjoyed in August, I love the idea of creating personal reminders or times or places you love. Create a painting of a favorite photo you took while you were away. Another option is to frame photos of memories you want to always remember. I love this handmade pillow of cacti, which could easily remind the homeowner of a memory or experience they loved that will always make them smile. Be creative, and it will bring you happiness for months, if not years to come!
Every month has a unique beauty to it, and I feel August is somewhat “slept on” in this regard. For me, it’s the most relaxing summer month and helps put my body and mind at ease.
What does August do for you? What summer color palettes are your favorite? As a color expert, I love to hear your color-inspired stories!
