Color. Coziness. Cohesion.
If you’re pondering an update to your living space and wondering how to incorporate current trends, those are the key elements to embrace, say local design experts.
“I think the biggest trend right now is people are bringing a lot of color into their space and prints are coming back in, too, especially for things like a sofa,” said Hayley Bagwell, owner of Cedar + Sage Design, which the Source readers named 2025 Best of Central Oregon in Interior Design. “It’s definitely still mountain modern, but the really exciting thing for me is that color is coming into homes in Bend.”
Bagwell said color drenching is a newer trend and involves selecting a shade and then “drenching” an entire space with it. “The walls, ceiling, trim are all the same color,” explained Bagwell, who is based in Denver now but comes to Bend monthly to work with clients. While color drenching might sound overwhelming, Bagwell said with the right color, it can be exciting and inviting.
However, it’s not to be confused with the accent walls that were all the rage several years ago, in which one wall of a room is painted a different color from the rest of the room. That’s “on the outs,” Bagwell said, although using wallpaper or wood paneling for a one-wall accent is still on trend. Another way to refresh a space, such as a kitchen backsplash? New tilework.
“This is not your standard subway tile,” she said, explaining that there’s a wealth of choices in richly colored and patterned tiles that are popping up across social media. One brand Bagwell really likes is Ann Sacks, which features vibrant colors and designs. Bagwell said you could consider changing out a kitchen backsplash to use a more visually striking tile, particularly given that a kitchen standard in many Central Oregon homes isn’t popular anymore.
“White and grey kitchens are trending out,” Bagwell said. Instead, she said, consider incorporating eye-catching tilework and changing the color or tone of kitchen cabinetry. She’s seeing an increase in the use of colors such as oxblood, burgundies and deep greens for cabinetry and wood tones.
“I think it’s a nod to older styles, which I really enjoy. It brings about a more comfortable, cozier space,” Bagwell said.
Creating a cozy, inviting space is key, says Jed Teuber, owner of furnish. in the Mill Quarter. He and his wife, Noelle, have run the modern-design business for 23 years and were runner- up in the 2025 Best of Central Oregon Home Décor category according to the Source readers.
“What we’ve been noticing and we’re a modern furniture store so that can have its own trends, but what we’re seeing is a lot of love for greens and dark golds and a richness in tone,” Jed said. “There’s a trend toward coziness that continues. It’s always there for Bend. Cozy modern.”
When considering a new piece of furniture, Jed said that bright colors aren’t necessarily “getting a ton of traction” but that golds, deep yellows, deep greens, and even bold greens are, particularly when paired with rich woods and nubby-textured accents.
Noelle agrees. “We’re seeing a lot of cognacs and camel. They’re colors but also kind of neutral. When I’m talking to people, I say it’s bringing the outside colors inside and that’s something that seems to resonate with people,” she said.
“Texture is really key,” she explained when talking about how to make a space cozy and stylish. “You might see leather or a smoother fabric on a bigger piece and then a nubby texture added with pillows.”
Furniture styles that aren’t on trend, at least locally, are white lacquers and veneer. For larger pieces, such as dining tables, poured porcelain or ceramic are not only beautiful choices, Jed said, but smart, too.
“They look like natural stone, but you don’t have to worry about staining or scratching,” Jed said, pointing to Calligaris as a producer of “crazy durable” and “amazing” extendable tables that incorporate poured porcelain and feature a pull-out swivel extension at the table’s end. The surfaces resemble swirled stone and are as artistic as they are durable.
Not sure where to start with a space refresh? There are a few (relatively) easy and (mostly) inexpensive steps you can take. Bagwell said that changing out cabinet hardware “for a fresh look” can be expensive, depending on what you select, but that you can find less expensive options that are appealing.
“Get something a little more interesting to make your space stand out,” she said. “I think gold is still on trend now so some brass or gold tones, or something black, with a different look rather than straight-across pulls.”
You can also add splashes of color and texture with accessories such as rugs, throw pillows, and striking artwork, she said, and update window treatments.
“You’re still always going to be fine with a well-made linen curtain, but you have to add texture,” Bagwell said, alluding to lush textiles and prints, and “not just standard white curtains. Things are a little more amplified.”
Jed Teuber said another way to refresh is with a single piece of furniture, such as a sofa, that then highlights other items you already have.
“Our (pieces) can be like the little black dress,” he said. “You get one piece and then you can build from there, rather than doing a whole room.”
Perhaps the easiest and most tried and true way to change your space’s style is with wall and trim colors.
“I think the easiest thing to do is paint,” Bagwell said. “It’s something you can always change out, and it’s not as costly as doing a whole kitchen remodel.”
Ultimately, depending on what your time, lifestyle and budget allows, it’s key to ensure you’re creating a space with a harmonious look and feel.
“The really important thing to do is make sure that colors are a cohesive palette. Make sure everything works together,” Bagwell said. “People get overwhelmed, but as long as everything is cohesive and works well together, it will feel like it flows.”
This article appears in the Source September 25, 2025.
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