Flower Palette - Echinacea Purpura

also known as Purple Coneflowers, are one of those (many) flowers that amaze me with their vibrancy.

Coneflowers grow in many colors. We have these in an abundant display around the porch. Hummingbirds like these flowers, the color is hard to miss! Other birds too, and if left unpruned will give winter birds something to forage.

Echinacea symbolizes creating healthy boundaries, while Coneflowers are said to symbolize vitality, strength, and healing due to its ability to adapt to climate and soil diversity.

I painted this coneflower study awhile back and then created a pattern in Photoshop from them. Do you ever feel that your watercolor motifs are not good enough to use in designs? There are techniques that can improve the look of the painting. This pattern uses a color overlay to soften the tone and reduce the number of values.

This pattern is licensed with Natural Roots Fabrics. Find it here: Natural Roots - Janet Hild Design

I’ve created an .ASE color swatch palette from these photos for you to use in your designs. Import it to your favorite drawing program including Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, and Fresco.

I have recolored some of my artwork in Adobe Illustrator using this palette. It works really well in a variety of designs. Enjoy!!

If you use this palette and post the artwork, please tag me #janethilddesign. Share the blog post with anyone else who might enjoy it. Thanks!

The Grandmillenial trend is everywhere. Will it last?

Grandmillenial refers to the mixing of a vintage aesthetic with modern color and style. It's a surface pattern designer’s dream trend.

After an extended era of minimalist trends for interiors, the quarantine experience reminded everyone of the importance of our living spaces. A home that includes sentimental keepsakes, vibrant colors, and natural, biophilic design elements helps us feel more at ease and connected. Since then, wallpaper sales have surged as people look for easy ways to refresh their spaces.

(Image credit: Dina Bandman Interiors / Photography by Stephen Karlisch for Homes and Gardens) Not my design work.

This desire to create feel-good environments has sparked a renewed interest in nostalgic looks. Remember when antique furniture couldn’t be given away? Now, a deep appreciation for old craftsmanship has returned, bringing beauty and character back into our homes. This is where my work fits in, along with many other designers who adore florals, ticking stripes, and little ditzy prints. Creating these patterns is truly a joy.

Top: Roses + Blooms, Left: Garden Grows, Right: Terrain

This trend offers so many avenues, from bold patterns to intentionally faded colors. Everything blends together in a comfortable, cozy way. The charm of the Grandmillennial trend lies in its ability to merge the past and present, creating spaces that feel both familiar and fresh.

Sources say the trend will hang around awhile. I’m so glad! What do you think will come next in interior design trends? Share your thoughts and predictions!

Do you want to use Watercolor but don't think you can?

Do you think watercolor is too challenging to work with, can’t get the water ratio right, everything gets muddy? I have the solution!

Join me for a tutorial on painting with watercolor using watercolor brush pens. You will love the results!

Find the tutorial HERE.

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Not familiar with Watercolor Brush Pens? I’ve used a few brands. They are all fun and have different aspects I like about them. Check my page janethilddesign/links-page for all the art supplies I love.

For this lesson, I’m using Arteza Brush Pens, Generals Chalk Pencils, and a random black brush marker. I bought mine in Japan but others are available in art and craft supply stores. You just need a sharp tip and dark black ink.

If you post about using brush pens or show the art you’ve made from this lesson, please tag me @janethilddesign. I’d love to see what you create!