Designer Anita Yokota shares why guava is this summer’s standout color—and how to use it to boost your mood.
Move over Barbie pink and butter yellow—this season’s it shade is softer, fruitier, and unexpectedly grounding.
Meet guava, a sun-kissed pink-orange hue that’s taking over summer design. Whether featured on upholstery, art, or paint palettes, guava is more of a feeling than a fleeting trend. And according to Anita Yokota, interior designer and licensed therapist, that emotional connection is exactly why guava is resonating right now.
“Design right now is all about feeling something—color, texture, and memory,” Yokota tells BHG. “We’re moving away from sterile minimalism. Guava tones bring in the sensory joy of summer: They remind us of tropical vacations, sweet nostalgia, or that calming serotonin boost you feel sipping a smoothie on a warm day.”
What Makes Guava Different?
Guava hits a unique sweet spot: soft yet vibrant, grounded yet playful. Think of it as golden hour in color form. “It evokes warmth, optimism, and a sense of ease,” Yokota says. “From a neuroscience lens, colors in the warm pink-orange family can stimulate the limbic system, which governs emotion and memory. That’s why guava can make a space feel both invigorating and emotionally safe, a powerful combo for rooms where connection happens.”
It’s no wonder Yokota, who pioneered the “Home Therapy” design approach blending interiors and mental health, is so excited about this shade. She says guava and similar shades reflect a bigger movement in design, one that’s moving away from picture-perfect spaces and toward ones that create a sensory, emotional experience. Today, people care less about how flawless a home looks and more about how comforting and meaningful it feels.
How to Style with Guava
The beauty of guava is its surprising range. “Guava is more versatile than people think—it acts like a neutral because it’s not overly saturated,” Yokota says. “It plays well with almost any color.”
Here are her top styling tips:
- Start small. “Textiles are the easiest place to begin—throws, pillows, or rugs in this shade bring an instant pop of color,” she suggests. “If you’re not ready for a full-color moment, try a guava-hued seat cushion or a small upholstered piece to experiment with the tone.”
- Try a focal furniture piece. “A guava bench or accent chair adds dimension without overwhelming a room,” Yokota says. She especially loves using the shade in dining nooks, suggesting to mix it with neutrals like cream, tan, or stone for a fresh look.
- Lean into layered color. Art is another go-to for infusing guava in a way that feels elevated and dynamic. “Look for pieces that pick up on guava tones—it draws the eye, adds color, and can shift the whole energy of a space,” she says.
Designer Picks in Guava
Want to bring the look home? Yokota recommends starting with natural textures that balance guava’s warmth, like linen pillow covers, handwoven throws, and ceramics.
“These items strike the perfect balance between earthy and vibrant, which keeps guava grounded rather than sugary,” she explains. For paint, she suggests:
- Wing It by Clare Paint
- Red Earth by Farrow & Ball
Both shades offer a buildable, muted take on guava that works beautifully on accent walls or cabinetry.
Guava Just Feels Right
“Color is more than aesthetic—it’s a neurobiological experience,” Yokota says. “Warm tones like guava can increase feelings of safety and joy by gently stimulating dopamine pathways.”
She often uses the hue in communal spaces, such as kitchens, breakfast nooks, or reading corners, to encourage connection. Yokota says guava promotes energy, play, and emotional openness—the very things that make a house feel like a home.
So if you’re craving a refresh that feels both joyful and grounding, guava could be your perfect summer match. “This color helps us feel something. And that’s exactly what design should do,” says Yokota.
